Bath Spa University

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Performing Shakespeare

Please note that the exciting new MA/MFA in Performing Shakespeare is currently subject to final approval.

The MA/MFA in Performing Shakespeare is designed to appeal to students interested in the performance of Shakespeare and studying the original and contemporary practices of Shakespeare’s theatre. The course is unique in that it is delivered with a practice-based research model in mind. You learn by doing and reflect on your developing practice. You can also tailor your experience to your own interests and needs.

You choose either an MA or MFA degree pathway. The MA pathway is designed for students interested in submitting a traditional research-led dissertation, whereas the MFA pathway is designed for students seeking a practice-based dissertation project. Regardless of which pathway you choose, you will benefit from a wide range of opportunities to work with industry specialists, resident scholars, and educational opportunities with professional companies such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The course allows more flexibility for international and mature students than other courses in the sector. It also benefits from Bath Spa University’s unique location – a beautiful rural setting that is historically significant (only minutes away from the ancient city of Bath) and it’s proximity to London, Bristol and Stratford Upon Avon.

Course Structure and Content

The MA/MFA in Performing Shakespeare introduces you to the historic and contemporary practices of performing Shakespeare. Students of both pathways share most of the modules, skills classes, performance and production work, workshops and off-site experiences; the distinction between the two degrees is made through your choice of dissertation outcome. MA students are required to submit a written dissertation and MFA students to submit a performance project and supporting portfolio.

This course gives you the opportunity to creatively apply Shakespeare performance practices to your own work and ideas, and will aid in developing your autonomous and collaborative learning and performance skills. You are also able to explore Shakespeare in depth through a variety of research methods and are given the support and freedom to build upon your practice and research profile by completing a dissertation or developing a Shakespeare project from start to finish. This course is valuable for actors, directors, teachers, scholars or other future Shakespeare enthusiasts and equips you with the knowledge, skills and experience to pursue a professional career in the study and/or practice of performing Shakespeare.

Most of the contact hours and foundational skills classes, workshops, seminars, directed productions/performances and lectures take place in the first trimester (usually October – February) and these classes are likely to be scheduled in afternoon-late evening hour slots (depending on each specialist’s availability). The Second trimester (beginning about mid February) usually begins with a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (which could be for up to a week away in London) and/or the RSC and Stratford Upon Avon (possibly several days). You will find that after these off-site visits (at about March) that most of your work will be independent and via the VLE, leading into your final dissertation work; which can be produced independently and remotely should you wish. It is suggested that you prepare to be resident in Bath from October until March (depending on course scheduling) but that there will be more flexibility in your schedules as the course moves through each trimester leading to your dissertation.

Modules

• Shakespeare in Play and Practice (60 Credits PS7001): This module is a highly practical module in which you will learn a wide range of performance skills taught by Bath Spa and external specialists in the industry. Foundational performance skills will be taught such as acting, directing, staging and voice. In addition, other technical skills may be taught including Clowning and Fooling, Stage Combat, Movement and Music. The module is taught through mostly workshops and seminars, and assessments may include presentations, performances and productions (directed and self-directed).
• Shakespeare and the Globe (30 Credits PS7002): This module covers the theoretical, historical and practical research of Shakespeare’s Theatre in classic and contemporary contexts. The module includes specialist lectures and off-site visits with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the RSC. You will engage in independent study on topics introduced through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and assessments may include performance projects, research assignments, literature reviews, performance reviews, and other assignments tied to your learning experience.
• Performing Shakespeare Thesis (90 Credits PS7003): In this module you choose one of two degree pathways leading to either an MA or MFA degree. Students taking the MA pathway identify and undertake a research thesis topic that culminates in a 12,000 word dissertation. Students taking the MFA pathway undertake a major professional quality performance project and submit a practical portfolio. Tutorials to prepare for this thesis module are conducted in the second trimester. In this module you engage in independent study/practice in order to develop your autonomous research and/or professional practice. You are further supported through tutorials, meetings and the VLE.

Teaching Methods and Resources

The degree is delivered through a variety of workshops, lectures, seminars, master classes, off-site visits, performance and production work, and through the VLE. You will benefit from working and learning with an ever-expanding list of lecturers, specialists, artists and guest scholars. You also have access to a variety of resources including performance studios and spaces such as the University Theatre, Burdall’s Yard and Corsham Court. Further departmental links with the Theatre Royal Bath, the Rondo Theatre, The Egg, The Ustinov, the Tobacco Factory, Circomedia, The Scoop @More London, and the Salisbury Playhouse may also prove fruitful for students on this course.

Tutors

• Dr Terri Power (Course Director) – Performing and Staging Shakespeare
• Dr Matthew Spring – Elizabethan Music
• Mark Langley – Voice Specialist
• Gordon Kemp – Stage Combat
• Pat Welsh – Comedy Specialist
• Dr Laura Purcell Gates – Movement Specialist
• And guest lecturers and artists

Career Opportunities

Students completing the degree will be qualified to enter the industry in a wide range of jobs. MA graduates, for example, may elect to continue their academic scholarship and enrol in Doctoral or MPhil programmes at Bath Spa or elsewhere. MFA graduates may find employment opportunities as actors, directors, designers, producers, teachers, arts managers, company directors, etc. Employment opportunities will be as varied as the students and their interests.

Assessment Methods

Assessments is varied and include essays, literature reviews, written documentation of work, presentations, portfolios, leading workshops, performances, written evaluations, reviews, rehearsal and practice blogs, written dissertations, practical dissertation projects, critical play reviews, and similar models of assessing skills and learning.

Entry Requirements

You will have a proven academic and professional profile. You should have a good first degree and some knowledge and experience of theatre, acting and Shakespeare. You will be asked to demonstrate your foundational skills and knowledge through an audition, interview or both. Overseas students may be asked to send a recorded audition and the interview may be conducted over the telephone or via Skype.

Students accepted onto the programme are expected to work often in teams and in collaboration with students, staff, researchers, and industry professionals and therefore their personal profile and recommendations will be strongly considered.