BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance

The BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance (GY118)

‌‌‌‌The denominated BA degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies allows you to combine specialist knowledge of the area with one other subject from the general Arts degree. Popular choices include English, Psychology, Legal Studies and many others. 

All of the classes are small (max 25 students), providing students with an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

INFORMATION AND STUDENT HANDBOOKS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS 2020-2021

1BDT Handbook 20.21

2BDT1 Handbook 20.21

3BDT1 Handbook 20.21

4BDT1 Handbook 20.21

Information for Prospective Students

MODULES AND STRUCTURE: BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance (GY118)

 The BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance runs for four years. 

 In first year, students take Drama and TWO other Arts subjects (e.g. English, French, Psychology, Philosophy, etc etc).

 In second year, students take Drama and continue with ONE of their Arts subjects.

 In third year, students ONLY do Drama.

 In fourth year, students do Drama and their ONE other Arts subject, graduating with a degree in Drama and that one other subject.

 What other subjects do students usually take?

Popular choices include:

• Drama and English
• Drama and Psychology
• Drama and Legal Studies
• Drama and a continental European language (French, Italian, Spanish or German)
• Drama and Irish

 But a wide range of other options are available!

 Structure of the Degree

The programme involves following a set of core modules (classes taken by all students) that aim to provide all students with a strong grounding in the key areas of Drama and Theatre Studies. These are complemented by optional modules and by opportunities to appear in productions.

 First Year

Students study

• Acting
• Theatre Histories (classroom and practice-based learning)
• Stagecraft (introduction to theatre technology, design, and related topics)

 Second Year

Students study

• Modern Drama
• Contemporary Theatre
• Stagecraft 2
• Irish Theatre
• Playwriting
• Performance

 All six modules involve practice-based and classroom-based learning.

 Third Year

In third year, students engage in intensive study in Drama and Theatre Studies. They do not take their other degree subject during this period.

 Students have opportunities to audition or interview to participate in a production; this usually happen in the second semester.

In the first semester, students take one of the following activities:

• Internship (work experience with a professional theatre company, usually 4-6 weeks, with critical reflection component)
• International exchange (US, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Spain).
• Optional modules (areas often include Musical Theatre, Writing for Theatre and Children’s Theatre.)

In the second semester, students take one of the following options:

• Production with full-time director
• Internship (work experience with a professional theatre company, usually 4-6 weeks, with critical reflection component)
• International exchange (US, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Spain)
• Independent study.

Final Year

In the final year, students are working towards the creation of their own independent theatre project, and will be taking classes that are specially prepared for employment after graduation. Modules include:

• Contemporary Irish theatre (learning about the professional theatre sector in Ireland today)
• Arts management (practical skills for running your own company)
• Advanced theatre project (working towards the creation of your own new work)
• Performance Studies (practice-based class).