Theatre and Performance Design / Drama and Theatre BA (Hons)

Aberystwyth University

If you are looking for a radical and innovative approach to design and technical theatre in the context of theatre and performance, then our joint honours in Theatre and Performance Design / Drama and Theatre degree is for you. Supported by internationally-recognised staff with a wide range of expertise, you will look beyond the established boundaries of set, costume, lighting and sound design and take a total view of performance events.

This degree is designed to empower you to develop your skills and capacities as a designer and theatre-maker, actively exploring what drama, theatre and performance can be now and in the future. Across the three years of the degree you will engage you in a process of investigation and questioning that extends your critical and creative capacities and builds your practical skills. You will encounter and explore a wide range of contemporary theatre and design practices, from playhouse theatre to performance installation, from scripted drama to site-specific performance and from Shakespeare to experiments in new media.

Why study Theatre and Performance Design / Drama and Theatre at Aberystwyth?

• This course will enable you to explore a radical and innovative approach to theatre and performance design.
• You will be taught and mentored by a team of internationally known designers and experts.
• We are a vibrant and creative department where drama and theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide.
• All students benefit from our complementary learning experiences where theory and practice are designed to feed into each other.
• As a department, students benefit from our connections with key industry partners, such as National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. These creative partners provide an excellent opportunity to network and liaise with those in the industry before graduation.
• Students in the department have access to our superb facilities and resources for practical work: three rehearsal studios, each with flexible technical facilities; 2 large professionally-equipped studios with digital lighting rigs controlled via ETC Congo and Strand Lighting consoles, Yamaha and Soundcraft PAs, Sanyo AV systems and Strand lighting and two NXAMP; and costume and wardrobe facilities.
• On our campus and situated next door to the Arts Centre is one of the largest Arts Centres in Wales, which regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work.
• Aberystwyth University’s is known for having a large number of clubs and societies, so be assured that your time will be occupied with your studies and taking part in your chosen club / society's activities. The University has a large and energetic drama society, come and say hello during a visit to Aberystwyth.

Many of our students have been successful in obtaining employment in set, costume and lighting design, production design and art direction, acting and performing, directing, stage management, script writing, teaching and education, arts administration and marketing.