MA Theatre Practice - Theatre Practice Degree

Program Overview

The MA Theatre Practice program at the University of Essex is an interdisciplinary degree designed for advanced study in theater-making processes. Through research-led coursework, practical projects, and engagement with professionals, students specialize in acting, applied theater, devising, directing, or playwriting/dramaturgy while developing essential research and writing skills. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in theater, film, education, community arts, and arts administration.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA Theatre Practice program at the University of Essex is an interdisciplinary degree that provides students with advanced knowledge of different processes of theatre-making, international performance traditions, approaches to practice-as-research (PaR), and methods of writing, directing, and devising in professional contexts. The program aims to develop students' skills in their chosen areas of:

• Acting
• Applied theatre
• Devising
• Directing
• Playwriting/dramaturgy
The program is taught by research-led staff in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, and is often complemented by engagement with invited professional theatre practitioners and guest speakers. Students also have the option to choose selected modules delivered by the School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Outline:

The MA Theatre Practice program consists of the following components:

• Component 01: Core
• Dissertation: MA Theatre Practice (80 credits)
• Component 02: Compulsory
• Dissertation Preparation: Postgraduate Research and Writing Skills (20 credits)
• Component 03: Compulsory
• Contemporary Theatre-Making (20 credits)
• Component 04: Compulsory
• Performance Project (20 credits)
• Component 05: Optional
• Option(s) from list (40 credits)
Students can choose from a variety of optional modules, including:
• Acting
• Acting for the Camera
• Advanced Acting Techniques
• Devising Theatre
• Physical Theatre
• Applied Theatre
• Applied Theatre in Education
• Applied Theatre in Community Settings
• Theatre for Social Change
• Devising
• Devising Theatre for Young Audiences
• Devising Theatre for Site-Specific Performance
• Devising Theatre for Digital Media
• Directing
• Directing for the Stage
• Directing for Film and Television
• Directing for Community Theatre
• Playwriting/Dramaturgy
• Playwriting for the Stage
• Playwriting for Film and Television
• Dramaturgy for Theatre and Performance

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Written assignments
• Oral presentations
• Practical projects
• Performance projects
• Dissertations

Teaching:

The MA Theatre Practice program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate academics and practitioners. The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical projects. Students have the opportunity to work with professional theatre practitioners and guest speakers, and to participate in a variety of performance projects.

Careers:

Graduates of the MA Theatre Practice program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Theatre
• Film and television
• Education
• Community arts
• Arts administration

Other:

The MA Theatre Practice program is based at the University of Essex's Colchester Campus, which is home to the 200-seat Lakeside Theatre. The program also has access to a variety of other facilities, including the Lakeside Studio, the Media Centre, and the Art Exchange.

Home/UK fee £10,000 International fee £21,700