Applied Drama: Theatre in Educational, Community & Social Contexts MA – (M.A.)

Contents

Practical Training Workshops

We offer in-depth training in 'theatre of the oppressed' techniques (games and exercises, image theatre, forum theatre and rainbow of desires) lead by Course Convenor and specialist, Mojisola Adebayo. In 2010 we will also train with Geese Theatre Company in their drama in criminal justice methodology and Playback Theatre with specialist and Artistic Director of Random Acts, Tig Land. There is also time for comparative consideration of therapeutic techniques such as psychodrama and dramatherapy with specialist tutors.

In the Spring our creative focus is on collaborating with artists across arts disciplines to integrate singing, contact improvisation, text, photography, drawing, objects, carnival costume and puppetry into our work. There are contributions from experts from the world of visual arts, drama, dance and music including our Associate Tutor and applied drama expert practitioner, Sue Mayo. The skills gained in the workshops are then applied on the Placement.

Throughout the practical training we work with students to develop their facilitation, project planning and management skills with attention to issues such as group dynamics; power and leadership; inclusion; accessibility; equality; conflict; intercultural practice; safe space and the ethics of touch.

Placement

Associate Tutor Sue Mayo also supports students to locate and develop a placement in a recognised host organisation. On the Placement students further the skills they have practiced on the programme, whilst dealing with the challenges of a professional context.

Student-led Practice

Students are given space and time to develop their skills in theatre making, facilitation and project management through structured and task based student-led sessions.

Histories, Theories and Contexts Seminars

This contextual strand enables us consider the thinking behind our embodied knowledge. Through a series of seminars, we consider: the development of applied methods from political theatre; radical and celebratory arts; drama and theatre-in-education; community theatre; prison theatre; therapeutic creative practices and the legacy of Augusto Boal.

The contextual classes in the Spring consider issues such as anti/racism, multiculturalism, mental health, disability and discrimination, sexism and feminism, intergenerational and intercultural work, homelessness, refugee arts and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex equality. We consider local and international case studies; there are contributions from experts; we read, discuss, watch videos and experience live performances.

Residency

Our department affords Applied Drama students the unique opportunity to participate in a three day creative residency shared with students from the MA Performance Making and lead by leading performance makers and applied drama practitioners.

Complimentary Contextual Lectures

MA Applied Drama students also have the chance to choose a lecture based module from one of the other exciting MA programmes in Drama. Previous modules on offer have included African Theatre and Drama, New Performance Writing in the UK and Performance Praxis. Our students also take a specialist applied drama module. In 2011 this will be an exciting new module designed by Kat Low entitled Performance, Art and Health.

Professional Development Training

As part of our commitment to student´s employability, we offer up to five workshops covering various areas directly relevant to workplaces where drama may be applied; for example: planning and managing projects, child protection and working with vulnerable adults, ethics, evaluation, setting up a theatre company or working as an independent artist.