COURSE CURRICULUM

In the autumn semester, you will be immersed in practical theatre training within the School of Literature, Drama, and Creative Writing. You’ll start by taking a studio skills course, which covers essential areas like health and safety, sound, lighting, and stage management. Completing this course grants you certification to work independently in the building. In addition, you’ll collaborate with undergraduates on specific modules, applying the techniques you study in class to direct a series of scenes, casting undergraduate students, and conducting rehearsals outside of regular hours. Weekly group tutorials will further enrich your learning, as you discuss both the techniques and their foundations in theatre practice and theory.In the spring semester, you’ll deepen your understanding of theatrical styles, genres, and concepts, exploring works by influential practitioners such as Artaud, Brecht, Grotowski, and LePage. Guest lecturers and workshops will expose you to both practical and theoretical aspects of contemporary theatre. Alongside this, you’ll choose an optional module focusing on contemporary and world theatre, scriptwriting, or dramaturgy.During the Spring semester, you will also select your practical research project, which could take the form of a written dissertation, a public production, or a combination of both. You’ll work closely with your tutors to plan and refine your project. If you opt for a production, it will typically be staged in October, allowing time for rehearsals during the summer.The program includes several compulsory modules, such as "Text and Production: Scene Class," where you’ll engage in textual analysis and direct scenes with undergraduates, and "Research and Methodology Training Seminar," which prepares you for your final project. You will also study "Contemporary Theatre Directing and Actor Training," exploring modern practices and engaging in workshops with professionals. Finally, your degree culminates in the "Drama Dissertation/Production" module, where you will submit a dissertation or complete a production, demonstrating your advanced skills and knowledge.