BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre

This module aims to develop the skill base of the creative practitioner in theatre practice, singing, music, movement and voice. Across Level 4 students will study practical skills in studio-based group classes.

Students will encounter and explore the application and integration of core technical skills. This module begins a process of the individual questioning how they relate to the world around them whilst introducing the core acting fundamentals that underpin the programme.

Students will engage with the rudiments of music, voice and singing and undertake dance and movement training designed to develop the experiential, expressive and analytical skills of the creative individual. Students will be guided to utilise a journal to document and reflect upon their learning journey.

The Actor and the Ensemble enables students to explore different modes of performance. This includes collaborative & devised practice, applied theatre and social justice, and contemporary political performance.

 In the first teaching block, you will be working as an ensemble exploring post-modern collaborative practices. In the second teaching block students consider how theatre can be used to reflect the stories and issues pertaining to a diverse range of communities, both locally and internationally. The third teaching block looks in depth at contemporary political performance.

Work is shared with peers at the end of each teaching block as work in progress in a safe practical performance setting.

This module will engage students in the study of the history, impact and ethos of theatre by focusing on key ideas and approaches that have formed its development. Topics to be studied include, but are not limited to theatre history, theories of performance and exploration of the political, social and ethical response, role, responsibility and impact of theatre in relation to societies.

This module builds from the programme’s Level 5 modules and is designed to allow students to advance the development of skills and knowledge in a practical professional context, enabling students to learn and discover with autonomy.

Students will engage with a placement either within or beyond the school, this decision to be at their preference. Their placement will enable them to progress their understanding of professional creative contexts. Students will be supported to critically reflect upon their experiences and link these to the work undertaken on the programme through Levels 4 and 5.

This module builds upon the work undertaken at Level 4 and further develops the skill base of the creative practitioner in theatre practice, singing, music, movement and voice, in relation to both self and others.

Across Level 5 students will study practical skills in studio-based group classes and undertake extensive observations of teaching and rehearsal practice within GSA. Students will encounter, explore and research the application and integration of core technical skills through the lens of the facilitator.

This module continues a process of the individual understanding how they relate to the world and those around them through the facilitation of the core acting fundamentals that underpin the programme. Students will engage with the practice and facilitation of music, voice and singing and undertake dance and movement training designed to support the creative processes that sustain rehearsals and performances. Students will be guided to utilise a journal to document and reflect upon their learning journey.

The Ensemble and the Audience offer the student the opportunity to integrate principles and skills encountered from across the programme. Building on the work of The Actor and the Ensemble at Level 4, the student will deepen their relationship to collaboration, artistic autonomy and self-made work by exploring techniques of and taking stimulus from theatre for youth in Teaching Block 1 and theatre with communities in Teaching Block 2 to create inclusive ensemble based self-generated work.

 Work is developed via critical reflection of existing practitioners and companies, examining global practice through the lens of both creator and participant. The creative outcome is shared with their chosen community group. Students may wish to engage with the work by taking on a professional creative role required in the facilitation of the collaborative project.

This module enables students to consider theatre-making approaches in a variety of contexts.

These may include but are not limited to schools, small-scale theatre, site-specific theatre, fringe theatre, community groups, professional training, education outreach activities and online learning, across diverse global communities.

Through guided and independent case studies, students will explore a range of innovative and established practices as well as working alongside guest artists.

This module aims to maintain the skill base of the creative practitioner in theatre practice, singing, music, movement and voice. Across Level 6 students will utilise the contact time of this module to support and further develop their practical skills in studio-based group classes as best supports their personal development as a creative practitioner according to the student’s individual skill set and projected career aspirations. This module also provides space and support for any technical requirements that arise out of their fully realised performance projects. Students will be guided to utilise a journal to document and reflect upon their learning journey.

This module enables students to work collaboratively on the research, rehearsal and making of inclusive theatre for performance to specific audiences, integrating principles and skills from across the programme.

Students engage with three fully realised performance projects, one per Teaching Block, continuing to interrogate the landscape of collaboration, artistic autonomy and self-made work for a specific audience.

In Teaching Block 1 students work collaboratively to create an Applied Theatre project with a chosen community group. The project should be a series of practical workshops that respond to the needs and interests of their participants.

In Teaching Block 2 students will work either as a group or as solo artists to form a devised piece of politically engaged performance. This performance may take place at GSA, in the community or at a particular site.

In Teaching Block 3 students will work on a public production at a performance space at GSA. This project will be directed by a professional creative.

Students will engage with reflective analysis of their personal and professional development and undertake critical reflection of steps taken so far. Students will identify in detail, potential further personal and professional development opportunities and methods. The module engages students with a range of areas relating to industry practices, protocols and resources in pursuit of developing the necessary skills to undertake and sustain a career within the creative industries.

See entry requirements here.

Entry is also subject to successful audition. Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to complete the programme may also be considered.  

For more audition information please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS

IELTS minimum overall: 6.5

IELTS minimum by component: 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element

If you are an international student and you are concerned that your English is not to the required standard, you may benefit from the International Foundation Year, run by the Surrey International Study Centre.

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes.

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