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MAPlaywriting

More information

royalholloway.ac.uk/..tre/playwriting.aspx 

Overview

Interested? To learn more about this study programme, entry requirements and application process, please contact one of our consultants in a country nearest to you.

Programme structure

Core modules
Playwriting
In this module you develop an understanding of the craft of the playwright in terms of structure, dialogue, story, image, and cultural and political dynamics. You will work on the development of your own work, looking at the principles involed in constructing a contemporary play. A mixture of in-class writing exercises, discussion of others’ work, and analysis of both classic and modern existing texts will help you learn how to become your own dramaturg and develop greater control as a writer. You will become immersed in London’s new play culture, visiting a range of theatres during the year, with the opportunity to meet professional writers.

Making Performance
In this module you will develop an understanding of current trends in, and new approaches to, contemporary performance practice, including playwriting, theatre directing, devised, physical and applied work. You will collaborate with students from the other MA programmes offered in the Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance, encountering a broad range of performance making processes and contexts. You will also apply established techniques of research and enquiry to the conception of a new group or solo performance project, allowing you the opportunity to provide thought provoking response to the practices encountered.

Dissertation
In this module you will develop an understanding of how to undertake research in different branches of theatre studies. You will start to prepare for your dissertation, with basic training in how to use major resource archives, whether paper, electronic or material. You will consider how to employ theoretical knowledge of a selected range of creative techniques, exploring ways of engaging critically with research materials, analysing performance, and presenting research findings in written and practical forms, including workshop demonstration, advanced skill class, and comparison of two approaches to a moment in performance.

Career opportunities

Our graduates have started careers in professional theatre, film and television as well as training and education. If you come to the end of the course and find yourself curious about an area of study – or want to take your dissertation topic further – the MA is a perfect grounding for a PhD, which may be fully written or include a practice-based component.

The department gives you access to other creative areas of study like dance, media and art. Part of our reputation as a creative campus comes from this cross-pollination of studies and disciplines, so you’ll have a good chance to push into those fields and gain knowledge of theatres and the performance scene in London and beyond. You’ll leave the MA able to navigate an intense and growing field with credibility and creativity.

Apply now! Fall semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Notes
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you
Apply now! Fall semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Notes
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you