MA Applied Theatre

ABOUT MA APPLIED THEATRE

This MA course is for those interested in developing current practice of using theatre and drama in the community and education settings or of using theatre and drama with people whose lives have been affected by the criminal justice system.

The MA Applied Theatre encourages investigation into the possibilities and contradictions of drama and theatre practice as transformative and rehabilitative, and engages practically and critically with a range of theories and current practices.

Key features of the MA Applied Theatre are the exploration of theatre work in specific settings; key practices in applied theatre; project-based study examining specific professional work with a varied range of client groups; or specialising in working with people whose lives have been affected by the criminal justice system.

This course develops knowledge of the ways in which drama and theatre are used to benefit a range of distinct groups that are key to today’s evolving cultural landscape. The course offers two specialist pathways: Drama in the Community and Drama Education or Drama and the Criminal Justice System. Each pathway is specifically designed to support current practice at work, or a particular field of interest in the developing landscape of applied theatre and drama in the UK. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own practice and
scholarship.

DRAMA IN THE COOMUNITY AND DRAMA EDUCATION PATHWAY

This pathway is for individuals wishing to develop current – or new – practice of using theatre and drama with people in a range of settings that may include schools, theatres, outreach departments, hospitals and prisons. Concerned with advanced enquiry into theatre for
change or education, this pathway enables students to situate their own emergent/developing practice within a wider understanding of the applied theatre field. Delivery of the course involves contributions and placement opportunities from prestigious key UK organisations.

DRAMA AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

This pathway is for individuals wishing to develop current – or new – practice of using theatre and drama with people whose lives have been affected by the criminal justice system. Concerned with advanced enquiry into prison theatre, this pathway enables you to situate your
own emergent/developing practice within a wider understanding of the applied theatre field. Delivery of the course involves contributions and placement opportunities from prestigious key UK organisations.

ASSESSMENT

Each unit has a written and/or practical assessment. Submission of a dissertation addressing the student’s specialist area of interest.

Visit the MA Applied Theatre page on the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama website for more details!