You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a Theatre and Performance related degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'Theatre and Performance related subjects'.
We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in theatre and performance or coming from an area of expertise to which theatre and performance is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.
All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.
Theatre and Performance related subjects
You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region .
This course is centred on the belief that applied theatre has the ability to create individual, community and social change. As a student on the course you will explore the application of theatre practice as a tool to effect social change. You will also develop your own practice with a specific focus on the role of the facilitator in community contexts. You will have opportunities to apply your learning through workshops and practice-led research.
In addition to this, your practice will be supported with expert guidance from established practitioners. The course aims to introduce students to the wide array of practices that form applied theatre including Theatre in Education, Theatre with Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Intergenerational Theatre and Theatre for Development. As well as practice, you will investigate current issues, debates and theories around applied theatre in diverse contexts such as education, health and mental health, community work and the criminal justice system. You’ll gain a critical understanding of issues relating to applied theatre such as ethics, boundaries and evaluation, alongside structures of good practice in workshop and project planning.
Facilitation training is a core element of the master’s degree. You will undertake facilitation training as part of your induction process to the course, and one-to-one support will be offered throughout the year by staff with expertise in theatre for social change. Leading practitioners from the field will also hold sessions throughout the year to share their experiences, practices and learning. Leeds has a thriving applied theatre scene, and we have partnerships with many organisations that are engaged in applied theatre practice including Leeds Playhouse, Mind the Gap, Mafwa Theatre, and Fall into Place. We also work closely with local institutions like schools, hospitals, and Leeds City Council, as well as a range of third sector organisations. You will have the opportunity to deliver a project in collaboration with an external partner, allowing you to focus on a particular form of applied theatre practice and its implementation.
Additional highlights Our greatest resource is our links with the local community. Partnership working is fundamental to applied theatre, and the unique requests and needs of our community partners inspire and shape our work with them. Whilst celebrating the word class facilities on-campus, you will be encouraged to be working off campus with local theatre companies and community groups to practise what is being studied in the workshop space.
Our School is based in stage@leeds , a purpose-built landmark building that sits at the heart of campus. As our student, you’ll have access to its two professional standard, publicly licensed theatres: the main space seats 180 and is equipped with the latest technologies, and the theatre studio provides a technically advanced performance research facility. stage@leeds hosts a range of work by students and visiting theatre companies all year round. Within the building you’ll also find rehearsal rooms, two black-box studios, costume construction and wardrobe stores, a design studio, a scenic workshop, computer aided design facilities and video-editing and sound recording.