Performing Shakespeare

A professionally-focussed masters programme that offers postgraduate students an opportunity to combine practical and contextual study to develop their expertise as performers of Shakespeare. It draws upon:

• Practice-based learning
• Staff who are highly regarded specialists
• Unique flexible delivery model
• Excellent links with industry

The MA in Performing Shakespeare is designed for students interested in the performance of Shakespeare and who want to study both original and contemporary practices of Shakespeare’s theatre. The course uses traditional and practice-based research methods for learning and offers an MA degree with choice of thesis project; written or practice-based. We are now accepting applications for September 2014.

Why study Performing Shakespeare?

Regardless of which thesis project you choose, you will benefit from links 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 its proximity to London, Bristol and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Ratio of applications to places

N/A - new programme for 2013.

National student survey results

Overall student Satisfaction with teaching for courses in this subject area (2011): 88%

Course structure

This will vary in the Performing Shakespeare Thesis module, but most modules emphasise practice-based work. Your learning journey begins with the Research Methods and Shakespeare Studies module, wherein you will explore current research methods at Masters level and examine Shakespeare’s theatre through theoretical, historical, and cultural contexts.

Modules

PS7000 – Research Methods and Shakespeare Studies (30 Credits)

This module introduces you to key study skills and current historical/critical considerations of Shakespeare’s canon. The module offers a broad overview of research methodology and postgraduate research skills as a step towards either your thesis dissertation or practical dissertation project. It also functions as a key Masters level module, enabling further postgraduate research and opportunities to collaborate with postgraduate students also studying in the area of Performing Arts. The module will also explore and reflect upon a critical analysis of existing works, ideas and trends in the study of Shakespeare in a written research submission you will prepare and present for dissemination.

PS7001 – Shakespeare in Play and Practice 1 (30 Credits)

This is a highly practical module in which you will learn a range of foundational performance skills from BSU and external specialists in the industry and study how such skills relate to the performing of Shakespeare’s plays. Foundational performance skills will be taught such as acting, voice and movement (including stage combat). In addition, other skills and specialisms may be studied including comedy and music. You will also study and perform extracts (monologues and scenes) from Shakespeare’s plays in order to demonstrate your skills through practice and knowledge sharing. 

PS7002 – Shakespeare in Play and Practice 2 (30 Credits)

This is a highly practical module in which you will develop your foundational performance skills (learned in Shakespeare and Play and Practice 1) and perform them at a proto-professional level. Advanced performance skills will be taught by BSU and external specialists in the industry such as advanced acting, stage combat, directing and staging. You will also have the opportunity to test for stage combat certification, to perform extracts (scenes) from Shakespeare’s plays in order to demonstrate your advanced level skills through practice, and to critically reflect upon your overall skills development for performing Shakespeare. 

PS7003 – Shakespeare and the Globe (30 Credits)

This module will cover the theoretical, historical and practical research of Shakespeare’s Theatre in mostly contemporary contexts. The module will include specialist lectures and off-site visits with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the RSC. You will engage in practitioner-led and independent study on topics introduced through off-site visits and the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Assessments may include performance projects, research assignments, performance reviews, and other assignments tied to your learning.

PS7004 – Performing Shakespeare Thesis (60 Credits)

In this module you will choose one of two thesis projects leading to an MA degree. If you choose the written MA project you will identify and undertake a research thesis topic that will culminate in a 13,000 word dissertation. If you choose the practice-based project you will undertake a major professional quality performance project and submit a practice-based research portfolio of work. Tutorials to prepare for this thesis module may be conducted in the second trimester or early in the third. In this module you will engage in independent study/practice in order to develop your autonomous research and/or professional practice. You will be further supported through tutorials, meetings and the VLE. 

Module map (full-time route)

Course assessment

Assessments 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.

You have access to a variety of resources including performance studios and spaces such as the University Theatre at Newton Park, Burdall’s Yard in central Bath, 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 include many industry specialists:

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

Teaching methods

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 benefit from working and learning with an ever-expanding list of lecturers, specialists, artists and guest scholars.

Application method

To apply for the programme, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk we will then contact you to discuss matters further. If you have any queries please contact the admissions department at the address above, or telephone us on (01225) 875624. We are now accepting applications for September 2014.

Course enquiries

For a detailed discussion about the programme, please contact the course leader Dr Terri Power at t.power@bathspa.ac.uk or telephone her on (01225) 875711.

Entry requirements

Prospective students will have a proven academic and/or professional profile. Students should have a good first degree and some knowledge and experience of theatre, acting and Shakespeare. Candidates for the course will be asked to demonstrate their 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.

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. 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.