Practising Performance

The course combines both practical and critical approaches to the study of a broad range of performance forms and methodologies, with particular attention to devised performance, physical theatre, site-specific work and time-based art. You will be experimenting with practice from the outset and being challenged to think about performance in innovative ways. Academic study - work on the theory, critical analysis and effective documentation of performance - is always matched by practice: you will make group performances and solo performances, give lectures and present your intellectual ideas through performance. You will be encouraged to develop your own artistic practice, informed by your own particular interests, so that whatever style of performance or theatre you wish to make in the future, you will be equipped with the right tools to bring your ideas and imaginings to fruition in a highly developed manner.

You will examine a range of theoretical and practical devices and procedures appropriate to the appreciation, analysis and creation of performance.

You will be introduced to intellectual and creative frameworks for the informed description, devising, presentation, documentation and analysis of performance.

You will be encouraged to make practical initiatives in conceiving performance.

You will be asked to demonstrate sophisticated approaches to conception, design, rehearsal and manifestation in relation to a specific context though applicable elsewhere.

You will acquire embodied knowledge through experiential learning.

The MA Practising Performance is available as a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) option. All applicants will be interviewed.