BA Hons Performing Arts

Program Overview

This dynamic BA (Hons) in Performing Arts at the University of Gloucestershire provides a rigorous training in the core disciplines of acting, singing, and dancing. The program emphasizes a 'triple threat' approach, ensuring graduates possess a well-rounded skillset applicable to a wide array of performance styles and careers. Students are consistently provided with live performance opportunities throughout their studies, including the chance to participate in full-scale musical theatre productions. Learning takes place in professional performance spaces and within the university's state-of-the-art £2 million Performing Arts and Events Centre at the Oxstalls campus, which boasts a dance studio with a harlequin-sprung floor, a fully equipped lighting rig and sound system, an acoustically designed music and singing room, and a drama studio, along with a multi-media studio. This hands-on, practical experience, combined with a solid theoretical underpinning, aims to prepare graduates for the demands of the professional performing arts world.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Performing Arts program is designed to provide a broad foundation in performance techniques while allowing students to specialize in areas of particular interest. Core modules in the initial stages typically focus on developing fundamental skills in acting, singing, and various dance styles including ballet, tap, modern, and jazz. Students will explore devising techniques and ethical approaches to performance, gain an understanding of theatre histories, and undertake modules focused on musical theatre, culminating in a full-scale performance in collaboration with higher-level students and industry professionals. As the course progresses, students have the opportunity to select optional modules that align with their career aspirations. These optional modules can delve into areas such as choreography, technical theatre production, business development within the arts, acting for camera, contemporary music theatres, and immersive performance. A significant aspect of the final year involves a 'Creative Performer' module where students build upon their accumulated skills to create a unique performance piece. A 'Professional Development' or 'Employability' focused module is also often included, providing students with the skills to research career opportunities, develop professional portfolios, and build an online presence. Furthermore, a dissertation or independent research project module in the final year encourages in-depth academic inquiry within a chosen area of performing arts.

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) is a practice-led program, a strong research ethos underpins the curriculum, particularly as students progress to the final year. The 'Dissertation' or independent research project module encourages students to engage in scholarly inquiry, developing research proposals and undertaking in-depth studies in their chosen area of the performing arts. Beyond the undergraduate level, the University of Gloucestershire's School of Creatives has a broader research focus within Performing Arts and Production at the postgraduate level (MA by Research, MRes, and PhD). Research interests among staff include 'practice as research' methodologies and a diverse range of topics such as musical theatre, devising, immersive and participatory theatre, acting for camera, writing for performance, the intersection of theatre with community, health and wellbeing, and the use of role-play in professional training. The university encourages postgraduate research students to present their work at national and international conferences, such as those organized by the Theatre and Performance Research Association (TAPRA) and the International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR), indicating an active research environment within the wider performing arts department that can inform undergraduate teaching.

Industry Engagement: A key strength of the University of Gloucestershire's Performing Arts program is its strong commitment to industry engagement. Students benefit from learning from lecturers who are experienced performing arts professionals with backgrounds working with organizations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre. Tutors often maintain their professional practice, providing students with up-to-date insights into the industry. The program provides numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience in professional settings. This includes performing at local theatres and venues like the Everyman Theatre and The Wilson Art Gallery. The university has established links with international theatre companies and renowned events, with students having the chance to develop skills with companies such as Motionhouse Dance Company and Frantic Assembly. A particularly notable opportunity is the program's regular participation in the internationally renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, providing invaluable experience in a highly competitive and professional environment. These industry connections, guest speakers, networking events, and the emphasis on practical, real-world experience are integral to preparing graduates for their future careers.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Performing Arts program at the University of Gloucestershire incorporates a global perspective through various means. The curriculum's exploration of theatre histories and different performance styles inherently involves studying works and traditions from various cultures and countries. Furthermore, the opportunity to work with international theatre companies and potentially perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival exposes students to a diverse range of artistic practices and global audiences. While not explicitly stated as a core component for the undergraduate program in all available information, the university as a whole welcomes international students, contributing to a diverse and globally-aware learning environment. The postgraduate research information for Performing Arts also notes strong links and partnerships with arts organisations, professional dance companies, dance practitioners, and publishing houses "in the UK and internationally," 1 suggesting a broader global outlook within the performing arts department that can influence the undergraduate program. Some course information also alludes to the possibility of international trips or workshops (though additional costs may apply), further broadening students' global and cultural understanding within the performing arts context.