Theatre and Performance

Theatre and Performance at The Arden School of Theatre offers a comprehensive programme that explores multiple sectors of contemporary performance, which are set within the context of a range of appropriate theoretical underpinnings. The aim of the programme is to train and support professional theatre-makers. The course is fast-paced and heavily practical, encouraging students to explore their individual artistic interests in order to develop as practitioners. The course is ideal for those with a passion for performance and a desire for a career in the performance industry. The Arden School of Theatre utilises its working links with the professional community of Manchester and the North West in order to present work created from the artistic intentions of the students. The programme explores a number of modules which engage students in performance technique and skills, alongside interdisciplinary practice. The modules are designed to explore the devising and performance of theatre alongside critical and theoretical discussion and underpinning. Each year of the programme has a unique focus in providing students with the techniques, knowledge, and methods in order to become professional theatre-makers. The first year is the ‘skill’ year where a foundation of skills, techniques, knowledge and methods will be introduced. The second year is the ‘practice’ year where the skills, techniques, knowledge, and methods will be utilised in the making of theatre and performance. The third year is the ‘professional’ year where students are provided with opportunities to develop their artistic intentions and present themselves to the industry as professional theatre-makers.

Examples of current modules-

Professional Performance Skills
Performance Specialism
Negotiated Research Project
Micro Festival
International Performance
Directed Performance

The majority of your work will be assessed via practical means, through performances, presentations, and skill shows. Theoretical and critical engagement will be assessed in a variety of ways that include essays, professional discussions, application forms, and production portfolios.