Theatre Studies
A major in Theatre Studies at Waikato can be a rich and challenging pathway within an Arts degree. It has a wide range of vocational applications within the Performing Arts. This suite of papers leads the student through processes of performance-making.
Waikato's Theatre Studies programme takes a practice-led approach to teaching and learning different aspects of theatre. We encouraging students to explore and develop their performance practice, while thinking through what theatre does and can do in the world.
The papers in the programme provide opportunities for the practical study of performance, although all are underpinned by relevant critical theory. The programme focusses on Theatre as an evolving, living, breathing practice, and places emphasis on the processes of performance, as well as public performances.
Practical tutorials, seminars and rehearsals take place the theatre laboratory space, and the Playhouse Theatre within the University's purpose-built Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, which is also the venue for many of the public performances.
Careers for Theatre Studies graduates include employment within the creative community, such as 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
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