Drama, Theatre and Performance (with a study abroad year) BA (Hons)

Program Overview

The Drama, Theatre and Performance (with a study abroad year) BA (Hons) from the University of Sussex provides a comprehensive understanding of the field, equipping students with skills to perform, think critically, and collaborate. Through theoretical and practical coursework, the program explores various performance techniques, including plays, live art, and choreography. Students gain international experience during the study abroad year, enhancing their perspectives and developing their skills in a new environment.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, Drama, Theatre and Performance (with a study abroad year) BA (Hons), is a four-year full-time degree offered by the University of Sussex. It starts in September 2024. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of drama, theatre, and performance, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to become sophisticated performers and critical thinkers. The program is designed for students who want to:

• Expand their understanding of drama, theatre, and performance.
• Collaborate with others passionate about performance.
• Develop the confidence to present and reflect on their work in public contexts.
The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Site-specific theatre
• Live art
• Durational performance
• Contemporary playwriting
• Choreography and composition
• Visual arts
• Creative writing
• Acting and directing
Students will learn from tutors who are passionate about their teaching and bring their expertise to the classroom. The program also offers opportunities for students to:
• Explore performance-making from multiple perspectives.
• Develop skills in collaboration, critical and creative writing, and independent research.
• Complete practical presentations and performance projects with focused tutor support.
• Experience guest artist workshops, talks, and performances from internationally recognized industry professionals.
• Take electives from other subjects, such as business, law, and modern languages, to broaden their horizons and tailor their degree to their interests.
The program also includes a study abroad year, allowing students to gain an international perspective and develop their skills in a new environment. Upon graduation, students will be:
• Curious, critically informed, and self-reflective.
• Able to make sophisticated performances and shape cogent arguments in written work and discussion.
• Equipped with the skills of a critical thinker, creative practitioner, and knowledgeable researcher, setting them up for their future career.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Introduction to Performance Theory
• Making Performance: Plays
• Making Performance: Experiments
• Writing on Performance: Critical and Creative
• Options:
• Researching, Creating and Communicating in the Humanities 1
• Making Music Theatre
• Researching, Creating and Communicating in the Humanities 2

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Critical Thinking and Performance
• Making Performance: Practitioners
• Theatre for Changing Times
• Options:
• Researching, Creating and Communicating in the Humanities 1
• Performing Practices
• Researching, Creating and Communicating in the Humanities 2
• Writing for Theatre

Study Abroad Year:

• Core Modules:
• Making Performance: Expanding Practice
• Performance and Research
• Options:
• Independent Research Project: Dissertation
• Independent Research Project: Practical

Module Descriptions:

• Introduction to Performance Theory: This module introduces students to key concepts and theories in performance studies, exploring the history and development of performance and its relationship to society, culture, and politics.
• Making Performance: Plays: This module focuses on the practical creation of performance based on existing plays.
Students will work collaboratively to develop their understanding of playwriting, directing, and acting.
• Making Performance: Experiments: This module encourages students to experiment with different performance techniques and approaches, exploring the boundaries of traditional theatre and developing their own unique performance styles.
• Writing on Performance: Critical and Creative: This module develops students' critical and creative writing skills, focusing on the analysis and interpretation of performance and the development of their own performance writing.
• Critical Thinking and Performance: This module explores the relationship between critical thinking and performance, examining how performance can be used to challenge assumptions, question power structures, and promote social change.
• Making Performance: Practitioners: This module focuses on the work of contemporary performance practitioners, exploring their techniques, approaches, and contributions to the field.
• Writing for Theatre: This module focuses on the development of students' playwriting skills, exploring different genres of theatre writing and the craft of creating compelling and engaging scripts.
• Making Performance: Expanding Practice: This module encourages students to expand their understanding of performance-making, exploring new technologies, forms, and contexts for performance.
• Performance and Research: This module introduces students to research methodologies in performance studies, exploring how research can be used to inform and enhance performance practice.
• Independent Research Project: Dissertation: This module allows students to undertake an in-depth research project on a topic of their choice, culminating in the production of a dissertation.
• Independent Research Project: Practical: This module provides students with the opportunity to develop a practical performance project based on their research, culminating in a public performance.
• Independent Research Project: Professional Work Experience: This module allows students to gain practical experience in a professional performance setting, working alongside experienced practitioners and developing their skills in a real-world context.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Practical Performance Projects: Students will be assessed on their ability to create and perform original work, demonstrating their understanding of performance theory and practice.
• Written Assignments: Students will be assessed on their ability to analyze and interpret performance, develop critical arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively in writing.
• Research Projects: Students will be assessed on their ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Participation in Workshops and Seminars: Students will be assessed on their active engagement in class discussions, workshops, and seminars, demonstrating their understanding of the material and their ability to contribute to the learning environment.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate academics who are experts in their fields. The teaching methods used in the program are designed to be engaging and interactive, encouraging students to actively participate in their learning. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures provide students with a foundation in key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: Seminars provide students with an opportunity to engage in critical discussion and debate.
• Workshops: Workshops provide students with practical experience in performance-making.
• Guest Artist Workshops: Guest artist workshops provide students with the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by leading practitioners in the field.
• Individual Tutor Support: Students receive individual tutor support to help them develop their skills and progress in their studies.

Careers:

The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the performing arts and related fields. Some of the potential career paths for graduates include:

• Theatre Director: Directing plays, musicals, and other theatrical productions.
• Performer/Actor: Performing in plays, musicals, films, and television shows.
• Festival Producer: Producing theatre festivals and other cultural events.
• Setting up their own Theatre Company: Creating and producing their own theatrical productions.
• Engaging in Specialized Theatre Training: Pursuing further education and training in specific areas of theatre, such as acting, directing, or playwriting.
• Careers in Related Fields: Pursuing careers in publishing, librarianship, education, law, counselling, and drama therapy.

Other:

• The program is committed to antiracist pedagogy and inclusive teaching and learning.
• The University of Sussex has a strong commitment to sustainability and is working to create a more sustainable university.