PhD Theatre Studies (Playwriting)

Program Overview

The University of Essex's PhD in Theatre Studies (Playwriting) is a 3-4 year research degree that emphasizes the development of a full-length play, critical commentary, and expertise in playwriting skills. It provides students with a supportive learning environment with supervision, facilities, and career guidance, aiming to equip graduates for success in the theatre field and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD Theatre Studies (Playwriting) program at the University of Essex is a full-time, 3-4 year research degree focused on developing original playwriting skills. The program is based in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, which boasts a vibrant community of playwrights and theatre practitioners who work professionally in the industry alongside their teaching. The program emphasizes the development of a full-length play or equivalent short plays (70-100 pages or 70-150 minutes playing time, 20,000-30,000 words) alongside a critical commentary (40,000 words). The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue successful careers as writers, scholars, university lecturers, teachers, publishers, editors, journalists, arts administrators, theatre artistic directors, drama advisors, and translators.

Outline:

• Course Structure: The PhD Theatre Studies (Playwriting) is a research degree, meaning it does not have a set taught structure.
Students are given the freedom to investigate their chosen topic in depth and reach a profound understanding.
• Components: The program consists of one compulsory component:
• Literature - Research (0 Credits):
This module is designed for PhD students to complete the research portions of their theses.
• Modules: The program does not have specific modules, as it is a research-based degree.
• Dissertation: The PhD thesis is typically completed within three to four years and has a length of around 80,000 words.
The thesis is defended in an oral examination with two examiners, at least one from outside Essex.

Assessment:

• Thesis: The primary assessment for the PhD Theatre Studies (Playwriting) is the dissertation, which is a substantial piece of original research and writing.
• Oral Examination: After completing the thesis, students must defend their work in an oral examination with two examiners.

Teaching:

• Supervision: Students are assigned a supervisor who guides them through the different stages of their research degree.
In some cases, students may have joint supervision by two members of staff.
• Supervisory Board Meetings: Twice a year, students have a supervisory board meeting to discuss their progress and agree on plans for the next six months.
• Facilities: Students have access to the Lakeside Theatre, a 200-seat venue on campus, which provides opportunities for students to write or direct new plays, redefine classics, and rediscover neglected masterpieces.

Careers:

• Successful Careers: A number of graduates from the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies have gone on to successful careers as writers, scholars, university lecturers, teachers, publishers, editors, journalists, arts administrators, theatre artistic directors, drama advisors, and translators.

Other:

• Department Staff: The Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies has five full-time staff specializing in areas such as verbatim theatre, performance, world theatre, digital theatre, theatre of testimony, and playwrighting.
• Notable Staff:
• Elizabeth Kuti: Winner of the Susan Blackburn prize for her play 'The Sugar Wife' and has had plays produced in London and on BBC Radio 4.
• Annecy Lax: Associate artist with the company 'Ice and Fire,' where she writes and directs.
'Ice and Fire' specializes in verbatim theatre that centers on Human Rights stories.
• Liam Jarvis: Artistic Director of his own company 'Analogue,' whose work experiments with digital technology in theatre practice.
His work tours internationally and has won a 'Fringe First' at the Edinburgh fringe.
• Mary Mazilli: Works on contemporary Chinese theatre and has published two monographs in this area.
She is also the founder and Creative Director of Lumenis Theatre Company.
• Jonathan Lichtenstein: A playwright whose plays have been performed internationally and is also the recipient of a 'Fringe First'.
It has a studio with an audience capacity of 30 and a main house capacity of 200. Many professional touring companies bring their productions of new plays to the Lakeside Theatre, and there has been a wealth of new work produced by staff and students.

• Home/UK fee £4,786 per year
• International fee £18,750 per year
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.