Theatre Practices

Programme structure

The programme is comprised of a number of core courses, with different credit weightings, plus core accredited blocks of extended critical practice and one optional course or work placement.

Core courses
Research Methods
The course is an exploration of key research methodologies relevant to the critical and practical study of performance, leading to the development of a real (or imagined) research project. Research Methods provides an introduction to a range of research methodologies, including: oral history, practice as research, using archives, visual cultures and the laboratory as a place of experiment. The course is designed to help you select individual study options as well as gain experience in a range of key research methodologies.

Contemporary Devising Practices
The course comprises an exploration, through theory and practical experimentation, of a range of contemporary devising practices in Western theatre and performance.

Debating Dramaturgy 2
The course is a critical and, where appropriate, practical exploration of dramaturgy and dramaturgical practices in the modern and contemporary period.  The course focuses on production (rather than literary) dramaturgy and considers the influence of modernism and postmodernism on dramaturgy and dramaturgical practices. In addition, you will undertake applied and practical work with professional dramaturges, exploring their own professional dramaturgical practices.

Critical practice (core)
Independent Practice
This course comprises an exploration of an agreed topic or research question through performance practice. You can choose to undertake either a Professional Practice route, which comprises only practical work, or a Research Route, which includes an element of written critical reflection on the practice. The Independent Practice course is intended to encourage critically-informed practice and reflection on practice in the context of contemporary theatre and performance. It is also intended as preparation for the Independent Research Project.

Independent Research Project
The Independent Research Project offers you a range of opportunities to explore something of interest to you, applying an appropriate practice-based methodology. It is envisaged that your Independent Research Project is likely to evolve from your Independent Practice. For instance, you might develop an experimental performance, with appropriate documentation, or you might devise a series of workshop performances with an accompanying piece of contextual and critical writing.

Optional course or work placement
You may choose to take an optional course, selected from a list of choices which may include:

• Autobiography and Performance
• Bodies in Theatre and Performance
• Space, Place and Performance
• Performing Memory
• Beckett in Performance

Or any approved optional course from across the College of Arts

Or you may choose to undertake a work placement:

Work placement
A placement/internship with a professional theatre, performance or arts organisation in Glasgow, Scotland or the UK, negotiated with the course tutor. The placement offers the opportunity for you to gain experience of the professional workplace and theatre/arts sector, and to reflect critically on that experience.

Assessment
During the programme you will undertake a range of assessment methods including practical presentations/performances, written critical reflections, essays, oral presentations, workshop demonstrations, and an independent research project.

Teaching methods
Teaching methods are determined by the different needs of the courses and include seminars, one-to-one tutorials, placements, workshops and work-in-progress showings. They are delivered by staff in Theatre Studies, alongside professional practitioners. Other occasional workshops, seminars and events are organised throughout the year by both staff and students.  Students also have the opportunity to audit other courses, as appropriate. Students are encouraged to create opportunities for informal peer support outside teaching hours.