BA (Hons) Drama

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Drama program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a stimulating and supportive learning environment for aspiring theatre artists. It is structured to progressively build foundational performance skills and theoretical understanding in the first year, explore diverse theatrical forms and develop individual creative practice in the second, and culminate in specialized performance projects, directing opportunities, playwriting endeavors, and professional development modules in the final year. Students benefit from daily practical workshops, opportunities for performance in various settings (from studio theatres to site-specific locations), collaborative projects with fellow students and visiting artists, and individual guidance from experienced theatre professionals and academics. A key element involves developing a strong personal artistic voice, experimenting with different theatrical styles, and understanding the historical and theoretical underpinnings of drama as a social and artistic force. The program fosters a collaborative and critically reflective atmosphere, encouraging students to develop their creative potential and professional aspirations within the dynamic field of theatre.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Drama program is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of theatre practice and theory. Core modules typically cover acting techniques, directing principles, devising methodologies, playwriting, theatre history (from classical to contemporary), and dramatic theory. As students progress, they have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as physical theatre, applied drama, digital performance, scenography, and voice studies through elective modules. The program emphasizes the development of strong performance skills, directorial vision, collaborative abilities, critical thinking, and an understanding of the social and political contexts of theatre. Students will engage in intensive practical workshops, rehearsal processes, performance projects, play analysis, and theoretical discussions. The final year often includes the creation and performance of significant independent or collaborative theatre productions, opportunities for directing and playwriting, and modules focused on professional development and career pathways in the performing arts.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Drama program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Music and Performing Arts. Faculty members are actively engaged in research related to various aspects of theatre, including contemporary performance practices, applied drama, theatre pedagogy, digital performance, and the socio-cultural impact of theatre. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current trends in theatre practice and scholarship. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests through theoretical essays, presentations, and their final year performance or written projects, fostering critical inquiry and analytical skills relevant to understanding the field of drama and their own artistic practice.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Drama program actively fosters connections with the professional theatre industry. The program may facilitate guest workshops and masterclasses led by renowned actors, directors, playwrights, and other theatre professionals, residencies with professional theatre companies, and opportunities to engage with theatre organizations and festivals. Students often have opportunities to perform in professional venues and to network with industry professionals. The curriculum may include modules focused on arts management, marketing for theatre, and career development strategies for theatre artists, equipping students with practical skills for navigating the performing arts profession.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Drama program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse theatrical traditions and performance practices from around the world. The curriculum may include the study of non-Western theatre forms, global theatre histories, and the role of theatre in different cultural and political contexts. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on theatre. Furthermore, the program may touch upon topics such as international theatre exchange programs, global theatre festivals, and the impact of globalization on theatre as an art form, preparing graduates to engage with a diverse and interconnected global theatre community.