Course summary

MA Applied Theatre: Community, Education, Wellbeing is a postgraduate course designed for those passionate about using theatre and drama to make a difference in society. This course focuses on how participatory practice can be used in community, education, and wellbeing settings to create positive change. If you’re interested in exploring how theatre can be a tool for improving the lives of individuals and communities, this course could be for you. Applied theatre is a modern concept in theatre history, referring to theatre and drama processes that are both participatory and purposeful. Unlike traditional theatre, where the audience is a passive observer, applied theatre involves active participation, aiming to bring about social, educational, and personal transformation. This type of theatre can be used in various contexts, from schools to community centres, hospitals to prisons, and theatres to homes. Theatre for social change is a key focus, using theatre approaches to explore important issues like inequality, health, and education. Within this we address social justice, inclusivity and equity in applied theatre spaces and beyond with an exploration of critical facilitation approaches, ethical inquiry and power dynamics in creative spaces. Resulting in the development of work that has the potential to impact individual lives, communities and to influence wider social norms and cultural values. The course is perfect for a range of students. If you’re a graduate in performing arts, education, or youth work, with a passion for social change, you’ll find this course especially relevant. It’s also ideal if you’re an emerging or experienced theatre practitioner looking to expand your skills and confidence in participatory settings and consolidate your work with deep reflective practice or a creative educator wanting to incorporate applied theatre approaches into your teaching. You will engage with both theory and practice throughout the course, with opportunities to explore global theatre practices and inclusive theatre. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to use theatre in ways that are socially conscious and aimed at making a positive impact on communities.