Theatre Studies

You will focus on two subject areas:

• Reading the stage: will introduce you to different critical frames of performance theory and analysis.
• Theatre and society: will explore the historical and contemporary role of theatre in society, giving you an understanding of some social, political and economic issues affecting theatre practice in a range of historical and geographical locations

You will focus on two subject areas:

• Classical to modern: a historical and critical survey of the dominant forms of theatre practice in Europe before 1900.
• Modernism to postdramatic: an introduction to European and American practitioners whose radical approaches to acting, directing, scenography and dramaturgy have reoriented performance and redefined our understanding of the theatrical event

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2 : see Degrees in Arts, Life Sciences, Science and Social Sciences.

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will take courses in performance theory and analysis, as well as contemporary issues in theatre. Optional courses include directing, playwriting, advanced practice and work placement, as well as courses on documentary theatre, space and place, Renaissance theatre, performing memory, Victorian and Edwardian theatre, Samuel Beckett, queer performance, activist theatre, exhibiting cultures, and German theatre, among others.

Your studies will be based in an outstanding and recently refurbished building that includes a flexible-stage theatre, performance studios, and a cinema.

A number of opportunities exist for you to spend one of your undergraduate years, or part of a year, studying abroad. Our students have chosen to study at a range of universities in North America, Australia and Europe. We have particularly close connections with the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, the University of California, and Berlin’s Free University. See Study abroad.