Theatre Studies
A major in Theatre Studies at Waikato is a rich and challenging pathway to an arts degree with a wide range of vocational applications. Explore performance, and learn about the evolution of theatre and the creation of performance works.
Waikato's Theatre Studies programme takes a theory-through-practice approach to teaching and learning the art of theatre. We take the live encounter of a theatre performance as our starting point, encouraging you to explore and extend your own dramatic practice.
Many papers in the programme provide opportunities for the practical study of performance, while others examine the theories that have shaped and informed theatre over the ages. Two papers have public performances at their core, with the study process mirroring the creative process of page-to-stage, or idea-to-stage, that results in the performance. You'll learn about, and potentially add to, New Zealand's rich array of theatrical forms, established and traditional, and new and experimental.
Practical tutorials, seminars and rehearsals take place the theatre laboratory space, the New Place Theatre/Te Tapere Hou, and the Playhouse Theatre within the University's purpose-built Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, which is also the venue for public performances.
Careers for Theatre Studies graduates include employment within community and professional theatres, local arts councils, schools, film production companies, and arts agencies such as Creative New Zealand and New Zealand On Air.
Key information
| Study Location: | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Faculty: |
Study Theatre Studies in these qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies (China only)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Māori and Pacific Development
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Study Theatre Studies as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies (China only)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Māori and Pacific Development
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Career opportunities
- Actor
- Arts Administrator
- Director
- Stage Manager
- Teacher
- Theatre Technician
Papers
Available Theatre Studies papers
Prescriptions for the GradCert(TheatSt) and GradDip(TheatSt)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Theatre Studies at an advanced level in their first degree.
For further details, contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Office.
Prescriptions for the PGCert(TheatSt), PGDip(TheatSt), BA(Hons) and MA
To be eligible for enrolment in graduate Theatre Studies papers, a student should normally have at least a B average in the best three of their 300 level Theatre Studies papers. Honours students will be required to complete a minimum of 90 points from THSTS coded papers.
To complete a BA(Hons) in Theatre Studies, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally THSTS591) and at least 60 points from THST coded papers listed for Theatre Studies.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA in Theatre Studies, a student should have completed either:
a) a BA with a major in Theatre Studies (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
b) a BA(Hons) in Theatre Studies (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division).
Completion requirements for the MA in Theatre Studies vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including a research foundations paper, and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.
Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
Prescriptions for the PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE101 | Dance, Movement and Culture | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides practical experience with different forms of dance, an introduction to choreography, and a critical examination of how dance is influenced by societal and cultural issues. | ||
| ENGLI101 | Adaptations | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores the art of adaptation, examining the process of transformation that occurs when creative artists reimagine and retell stories in new ways and new media. | ||
| INTLC101 | International Languages and Cultures | 20B (Hamilton) & 20G (Online) |
| A cultural perspectives paper with a thematic focus on languages and cultures of China, France, Japan, Spain and Latin America. | ||
| THSTS101 | The Practice of Theatre | 20A (Hamilton) |
| A practical/theory paper introducing theatre as an ongoing, integrated practice, deeply rooted in time and place. Through examining some of the major theatrical movements, viewing live and mediated performance and practical performance exercises, students engage with theatre as a living, growing practice. | ||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLI202 | Shakespeare's Worlds | 20C (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores Shakespeare's worlds in performance and in print, examining his plays and poems in the context of the dynamic cultural outputs from many other Renaissance artists. | ||
| THSTS202 | Theatre Workshop | 20B (Hamilton) |
| An advanced theoretical and practical study of the work of leading contemporary theatre practitioners and actor training methodologies. | ||
| THSTS212 | Developing Text and Action | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops performance and writing for performance skills. Using techniques based on contemporary/postdramatic methods in theatre and performance, students will engage with the creation and performance of new theatrical work, leading to assessment. | ||
| THSTS260 | Exploring the Physical in Theatre | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper charts the use of the term 'physical theatre', providing an overview of the areas of debate in the field. Workshops are contextualised by theoretical readings exploring the landscape from which the term emerged. | ||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| THSTS301 | Play Production | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops the relationship between a conceptual and a pragmatic understanding of theatre by mounting a play for public performance. Students form an ensemble group and contribute to all aspects of the production process; research, rehearsal, props, marketing. | ||
| THSTS308 | Creating Theatre | 20B (Hamilton) |
| A practical paper, supported by theory and research, which utilises performance techniques to develop, devise and create a public performance at the end of the semester. Students will contribute to all aspects of the production process. | ||
| THSTS390 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton) & 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper offers students the opportunity to undertake advanced research on a specific topic within Theatre Studies. | ||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| THSTS544 | Embodiment and Performance | 20B (Hamilton) |
| Advanced practical and theoretical study of interdisciplinary perspectives on embodiment and performance for theatre studies and dance. Creative practice research methodology and qualitative methods will be discussed and applied in workshops. | ||
| THSTS560 | Special Topic: Applied Performance Practice | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces the nature, contexts and purposes of applied performance practice. Students will explore how performance practices can be used as a tool for critical enquiry, empowerment and social change. | ||
| THSTS561 | Special Topic | 20B (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
| THSTS590 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton) & 20B (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | ||
| THSTS591 | Dissertation | 20X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| THSTS592 | Dissertation | 20X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| THSTS593 | Theatre Studies Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| THSTS594 | Theatre Studies Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| THSTS800 | Theatre Studies MPhil Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
900 Level
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Subject links
Subject Requirements
For more information about subject requirements please refer to the catalogue of papers for the most up to date information.
For more information about subject requirements please refer to the catalogue of papers for the most up to date information. If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone:
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.
Contacts
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4922
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: thst-fass@waikato.ac.nz
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: thst-grad@waikato.ac.nz