Bath Spa University

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Drama Studies

An exciting introduction to the world of theatre and performance in its widest context.

For more information about this course please visit the School of Music and Performing Arts website.

Through a blend of practical workshops, textual study, and critical investigation, you will explore the many ways in which theatre today, and through the ages, has contributed to cultural discourse.

You will take a variety of modules, all using an approach that integrates theory and practice. You will gain an all-round knowledge of theatre and performance. Through modules ranging from Introduction to Drama to Directing and Creative Practice, and extending to areas such as Physical Theatre, Staging Shakespeare and Site Specific Theatre, you will learn how various periods and types of performance shape theatre as a vibrant force in society.

Bath Spa Live, the production arm of the School of Music and Performing Arts, provides a lively milieu of performance on and off campus. As well, there are active links with The Bath Theatre Royal, the Chapel Arts Centre and the Rondo Theatre Bath.

Although not a vocational training course, the Drama programme will equip you with writing, presentational, communication and collaborative skills that are invaluable in many other professional and vocational areas.

Course Structure and Content

Year 1

You will explore the relationship between theatre and society through the ages, looking at both Western and non-Western theatrical forms and appreciating theatre in its widest context. Three Drama modules introduce you to key skills in textual analysis, theatre history, performance theory and critique:

• Introduction to Theatre History (core) (Ancient Greece - Present Day Live Art);
• Introduction to Performance;
• Contemporary Theatre in Performance.

Year 2

Through practical workshops in the Directing and Creative Practice module you will explore both approaches to performance associated with key directors' from the last century and devising. Additionally, you can gain experience of stand up comedy, musical theatre and more.

• Directing and Creative Practice (core);
• Stand up Comedy;
• Musical Theatre Practice;
• Physical Theatre;
• Deconstructing the Musical;
• Children's Theatre.

Year 3

• Written Dissertation (core);
• Performance Project;
• Modern American Drama;
• Experimental Performance;
• Docudrama;
• Site-Specific Performance;
• Staging Gender;
• Staging Shakespeare;
• Performance and Media;
• Musical Theatre Practice 2;
• Devising New Theatre.

Teaching Methods and Resources

Academic study combines with practical and workshop-based sessions that help bring theoretical ideas to life.

A purpose-built University Theatre (costing in the region of £4.8m) was completed in 2006.

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods include essays and dissertations. Practical work is assessed through a variety of presentations, performances, group work, and working evaluative logs.

Entry Requirements

220-260 UCAS Tariff points (eg BCD; BB+AS c) including A-Level Drama or Theatre Studies at grade B.

Alternative qualifications accepted.