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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.

Apply to enrol

Key information

Study Location:Hamilton
Faculty:

Study Theatre Studies in these qualifications

Study Theatre Studies as a specialisation of

Career opportunities

  • Actor
  • Arts Administrator
  • Director
  • Stage Manager
  • Teacher
  • Theatre Technician

100 Level

Code Paper Title Occurrence / Location
DANCE101Dance, Movement and Culture20B (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.
ENGLI101Adaptations20B (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.
INTLC101International Languages and Cultures20B (Hamilton) & 20G (Online)
A cultural perspectives paper with a thematic focus on languages and cultures of China, France, Japan, Spain and Latin America.
THSTS101The Practice of Theatre20A (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
ENGLI202Shakespeare's Worlds20C (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.
THSTS202Theatre Workshop20B (Hamilton)
An advanced theoretical and practical study of the work of leading contemporary theatre practitioners and actor training methodologies.
THSTS212Developing Text and Action20B (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.
THSTS260Exploring the Physical in Theatre20A (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
THSTS301Play Production20A (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.
THSTS308Creating Theatre20B (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.
THSTS390Directed Study20A (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
THSTS544Embodiment and Performance20B (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.
THSTS560Special Topic: Applied Performance Practice20A (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.
THSTS561Special Topic20B (Hamilton)
No description available.
THSTS590Directed Study20A (Hamilton) & 20B (Hamilton)
Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
THSTS591Dissertation20X (Hamilton)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
THSTS592Dissertation20X (Hamilton)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
THSTS593Theatre Studies Thesis20X (Hamilton)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
THSTS594Theatre Studies Thesis20X (Hamilton)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

800 Level

Code Paper Title Occurrence / Location
THSTS800Theatre Studies MPhil Thesis20X (Hamilton)
No description available.

900 Level

Code Paper Title Occurrence / Location
THSTS900Theatre Studies PhD Thesis20I (Hamilton) & 20X (Hamilton)
No description available.
THSTS901Theatre Studies Creative Practice PhD Thesis20X (Hamilton)
No description available.

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

Find your scholarship

Subject links

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 on phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080 or email: wfass@waikato.ac.nz

Please note: For all graduate subject requirements, check the information provided in the papers section above.

Contacts

School of Arts
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