Theatre Studies is available on the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [SE200] and can be taken as a Major element on the Joint Honours Degree.
This is the first course of this kind in the South‐East and is unique to SETU. The course will introduce students to the practice and performance of theatre as well as to the academic study of the area. Students will study major plays from Ireland and abroad, but also will have the opportunity to participate in workshops where they can act, direct, and produce their own work as well as the work of major playwrights. The emphasis in the course is on practical application and the course will offer students the opportunity to work within a “studio” environment. The course builds on strong partnerships with local and regional theatre groups who lend their support to the development and enrichment of the programme.
There is a strong emphasis on theatre in performance and on practical theatre workshops, with a focus on developing a critical understanding of distinct plays and examining the performance challenges.
First years take two introductory modules to explore the study of Theatre introducing them to the foundations of the subject area while also undertaking two modules to explore the study of the Irish national theatre and a selection of important plays from around the world.
In second and third year, students continue to be exposed to performance‐related questions through a consideration of performance aspects of selected plays by Shakespeare and of site‐specific theatre and, in the final year, by developing a text for performance and producing that play. There are also modules on theatre theory, history and on the theatre as an industry. A module on the theatre of the South‐East is offered as an elective in the final year.
The emphasis throughout the Theatre Studies programme is on exposing students to the widest possible range of current and recent work in performance; site visits to theatres and productions will be a vital part of the programme.
Students undertaking Theatre Studies can apply to participate in Study Abroad, adding an additional year to their degree and graduating with a BA (Hons) International. All students are supported by a SETU Academic Advisor to ensure the study abroad experience will complement their degree subjects and enrich their professional and personal experiences.
Students of Theatre Studies also take other subjects as part of their degree. This exposes students to other disciplines and ways of thinking and there is a strong emphasis in SETU on encouraging dialogue between subject areas. Students are supported in developing study, writing, critical and creative thinking and research skills; these skills form the foundation for future years and are highly valued by employers.
For more information email [email protected]
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Theatre Studies 1 | Introduction to Theatre Studies 2 |
| Plays that Changed the World | Irish National Theatre |
| Subject 2 Module 1 | Subject 2 Module 3 |
| Subject 2 Module 2 | Subject 2 Module 4 |
| Subject 3 Module 1 | Subject 3 Module 3 |
| Subject 3 Module 2 | Subject 3 Module 4 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Creating the Theatrical Text 1 | Creating the Theatrical Text 2 |
| Brecht, Artaud & Stanislavski | Resourcing the Arts |
| Performing Theory | Women and Performance |
| Subject 2 Module 5 | Subject 2 Module 8 |
| Subject 2 Module 6 | Subject 2 Module 9 |
| Subject 2 Module 7 | Subject 2 Module 10 |
| Year 3 / Final Year |
|---|
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Creating the Theatrical Text 3 | Creating the Theatrical Text 4 |
1 elective will be studied from: Drama and Theatre Education (elective)* Murphy, Friel, McGuinness (elective)* Professional Development in the Creative Arts | 2 electives will be studied from: Theatre of the South East (elective)* Modern Drama (elective)* Contemporary Theatre & Performance (elective)* Independent Literary Study (elective)* |
| Subject 2 Module 11 | Subject 2 Module 14 |
| Subject 2 Module 12 | Subject 2 Module 15 |
| Subject 2 Module 13 | Subject 2 Module 16 |
*Electives will be decided in advance of academic year; subject to Department guidelines.
Employment opportunities for Theatre Studies graduates are as varied as the students who undertake the subject. Small group teaching and the practical application of a range of performance, creative, interdisciplinary, and collaborative skills build competencies in communicating, teamwork, leadership, analytical, and critical skills. We look to our graduates to inspire, direct, challenge, and influence matters of social and political life through their commitment to activism and ethical, sustainable social change. When articulated in this way, employers readily see the value and employability of this vast range of skills. Past students have gained employment as theatre practitioners, actors, teachers, and arts facilitators in various professional and community settings, whilst others have pursued postgraduate studies in drama and theatre studies, teacher education, or allied subjects such as archival and library information studies. From September 2024, Drama, Theatre, and Film Studies, one of the new Leaving Certificate subjects, will be offered to some schools, nationwide. Students who take Theatre Studies as part of the BA (Hons.) Arts at SETU will be well-placed to further develop their subject knowledge and skills as part of a post-graduate teacher education qualification and/or offer their expertise to post-primary schools as theatre practitioners and drama and theatre facilitators.
BA (Hons) international Students can chose to study a four year BA (Hons) international degree which include study abroad for year 3. Students will then return to SETU in year 4.
Opt-in BA (Hons) International: Study Abroad/ Year 3
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| 30 ECTS: Study Abroad | 30 ECTS: Study Abroad |