Home Courses Stage and Screen BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Directing
view of the stage from a camera

Direct and perform as you start your theatre career 

UCAS LogoUCAS Logo
WQ43
3 years Full Time, Part Time option available
Bishop Otter Campus (Chichester)

Top 40

UK University

The Guardian University Guide 2024

Gold

rated university in the Teaching Excellence Framework

TEF 2023

7th

best university in the South East

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Join us at one of our Open Days!

Saturday 22 June  |  Saturday 12 October  |  Friday 1 November  |  Saturday 23 November

Saturday 22 June

Saturday 12 October

Friday 1 November

Saturday 23 November

Our next Open Day is in:

Day
Hour
Minute
Second

Overview

Become a honed specialist in theatre directing

Direct and perform your own work

Our BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Directing course offers you numerous opportunities to both perform in and direct your own performance work, as well as working with pre-existing texts.

This will develop your creative and theoretical skills ready for real-world application after you graduate, as you learn to cultivate your own ideas in response to seeing other contemporary performance practices and the world around you.

Study the key aspects of dramatic practice

You will explore the cultural and critical significance of dramatic practice, process, and product throughout history, as you consider a wide range of historical and social theatre practices and contexts.

When you graduate you will have a confident understanding of the complimentary disciplines of drama, theatre and directing, alongside a range of practical experiences suited to diverse careers in a range of professional contexts.

Immerse yourself in the theatrical world

We have a strong link to the world-renowned Chichester Festival Theatre, where you will discover and experience established theatre practice and perform throughout your studies.

On this course you will:

  • Develop your theatre and directing skills.
  • Perform in and direct your own work as well as existing texts.
  • Explore the cultural and critical significance of dramatic practice, process, and product.
  • Work with the Chichester Festival Theatre.
  • Access placement opportunities including roles at The Chichester Festival Theatre, Forest Fringe, Edinburgh Festival and more.

The Course

Learn the key aspects of contemporary theatre directing

This list is indicative and subject to change.

Select a year

Critical and Cultural Theory 1: Theory-Lite

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a variety of theoretical, cultural and critical ideas used in the practice and evaluation of the arts. It aims to explore ways of describing, analysing and interpreting theoretical concepts that are vital to an understanding of the arts.

Vocabularies and models such as intersectionality that describe the cultures in which the arts are seen and made are drawn upon and developed in order to explore the methods by which meanings are created and understood in the arts.

Critical and Cultural Theory 2: Modernism

This module interrogates the changing theoretical models and perspectives of the period that is often categorised as ‘Modernist’. You will explore, examine and debate the historical, social, cultural and theoretical influence of Modernism(s) challenge to traditional structures, forms and styles and investigate the impact this has upon contemporary arts practice.

Introduction to Directing

This module introduces you to a number of examples of innovative contemporary theatre directors and practitioners in the UK and abroad. It will introduce a wide range of practices for working with actors and performers, offering theoretical and practical classes to inform the understanding of key directorial concepts. You will pitch your own ideas for a possible theatre production; communicating creative ideas, justifying a critical context for the work and visually illustrating the potential aesthetic possibilities for the work.

Practical Dramaturgy – Modernism to Now

This module examines various approaches to the discipline of dramaturgy.

A number of post-nineteenth-century texts are examined from the canon of theatrical practice. Texts are explored with reference to their particular cultural, social, historical context, as you explore the reciprocal relationship of texts informing culture – and culture informing texts.

You will identify tropes and conventions of different theatrical movements through time and explore them theoretically and practically. You will then direct your own chosen extract from a play addressed during the module.

The extract will demonstrate your understanding of the text through critical research and practical engagement – whilst also realising the theatrical potential of the material.

Theatre Project 2: Physical and Visual Performance

This module introduces you to different modes of connecting conceptual ideas of the body with practical modes of creating visual and physical performance work. You will engage in analysis and practical exploration of the compositional challenges to dramatic conventions within existing performance works and professional theatre practices that are oriented in body-based aesthetics.

Theatre Project 3: Text and Deconstruction

This module introduces you to practices and approaches to making text-based devised theatre. the module also serves as an introduction to theories and practices of ‘Deconstruction’: to identify and investigate deconstructive processes used by contemporary theatre practitioners, companies and thinkers, and apply that learning to a project of their own.

Theatre Project: Narrative

This module explores a variety of stimuli for performance-based devised theatre products, with a particular emphasis on narrative. It aims to investigate different approaches to devised story-telling theatre and identify specific crafting devices and methodologies to develop work.

Theatre Project: Site Specific

This module encourages you to consider the possible relationships of performance to everyday experience, society and political/historical contexts.

Through the analysis of a range of site-specific practices, you will explore geographic, architectural and philosophical approaches to the creation of site-specific theatre.

You will question the various definitions of “Site-Specific” practice, developing your critical awareness and understanding of how performance interrogates ideas of place and space.

Children and Young People’s Theatre

This module introduces you to a number of examples of innovative contemporary theatre work for children and young audiences in the UK.

You will produce your own short (20-30 min) work for children ensuring that a dialogic relationship with students inform their research agendas and devising methodologies. Your compositions and professional work are analysed and evaluated with specific reference to appropriate devising methodologies and theatrical concerns.

Critical and Cultural Theory 3: Romanticism

This module explores the importance of revolution, the sublime, the gothic, landscape, and imagination as motive forces in the making of art and culture.

By examining the notion that Classicism and Romanticism are opposites, as the reaction of many 19th century artists to 18th century Enlightenment would appear to demonstrate, the module aims to investigate notions such as wilderness, fantasy, heroism and nationalism and to initiate a discourse between the art of the present day and that of 19th century romanticism.

Critical and Cultural Theory 4: Postmodernism

This module relates theories of postmodernism to contemporary arts practice.

It begins by considering postmodernism’s relationships to both romanticism and modernism, exploring ‘definitions’ of postmodernism and illustrating postmodern features in a range of arts practices. A selection of postmodern term and practices such as Pastiche, Hyperreality, Event, a crisis in subjectivity, Intertextuality, the merging of ‘high’ and ‘low’ art, Deconstruction and recognition of the ‘Other’ are explored in more detail in relation to specific arts practices and texts.

The module also allows you to debate the cultural, social and philosophical implications and validity of postmodernism for arts practice today.

Directing and Devising in the Contemporary Ensemble

This module equips you with knowledge of the working practices of notable companies across the last sixty years. You will appropriate and develop existing working methodologies to begin to refine your own performance practices.

Indicative performance companies explored as part of the module include:

  • Stan’s Cafe
  • Forced Entertainment
  • Fevered Sleep
  • Gobsquad
  • Goat Island
  • the Performance Group
  • the Wooster Group
  • GETINTHEBACKOFTHEVAN
  • Elevator Repair Service
  • the Builders Association
  • Action Hero
  • Ontroerend Goed.

At the close of the module, you will compose your own piece of original theatre in response to a performance company studied during the course.

Gender, Sexuality and Theatre

This module will develop your critical understanding and creative engagement with how notions of gender and sexuality inform approaches to the creation and analysis of theatre and performance. It aims to examine a variety of artistic approaches to the politicisation of gender and sexuality in contemporary performance.

Rooted in a critical understanding of feminist discourse and gender studies, the module introduces you to the work of key artists and performance theorists, providing appropriate case-studies to frame the creation of the student’s own performance work.

Performance Skills 3: Devised Text and Character

This module develops your devising, dramaturgical, directing and writing skills as they collaborate to produce and perform a staged dramatic scene.

Production 1: Ensemble Practices

This module provides you with extensive performance and production experience, as you explore the devising process rooted in character narrative, specifically in relation to dance theatre. You will be given insight into the way that characters can define (and hinder) a clear making process and, in the process, will consider structural processes, such as narrative as a key determinate to the progression of the piece.

Production 2: Postmodern Theatre Project

This module is designed to give you additional extensive performance and production experience as an integral development towards individual and independent arts practice.

Theatre, Politics and Activism

This module aims to explore the relationships between theatre and politics, alongside the idea of theatre as politics post-Brecht. You will be introduced to a number of artists and theorists exploring political ways of thinking about theatre and political approaches to theatrical engagement.

Adaptation and Direction

This module explores the process of the adaptation of materials from a source text to theatre performance.

The development of both a conceptually informed directing process is set alongside the employment of a breadth of devising skills. The research involved in and informing the adaptation and direction will be used to support the process alongside extension and application of prior learning.

The project engages devising/performance experiences and handling of performance texts with rehearsal organisation and workshop delivery.

Applied Arts

This module you the opportunity to plan and deliver a devised community production or arts-based workshop for/with a community client group.

Company Management

This module introduces you to a professional practice environment – the creative and cultural industries. You will how to take work into public and professional venues, platforms, festivals and events; regionally, nationally and internationally, post-graduation. This module provides the opportunity for you to develop “professional” knowledge and skills as creative artists, and create a portfolio and career plan to aid your pathway as a creative artist.

Directing A Script

This modules allows you to explore directing short plays with a small cast. You will conduct extensive research into the text itself and previous adaptations to inform your directorial visual and delivery of the final performance.

Documenting Performance

This module develops your practical skills and critical understanding of documenting performance. Initially, you will analyse and discuss the problems and possibilities of documentation practices from a wide variety of Performance disciplines.

Performance and Material

This module explores the crossovers and intersections between visual art and contemporary performance, as you explore the performativity of different materials and the connection of materiality to the performance encounter. As part of this process, you will create an original piece of performance drawing on current practical models and theoretical frameworks on materiality, live art and participation.

Performance Writing

This module enables you to produce an original performance text through the acquisition of playwriting and dramaturgical skills by means of a systematic exploration of traditional plays and Post Dramatic Theatre texts.

Personal Study

You will have an opportunity to select an area of study of your choice over an extended period, to research and present their findings in written form.

Production 3

The module offers you the opportunity to work in an ensemble, as you develop your creative and performance vocabulary in a major performance of an original theatrical event.

Work Placement

This double module provides invaluable experience working as a performance analyst within a sporting organisation. It will enable you to foster an acute understanding of how performance analysis is used within sport, offer insight into organisational culture, develop essential professional knowledge and skills, facilitate reflective practice, and develop a network of professional contacts.

Workshop Project: Practice As Research

This module develops your devising, research, theoretical and interactive skills as you design, initiate and facilitate a series of creative workshops exploring key performance practices in an academic context.

Cycle week

Cycle weeks give you the opportunity to explore different areas of theatre performance throughout your degree. Three times a year every year, you will have the option to choose one of four areas to participate in alongside students from other courses within the Theatre Department:

  • Solos
  • Directing
  • Workshops
  • Productions

 

These projects allow you to showcase your talents and ideas in a supportive and collaborative environment, as well as gain experience in a variety of roles in putting on a production.

Teaching and Assessment

Feel the support of expert and industry-experienced tutors

Teaching

Your teaching will vary depending on the type of module studied:

  • Projects and Productions: These modules are central to the course. These specialist performance projects will inspire and challenge you to make innovative theatre. You will be involved in at least twelve examined performances, including three major productions, during the three years.
  • Critical and Cultural Studies: Taught in lecturers and small seminar groups, these modules will explore theatre theory. You will learn about philosophy, sociology, psychology and critical and cultural issues and matters.
  • Professional Development and Careers: These practical modules explore the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in theatre, arts practice and related fields as you prepare for your career after you graduate.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a wide range of practical and performance contexts including:

  • Group and individual performances
  • Directing exercises
  • Presentations
  • Creative installations
  • Written evaluations
  • Essays
  • Final year dissertation

There are no formal exams.

Zane

Theatre graduate
"'This course has allowed me to comprehend the difference between the practical and written elements of the subjects, as well as using both to further develop my skills as a director, performer, writer and theatre maker. Many of my lecturers consist of euthanistic theatre makers who work in the industry or critical writers of drama which inspires me to pursue a career in the arts.' "

Experience

Discover a collaborative create community and dedicated performance spaces

The Showroom

The ShowRoom is recognised nationally for presenting some of the most exciting companies touring on the UK circuit, and the programme is shaped to support the learning of students.

We often run workshops and post-show discussion for Theatre students with visiting artists. We believe that one of the best ways to learn about professional theatre is by watching a training with arts industry professionals. This is at the heart of the ShowRoom’s ambition.

The ShowRoom is highly adaptable, with retractable seating, making it an excellent teaching and workshop space in addition to its role as a venue. It is run by our Theatre Manager and Department Technician, who work closely with our students, helping them to realise creative and adventurous ideas in a professional working space.

Other facilities include:

  • Studio spaces exclusive to the department
  • Rehearsal Rooms
  • Recording studio
  • Editing facilities
  • Audio/visual equipment
  • In-house lighting and sound technicians to assist student projects

 

Find out more on the ShowRoom website.

Work Placements

Gain vital experience within the theatre industry

Our BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Directing course has a strong vocational focus and supports you to find work in professional contexts.

You will benefit from the Theatre Department’s excellent links with the professional theatre industry and have opportunities to work closely with a range of artists, theatre companies, producers, and festival programmers.

Past students had opportunities for placements with:

  • The Chichester Festival Theatre
  • Total Theatre Awards, Edinburgh Festival
  • Forest Fringe, Edinburgh
  • The Marlborough, Brighton
  • The Paper Birds Theatre Company, Leeds
  • Arts Admin, London
  • Bootworks Theatre
  • The Basement, Brighton
  • Battersea Arts Centre, London
  • Search Party

Study Abroad

Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad

As a student at the University of Chichester, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies as you enrich and broaden your educational experiences.

Students who have undertaken this in the past have found it to be an amazing experience to broaden their horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, undertake further travelling and to immerse themselves within a new culture.

You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination institution for you and your course. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to help ensure that you can get the best out of your time studying abroad.

Careers

Prepare for a career within the theatre industry

This BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Directing degree prepares you for a range of careers in the industry. You will gain the skills, experience, and knowledge to have an impact when you graduate.

Abby Butcher

Theatre Producer, Brighton
“The University of Chichester is fast becoming a hotspot for exceptional performance talent within the region. I have had the pleasure of working with several Chichester graduates and they come to professional spaces armed with an aptitude for work and boundless enthusiasm.”

Previous students from the Department of Theatre have become:

  • Successful actors
  • Solo performers
  • Artistic directors
  • Producers
  • Teachers
  • Academics
  • Festival directors

Further Study

You could choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.

Study options at the University of Chichester include:

  • MA Theatre and MA Theatre Collectives
  • PgCert in Performance
  • PGCE
  • PhD/MPhil

University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.

Course Costs

Course Fees 2024/25

UK fee
£9,250
International fee
£15,840

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fee page.

For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.

To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.

Entry Requirements

Typical offers (individual offers may vary):

UCAS
104-120
tariff points from A levels or combination with AS / EPQ / BTEC/ Cambridge Technical.
A Levels
BBB-BCC
BTEC
DDM
(Performing Arts)
IB
28 points
IELTS
6.0
with no element lower than 5.5.

Auditions

You will need to attend an audition. You will present two prepared speeches, discuss your interests with staff, share ideas for making theatre and take part in a devising workshop. You will have the opportunity to meet current students over lunch.

Interviews and Auditions

Auditions and interviews usually run from January until March/April.

We aim to offer you a genuine dialogue during your application process. This gives you a sense of worth and achievement from the audition process itself; a sense of ownership for you during the process and, ultimately, is an opportunity for us to get a clear understanding of who you are, what you need, and how we can best prepare you for your degree.

We judge you on your skills, your potential, and your personality, not your background.

Booking Your Audition

If you are invited to audition you will receive an email asking you to book your audition date on ChiView. If you are unsuccessful we will email you to let you know.

You can usually choose between multiple days on ChiView at one time. If none of the current dates suit you please contact admissions@chi.ac.uk.

Once you have booked your audition, you will be able to access the audition guidance document on ChiView – just log into the ChiView portal, click on ‘Events schedule’ and then ‘View details’ to access the document, which will tell you how to prepare for your audition, what to expect on the day, etc.

If your situation changes and you can no longer attend your audition date, you should cancel your booking in ChiView by visiting your ‘Event Schedule’ and clicking ‘Cancel Attendance’. You also need to inform the admissions team by emailing admissions@chi.ac.uk, so we can send you a new audition invitation.

Using ChiView 

Sometimes if you are viewing your ChiView portal on a phone you will not be able to see the page correctly. If this happens you should try again on another device.

You may need to clear your browser history.

If you are still unable to see the ‘View details’ button, please check that you have successfully booked your audition by clicking ‘respond to interview invitation’.

If all else fails please email admissions@chi.ac.uk with your query and applicant number.

Your Audition Day

Once you have booked your audition, please log into the ChiView portal, click on ‘Events schedule’ and then ‘View details’ to access the audition guidance document, which will tell you (amongst other things) what will happen at the audition itself, a basic itinerary of the whole day, parking information, etc.

In brief, there should be an introductory talk by the department, the chance to meet lecturers and other applicants, as well as your opportunity to perform for the audition panel.

After Your Audition

After your audition, the panel will discuss your performance and pass our decision onto the admissions team, who will update UCAS and email you with the outcome, whatever it might be.

  • We make bespoke offers: Your offer is specifically for you. If we offer less than your predicted grades, this will reflect the potential and quality of your audition and we’d like to take a bit of pressure off of you heading into your exams.
  • We don’t do unconditional offers: Unless you already have your grades (you are a mature student), we will always insist on certain grade achievements because we want you to succeed in all aspects of your academic life including your A levels, BTEC, etc.
  • If you do not get the grades you wanted: Don’t panic. You received an offer because you were good enough for the department at audition. On Results Day, just ring us on the clearing hotline, so we can discuss things with you.
  • We may offer you a different course: We may offer you a place on an alternative, relevant course within the department, rather than offer you the course you applied for. If this is the case, we will state this in your offer letter/email and update your course on UCAS. We will explain our reasoning, which will revolve around placing you on the most appropriate course where we think you will thrive.

 

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply?

Click the ‘Apply now’ button to go to relevant UCAS page.

What are UCAS tariff points?

Many qualifications have a UCAS Tariff value. The score depends on the qualification, and the grade you achieved.

How do I know what my UCAS tariff points are?

Head to the UCAS Tariff Points web page where you can find a tariff points calculator that can tell you how much your qualification and grades are worth.

Our address

For visits

I’m looking for