Program Overview

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This Master's degree in London Theatre explores London; the world’s stage. Learn from a range of relevant industry professionals and dedicated research-active academics

• Study theatre in London – see the most innovative and exciting theatre in the world in theatres across the city
• Masterclasses and seminars with those working in the theatre industry, making contacts while on the course
• Research at nationally important centres for theatre research

The London Theatre postgraduate programme is designed for students who have a thirst to understand the unique contribution that London theatre makes to the development of theatre practices in the UK and why London is recognised as an international centre for theatre development.

This degree gives you opportunities to explore the diverse and ever-changing nature of the theatre scene and critically comment on it through academic study and professional theatre criticism.

The UK theatre scene is a world leader in the creation of new plays, showcasing the most exciting voices in drama.

On the MA London Theatre degree, you will learn how to develop your skills as a theatre critic, writing and reviewing shows on the contemporary London stage. You will practice writing for different kinds of readers, both conventional printed and online publications. You will gain experience of what’s going on in the London Theatre environment by:

• seeing and writing about London plays, actors, writers, directors, theatres and theatre companies
• attending live theatre in London and finding out what is being programmed in London’s West End and Fringe venues
• visiting lectures from industry professionals in a range of roles
• experience of theatre research and critical writing
• the Dissertation module (across two semesters) where you can create your own portfolio of work to showcase your writing skills
• insight into different kinds of writing for theatre and ideas to get started in your writing career.

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Why St Mary's

You will complete the course with an invaluable grounding in writing for theatre on paper and online, and gain a headstart in navigating your own writing career.

In our current academic year, guest lecturers have worked at venues like the

National Theatre

,

The Old Vic

,

The Bush

, The Arcola, The Vaults Festival, The London International Festival of Theatre and

The Lyric Hammersmith

. These include:

• Guy Jones (Director/Dramaturg,

  Orange Tree Theatre

  )
• Steve Harper (Literary Manager,

  Theatre 503

  )
• Jon Britain (Writer,

  Rotterdam

  )
• Jesse Dupre (Co-Artistic Director: Haste Theatre Company)
• Cameron Abbott-Betts (Artistic Director: Royal Kung Foolery)
• Mitch Mitchelson (Actor, specialist in Commedia Del’Arte)
• Ken Emson (Writer, Plastic, Rust)

Students participated in behind-the-scenes visits to venues like the

Orange Tree

,

Hampstead Theatre

, and

Theatre 503

. They gained valuable work experience with literary departments and also conducted research at the

National Theatre Archive

and the archive of Shakespeare’s Globe.

Drama St Mary’s

is a warm and welcoming University with a vibrant undergraduate and postgraduate training in theatre. Our postgraduate courses offer the opportunity to develop your writing skills by giving you the best academic and practical training, supported by university academics and visitors from the theatre industry. Come and join our group of students and develop your skills by working with our strong core team of academics alongside skilled visiting practitioners.

Studying in London means that you can take full advantage of the new developments in theatre happening in theatres across the city every season. Musicals, devised shows, comedy, ‘Fringe’ productions, revivals, puppetry, circus skills, innovations in sound, lighting and costume – you will find all this in theatre in London. You can be part of writing about new discoveries in London Theatre and expanding your own knowledge and understanding of all that is offered on the London stage. Our established links with London theatre venues and organisations means you will see and hear about new developments as they happen.

Drama St Mary's also offers a Master's degree in

Playwriting

.

Dr Michelle Paull

Associate Professor in Drama