COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Theatre (Writing) is delivered over 12 months of full-time study and is structured as a 100-credit-point program designed to build the artistic, conceptual and practical skills needed to create original writing for live performance and performance-oriented projects across a wide range of contemporary forms. Through this intensive structure, students learn to conceptualise, develop and realise new performance writing while cultivating the ability to critically evaluate creative decisions and make informed choices within specific aesthetic, cultural and collaborative contexts. The program offers a carefully designed sequence of subjects that balance creative experimentation, theoretical inquiry and professional practice. In the first semester, students undertake four core subjects that establish a foundation in performance writing and dramaturgical processes, beginning with Research and New Performance Writing, a subject that introduces research-led approaches to generating original texts. Alongside this, Writing for Performance 1 (Solo) focuses on developing an individual writing practice, while Writing for Performance 2 (Collaboration) extends this exploration into group creative processes. Dramaturgy, Text and Performance provides students with tools to critically analyse text within broader performance environments. The second semester deepens collaborative and industry-focused practice through the Collaborative Dramaturgies Project, which immerses students in interdisciplinary teamwork with other Theatre postgraduate cohorts. The capstone experience, Writing for Performance 3 (Portfolio), is a major 37.5-point subject where students develop and present a substantial body of written work that may include a full-length play and related performance writing projects, culminating in public and industry-facing outcomes. Throughout the year, students have access to sample course plans and academic guidance to assist in selecting and sequencing subjects that best support their creative goals. By completing this structured and immersive program, graduates emerge with a refined writing voice, strong professional networks and a comprehensive portfolio ready for industry presentation.