Applied and Contemporary Theatre BA (Hons)

University of Surrey

Why choose this course

Our BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre course is designed to train highly skilled theatre makers of the future, who aspire to influence social change. This programme is the first choice for those wishing to be thoroughly equipped with the knowledge and skill base to create theatre that can rapidly respond to, learn from and challenge contemporary issues.

Fully embedded within the GSA Conservatoire, the vocational modules help to deepen and develop your knowledge of applied theatre and cover all relevant aspects from multiple angles; creative, technical, teaching, entrepreneurial, professional development, work placement, whilst providing you with core skills training in the performing disciplines.

Society needs practitioners with a broad and dynamic skill set; problem-solvers who see challenges as opportunities. This course develops, enables and trains the next generation of performance artists and creative entrepreneurs. You will explore devised and collaborative approaches to researching, creating, producing and performing contemporary performance practices, in addition to traditional historical scripted forms.

We are ranked 5th in the UK for dance and drama in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, 6th for drama, dance and cinematic in the Complete University Guide 2023, and 7th in the UK for drama and dance in the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Our award-winning Professional Training placements prepare students for roles in industry. We deliver on jobs, too. We were named  University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

What you will study

On our BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre course you will be taught by industry-leading professionals, and will join a vibrant community of talented performers, performance makers, creative practitioners, stage managers and technicians.

The course examines the ever-evolving nature of contemporary practice in pursuit of developing and training the next generation of theatre makers, creative entrepreneurs and cultural leaders. Case studies, performances, theatre creation and placements include, but are not limited to: theatre for social change, site-specific performance, community theatre, theatre in education, education and outreach programmes, health and wellbeing organisations, disability arts, as well as a collaborative large-scale ensemble performance in a traditional theatre setting.

This work extends to an exciting range of UK and international settings, including a placement module in your second year, as well as a further optional Professional Training placement, between the second and final year of study.

Accredited by the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT).