The Graduate Institute of Drama and Theatre was founded on August 1, 1995. Aiming at training professionals as well as researchers, the program puts equal emphasis on academic research and practical training in stagecraft, acting and directing. M.A. candidates can focus on any one of four areas of study: (1) Chinese Drama and Theatre, (2) Western Drama and Theatre, (3) Playwriting, (4) Acting and Directing, and (5) Theatre Technology.  The successful candidate is awarded an M.A. (Master of Arts) degree.
In 1999, the undergraduate program was established, thus forming the Department of Drama and Theatre. Each year about 35 to 40 students, approximately 20 males and 20 females, are accepted. Students who successfully complete a minimum of 128 credits of required and elective courses will graduate with a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) degree.
All students are encouraged to make the best use of the abundant academic resources available at the University.  Based on their interests and career goals, they may take courses offered by other colleges and departments, enroll in certificate programs such as Media Studies and Teacher Education, or apply for a minor or double major. Starting from the 2002 academic year, both undergraduate and graduate students may take courses offered by several departments at National Taipei University of Education and National Cheng-Chi University, with which a cooperative relationship has been formally established. To help students become qualified teachers, the Department also takes part in the university's Education Programs in Performing Arts and Arts and life (yet to be evaluated).
Since its founding eleven years ago, the Department has struggled with a tight budget and a lack of performing space.  In terms of facilities, the Department falls behind similar programs at other universities, not to mention those in other advanced countries.  But the faculty and students have been doing everything they can to excel, both in the classroom and in the theatre.  So far, the Department has produced nearly twenty plays, ranging from ensembles and collections of playlets to experimental theatres and box-office plays in professional theatres.  In this way, our students not only gain practical experience, but also a comprehensive understanding of the art of theatre. In addition, quite a few of our M.A. graduates have gone abroad for further studies with scholarships from the Ministry of Education or other institutions. Some of them have returned to Taiwan to serve after finishing their studies. 
At this moment, the greatest challenge facing the Department is the shortage of performance venues on campus.  The Department, indeed, the University itself, serves a theatre, if not a performance complex, of its own.  In the future, the Department would like to offer M.F.A. and Ph.D. degrees.