Course summary
Are you a maker? An artist? An activist? Do you feel you need to do something in reaction to a deep crisis in the future of humanity, to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty? Are you longing for a space of discussion which brings together artists, scholars, and activists to create new types of cultural productions that transcend, rather than merely criticise, the status quo? Then MA Contemporary Performance Practices may be where your ideas belong. Contemporary Performance Practices breaks traditional disciplinary borders to explore how performance can help us respond to social, environmental, and ecological changes and challenges. The Programme provides a unique and tailored education to prepare graduates for new opportunities within the performing arts industry. The curriculum centres on a dynamic blend of critical, practice-based engagement with performance across artistic genres and disciplines; from experimental theatre, music, dance and community-based practices, to live art, interactive and participatory performance, sound art, and installation. You will be immersed in a variety of ideas, approaches and forms, and, at the same time have ample opportunities to focus on your own area of interest. Throughout the programme you will explore cutting-edge and interdisciplinary approaches to performance-making and develop original work leading to your final dissertational project which will be a unique performance on a specific area of enquiry.
Modules
Cultures of Performance Develop knowledge of key critical theory as related to performance and encourage student to apply theoretical concepts and methods to performance making. Enable students to incorporate theoretical discussion into their own inquiries as performers including the cultural specificity of their own performance practices. Furnish students with theories of representation and difference in the analysis and presentation of performance. Critique, analyse and deconstruct representations of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, nationality and (dis)ability in relationship to each other in performance contexts. Foster critical thinking and encourage students to pursue independent critical theory research and apply it to their own practical work. Contemporary Performance Making This module will introduce you to the field of contemporary performance practices and methodologies. Throughout the term, you will explore a range theoretical and practical skills required to conceive, devise and produce a collaborative performance. Indicative topics of study include: interdisciplinary composition; participatory and immersive practices; site specific/responsive performance; and digital performance. Artistic Leadership This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore their potential career aspirations as cultural and creative entrepreneurs and leaders in the current national and international environment for the arts. You will develop knowledge, skills, and attributes in successfully acting as cultural and creative entrepreneurs and leaders. Research Methods in Creative Practice To critically assess the application of social, historical, cultural and textual research methods to creative cultural products. To facilitate the development of the practical skills necessary for the implementation of a research style for creative cultural projects and related written material. To integrate theory with production To further develop individual production skills To develop research, planning and organisational skills Mental Wealth: Practitioners and Praxis This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop an innovative practice as research methodology based on a strand of applied theatre research and to pursue self-initiated research based on an area of your choice leading to an outward-facing project. You will also produce and learn about the following: Digital profiles Artist / practitioner statements Funding Producing Running a theatre company Community/audience engagement Performance Platform The aims of the module are to: Provide you with the opportunity to pursue self-initiated work, which demonstrates a critical understanding of the approaches, practices and knowledge acquired earlier in the course. Develop an advanced understanding of research methodology and project management for production-based work. Provide you with the opportunity to develop production work to a high creative and technical standard. Produce a written component that is based on critical reflection.
Assessment method
Coursework will include practical outcomes (e.g. individual or group-based performances; performative presentations, documentations, or artefacts; films/video-art; installations; and other performance based work) and written assignments (e.g. reflective portfolios; funding applications; abstracts of your work; website/digital profile). Assessment breakdown: 60% practical 40% written coursework You’ll always receive written or audio feedback outlining strengths and points for further development. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree with minimum Upper Second Class (2:1) or equivalent in Theatre/Performance Studies; Dance/Choreography; Music/Composition. We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of East London
Docklands Campus
4-6 University Way
Newham
E16 2RD
Course contact details
Visit our course pageApplicant Relations Team
0208 223 3333