BA/ BA (Hons) Drama & Performance (UCAS Code: W490 BA/DrP)

Programme Leader Profile - Christine Raffaelli

Introduction

Drama and Performance is an exploration of the many processes that exist to support performance in all of its many guises. It examines the vocabulary, concepts, history and theory of the creative process.

We aim to challenge conventional assumptions about the Performing Arts and the many possible roles of the spectator. Through cross disciplinary and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning, we combine a recognition of the importance of historic and theoretical contexts to facilitate the discovery of working strategies and the acquisition of knowledge, to provide students with the tools needed for a successful career in the performing arts.

The aim of this course is to provide an extensive understanding of the practice, history and theory of drama and performance and to encourage creative thinking. It balances practice with theory to enable graduates to understand not only the ‘how’ but the ‘why’ of performance. Through collaboration with all of the performing arts courses, students will develop a broader and deeper understanding of the processes of creating performance.

On graduation, students will have an understanding of the variety of ways in which drama and performance work and how they can be made relevant. The course provides a broad understanding of the subject area and opens up a number of diverse career paths.

The first two years offer the opportunities to work in collaborative, creative experimental workshops, in which students will work to find solutions to the creative staging and performance of classic and contemporary genres and texts. Bringing a range of interests and skills (e.g. acting, directing, dramaturgy, scenography and playwriting), students will share their different perspectives and insights. Classes will also cover theatre history and theory which will inform the decisions students make in their creative work.

Years three and four will involve the study of core modules and a series of electives (which vary from year to year) to focus interests in specific areas. Year four will see the completion of a personal final project, which can be performance based or a written dissertation.

Structure:

You can opt to study for an honours degree over four years or an ordinary degree over three years. You will complete a range of modules, as outlined below, each year.

 Modules:

 Year One:

• Play and Performance
• Notions of Theatre
• Study Skills
• Performance Skills
• Theatre Production Skills
• Origins of Theatre
• Text and Performance

Year Two:

• Theatre of Ideas and the Stage
• Place, Space and Performance
• Performance Project 1 (incorporating 1 from the following: Performance Skills 2, Theatre Production Skills 2, Scenography, Playwriting)
• Theatre in the World
• 20th Century Practitioners
• Performance Project 2 (incorporating 1 from the following: Performance Skills 2, Theatre Production Skills 2, Scenography, Playwriting)

Year Three:

• British Drama 1945 to present
• The Arts Policy and Funding Context
• Independent Research Project; Critical Theory, Performance & Text
• Performance Project 3

Plus 2 from the following:

• Contemporary Performance 1
• Community Theatre 1
• Page to Stage 1
• Arts Journalism 1
• Playwriting 1
• Arts Management 1

Year Four:

• Performing Scotland
• Creative Entrepreneurship
• Honours Project

Plus 2 from the following:

• Contemporary Performance 2
• Community Theatre 2
• Page to Stage 2
• Arts Journalism 2/ Playwriting 2
• Arts Management 2
• Contemporary Performance 3
• Community Theatre 3
• Page to Stage 3
• Arts Journalism 3
• Playwriting 3
• Arts Management 3

Entry requirements::

1. Scottish Higher: BBBCC or 295 UCAS Tariff points
2. A Level: BBB or 300 UCAS Tariff points
3. Irish Leaving Certificate: BBBCC or 295 UCAS Tariff points
4. International Baccalaureate: 30 points
5. Required Subjects: Eng preferred at Higher/A Level or equivalent
6. Mature/Access: Access to Humanities /Arts / Social Sciences considered. We welcome applications from mature students with relevant qualifications and /or experience.
7. Direct Entry: Year 2 – HNC/D relevant HN programmes will be considered
8. Other: International – IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in listening and reading and 5 in writing

Careers: You may use your studies as a basis for professional practice within theatre and allied industries, using the specialisms as a stepping stone to: Playwriting; Directing; Producing; Screen industries; Further training in acting; Theatre in/within the community; Contemporary performance practice; Arts journalism; Professions requiring skills in communication and creativity; Drama teaching; and Postgraduate study.

The career opportunities open to students who study this degree are not only in the Arts but also in all areas requiring excellent communication and creative skills.

Work based learning/networking:

With a plethora of Festivals, Theatre Companies, Dance Companies, Museums and Orchestras in and around Edinburgh, the Festival city and throughout Scotland, worked based learning and networking opportunities are plentiful.

Learning choice:

Electives in years 3 and 4 allow you to focus your interests to suit your own career aspirations.

(Image by Jon Davey www.jondaveyphotography.co.uk)

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