BA/BA (Hons) Drama and Performance

Ever wondered why it took Leonardo di Caprio so long to die in Titanic? The answer to this question and many more is explored in drama and performance. 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 (eg 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 options (which may 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, each year

• With a plethora of festivals, theatre companies, dance companies, museums and orchestras in and around Edinburgh, the festival city and throughout Scotland, work-based learning and networking opportunities are plentiful.
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• The career opportunities open to students who study this degree are not only in the Arts.
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  but also in all areas requiring excellent communication and creative skills.
  
• Electives in Years Three and Four allow you to focus your interests to suit your own career aspirations.