Theatre for Social, Political and Environmental Change MA

Lancaster University

Why Lancaster?

• Enrol on a truly unique programme of study that puts environmental and political challenges at the heart of performance practice
• Learn how to inspire social and political change through a variety of theatrical forms, from applied and community theatre to professional performance practice
• Participate in workshops with professional theatre makers at the forefront of their fields
• Develop a theoretical and philosophical understanding of how performance influences society and politics
• Gain the professional insight needed to make a difference in roles within the arts, education, charities, businesses, and government

How can actors, directors, applied theatre facilitators and playwrights inspire real change in a developing world? What role do theatre and performance play in the face of climate change, global conflict, economic crisis and other social issues? This degree will help you to develop creative performance practices that challenge, inspire and disrupt the social status quo.

Theatre that shapes the future

This unique course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to have a genuine impact on the world around you. You’ll further your practical skills through workshops with visiting professionals and community organisations.

Throughout the programme, we’ll examine how professional theatre makers, applied theatre facilitators, and performance activists have responded to global challenges such as environmental degradation, migration, homelessness, sustainable development, and political engagement.

A flexible approach

We have developed this course of study to empower you with the capacity to make theatre more politically and socially effective. We aim to equip you with the tools to develop bold and original approaches to socially and politically engaged performance. You’ll choose from optional modules that include collaboration with community groups, or development of specific skill sets like performance, playwriting or arts management. You will be able to take optional modules from other related subject disciplines at Lancaster University. The flexibility of this degree makes it suitable to combine with employment, although this will depend on which modules you choose.