BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education
This internationally renowned course is intended for students interested in studying and applying the practice and theory of drama and theatre within a range of social, community and educational contexts. It is the most well established course in the country for such work, and our graduates lead the field in applied theatre.
We work closely with major organisations in London and elsewhere, including the Royal Court Theatre, the National Theatre, Youth Culture Television, the Unicorn Theatre for Children, Graeae Theatre Company, Half Moon Young People's Theatre, Clean Break, the BBC, Shakespeare's Globe, English Touring Theatre, London Bubble and a number of smaller innovative community-focussed theatre organisations, such as Big Fish Theatre Company, Apples & Snakes and many others. Directors and practitioners from companies such as these regularly contribute to the course, and you may work with them on placement.
Central's London location is ideal in that it helps to facilitate such excellent partnerships within the applied theatre industry. In addition, some students are able to travel, using drama with different groups abroad.
Throughout the degree you will engage with a range of practitioners and playtexts. This work will be explored from both a practical and a theoretical perspective. You will debate issues related to many areas of performance and applied theatre and will have the opportunity to work on a range of devised and ‘written' texts.
You will create drama in a number of different environments, with a range of different communities. It is the application of drama and theatre in these communities that gives this degree its unique quality. In recent years practical projects have focussed on a diverse range of subjects and communities, from conflict resolution in countries affected by recent war to arts residencies in special needs schools and, of course, students work within Central’s own community in the School’s superbly equipped performance spaces.
In Year One, you will study and explore concepts and ideas relating to applied theatre and performance in lecture programmes, using a range of different approaches. You will be introduced to drama in a range of community and educational contexts and you will take practical units such as improvisation. Currently, the Year One production is a major project spread over the entire summer term and has been, for the past few years, performed at the Minack Theatre, Cornwall.
Year Two starts with a practical core that includes, currently, fully realised performances in Central's studio theatres (e.g. Peter Weiss's Marat/Sade; Sarah Kane's 4.48 Psychosis; Genet's The Balcony; Pinter's Mountain Language), and playwriting and media options using Central's excellent facilities - including craft workshops, lighting and sound systems, the costume department and/or media-editing suites. There are further lecture programmes based around play texts and the role of drama as a force for change in contemporary society. The second half of the year comprises, for example, experience in applied theatre contexts, a choice of study units and a collaborative outreach project. Year Two students working on previous projects have travelled locally and across the globe.
In Year Three, you will pursue your own specialist interests further. Units include a dissertation, a final student-lead practical project and a further term-long placement.
The course draws on the specialist experiences of the other courses at Central, including working with designers, voice specialists and construction students. You will learn in a variety of ways: practical improvisation sessions; voice and movement classes; craft workshop experience; lectures; placements; seminars; residencies, and reading and writing assignments.
PLACEMENTS
There is one major placement in Year Three and a similar experience in Year Two. These will be in community arts contexts, such as community arts centres, theatre-in-education companies, television education departments or schools/colleges. Half or whole day visits to other settings will take place within other units across the three years.
ASSESSMENT
You will be assessed in a variety of ways; for example, by academic essay, by practical product, by reflection and by creative process.
Admission
We look for these qualities in applicants:
- an interest in theatre and performance in different social and cultural settings (e.g. community theatre, theatre in prisons)
- good academic abilities in reading, analysis and writing
- an enquiring mind
- a collaborative, supportive approach to practical work
- practical drama skills (e.g. in performance)
- the ability to reflect constructively
- a commitment to equality of opportunity in society
- leadership skills
- creativity, flexibility, focus and professional conduct.
Admission is subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau disclosure.
All students undertaking work-based learning or performances that involve minors or vulnerable adults may be required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau check and register with the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS).
Qualification gained on completion: BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education
For further course information you can order a prospectus on +44 (0)20 7722 8183, email enquiries@cssd.ac.uk or download.