BA Performing Arts

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a dynamic BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance program (often referred to as Performing Arts), designed to cultivate versatile artists and professionals ready for the contemporary creative sector. This innovative degree goes beyond traditional performance skills, encouraging students to explore the wider industry, including roles in producing, programming, stage management, technical theatre, digital technologies, marketing, and communications. Developed in collaboration with The Marlowe Theatre, one of the UK's leading large-scale venues, the program emphasizes employability, providing students with valuable insights and experiences directly from the professional theatre world.

Curriculum: The BA Theatre and Performance curriculum at CCCU provides a robust foundation in both practical performance techniques and critical engagement with the theatre industry. Students delve into core modules such as "Company" (focused on collaborative performance creation), "Introduction to Stagecraft" (covering technical aspects and production), "Introduction to Theatre Design," and "Performance Techniques." The program's strong practical emphasis is supported by specialist facilities in the Anselm building, including two dedicated studio spaces with professional lighting rigs, sound systems, sprung floors, and mirrors, ideal for theatre, dance, and music. Students participate in annual shows where every aspect of the production, both front and back of house, is managed by them, providing invaluable hands-on experience. The curriculum aims to foster an understanding of performance, management, design, and production to open up diverse career routes.

Research Focus: The BA Theatre and Performance program at Canterbury Christ Church University is delivered by an expert team of tutors who are either currently professionally engaged with the industry or have held significant roles within arts and performance organizations. 1 Their teaching is informed by their ongoing professional practice and research within the School of Creative Arts and Industries. Research interests include areas such as theatre history, performance analysis and theory, practice-based research in performance making, directing, dramaturgy, and the cultural and political dimensions of theatrical performance. This ensures that students are not only trained in practical skills but also engage with current academic debates and critical perspectives on the art form and its societal impact.  

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BA Theatre and Performance program at CCCU, crucial for enhancing student employability. The collaboration with The Marlowe Theatre provides unique access to professional insights and potential opportunities. Students benefit from working on live productions, managing all aspects of the show, which provides real-world experience in theatre production. The program focuses on developing professional skills applicable to roles within the contemporary theatre and wider creative sectors. Graduates have secured diverse roles including theatre director, West End stage technician, actor, lighting technician, BBC production coordinator, festival programme coordinator, and arts company director, showcasing the strong industry relevance and connections of the course.

Global Perspective: The BA Theatre and Performance program at Canterbury Christ Church University fosters a global perspective by preparing students for an internationally connected creative industry. While deeply rooted in the UK theatre scene, the curriculum implicitly encourages an understanding of diverse performance traditions, global theatre practices, and the international movement of artists and productions. The skills developed – such as creative collaboration, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving – are universally applicable within the global performing arts landscape. The diverse student body and academic staff contribute to a rich learning environment that embraces varied cultural contexts and approaches to performance. Students are also encouraged to explore and engage with international arts festivals and cultural events, further broadening their global outlook.