Drama, Theatre and Performance 2019/20 Undergraduate Guide by University of Huddersfield

Undergraduate study

Drama, Theatre and Performance 2019/20

Our trophy cabinet The awards we’ve won don’t just make us feel proud. They give you an idea of what the University is like.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award Huddersfield is a TEF gold-rated institution delivering consistently outstanding teaching and learning of the highest quality found in the UK (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2017).

Global Teaching Excellence Award We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award. It recognised the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (HEA, 2017).

University of the Year The Times Higher Education named us as University of the Year in November 2013. They liked our “bold, imaginative and innovative initiatives.”

Queen’s Anniversary Prize The Queen’s Anniversary Prize is a big thing in UK Higher Education. We were delighted to earn one for our role in expanding global boundaries of new music.

A Four Star University QS Stars has given us four stars. That means we are “highly international, demonstrating excellence in both teaching and research with an excellent environment for students and staff.”

Athena Swan We’re serious about gender equality. We want an equal number of men and women on our science and engineering courses, for instance. Our commitment was recognised in 2015 with the Athena SWAN Bronze Award.

Find out more about our awards at hud.ac.uk/about/our-awards

What’s inside Study with us

4–5 Our courses

Meet us

Apply to us

Hear from Dr Ben Spatz – discovering who you are

Open Days

Flo MacLennan’s student journey so far

6–10

12–13

Welcome to Drama, Theatre and Performance Drama, Theatre and Performance have much to contribute to the way in which we understand and create the world we live in. Studying in the Drama Division at the University of Huddersfield will help you to develop both your practical and your critical skills. All of our staff have extensive experience of working in the field of performance in various contexts and work together to provide the best possible learning experience for you.

We believe that a thorough understanding of the history, theory and discourse of drama, theatre and performance will enhance your practice and our courses provide an integrated mix of both. We also have contacts with many companies and practitioners who contribute to the course by giving performances, running classes, or providing placement opportunities. Nik Taylor Subject Leader

If you are looking for a dynamic, creative and well-resourced environment in which to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of drama, theatre and performance, then this is the place for you. Our courses combine theory and practice with extensive opportunities to perform, direct, and create high-quality productions.

Study with us Lecturers have a genuine open-door policy and really do put their heart and soul into their teaching. Flo MacLennan, Drama BA(Hons)

Check this out! 100% The UK’s only University where all our permanent teaching staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.*

Experience Opportunities to take part in our student-run, award-winning Doodle Theatre Company.

Our flexible courses enable you to study everything from contemporary drama theory to historical performance practice. With us you’ll explore drama from every angle. Whether you’re interested in acting, directing, stage management, technical theatre, or writing – depending on the course you study – you’ll have many opportunities to develop your skills and to blossom in a supportive environment. All of our tutors have worked professionally, so they understand the pressures and challenges of the world you want to go into. They also know what employers are looking for. You’ll have the chance to learn with leading professional practitioners and watch them work. We’ll also get you involved with research seminars, conferences and public workshops. In your first year you’ll join forces with a professional theatre company to create a major production – an intensive two-weeks that could open your eyes

90% In the subject area of Drama, Theatre and Performance we scored 90% for student satisfaction.**

to whole new ways of working. You could also take part in our award-winning Doodle Theatre Company, performing and touring across the UK. If it all sounds pretty special we haven’t even told you about our building yet. Our bespoke converted space houses state-of-the-art facilities including three adaptable studios with sprung floors, and the latest multimedia projection equipment. Just to give you an idea of what’s possible, many of our graduates have gone on to work in the performing arts, award-winning films, television, touring theatre, teaching, and running their own performance companies. If you’ve got the talent and the determination, we’ll help you to succeed whatever route you decide to take. *Permanent staff, after probation: some recently appointed colleagues will only obtain recognition in the months after their arrival in Huddersfield, once they have started teaching. **National Student Satisfaction Survey 2017.

Graduates employed from this course

Drama BA(Hons)

90%* Key information: UCAS code: W440 Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year, 4½-6 years part-time Entry requirements: BBB at A Level including a minimum grade B in a relevant subject, preferably Drama, Theatre or Performance Studies DDM at BTEC in Performing Arts or related area of study 120 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B at A Level in a relevant subject, preferably Drama, Theatre, or Performance Studies Additional criteria: Applicants will be invited to attend a selection-day workshop by way of audition. Some applicants may also be invited to interview. You must show evidence of practical and theoretical interest in drama.

On the course we’ll investigate everything from contemporary theatre to historical performance practice. We’ll give you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge and understanding of all the elements of a performance.

see how the professionals do it – national touring theatre and performance companies regularly visit our region. We aim to make it a rich and inspiring three years for you to develop your creativity and understanding.

All of your lecturers have come from a professional background in drama, theatre and performance. There’s constant activity taking place, including productions put on by the staff and students, visits from distinguished practitioners like Professor Sir Patrick Stewart, John Britton, Andrew Morrish and Nicolás Núñez, and opportunities to work with internationally known companies like Slung Low, IOU Productions and Northern Broadsides.

We give you the chance to realise your ambitions and go on to work in the theatre, performing arts, media and education. Previous students have gone to work for BBC drama, ITV, Channel 4, BBC 6 Music, The Royal National Theatre, The Old Vic, Lawrence Batley Theatre and Point Blank Theatre Company.

On the course you’ll have the chance to work with a professional theatre company, collaborating with fellow students and professionals to put on a major performance. While you’re here you’ll also be able to go to

Luke Pearson graduated from Drama BA(Hons) in 2014 and is now Project Manager at Proper Job Theatre Company

* Percentage of graduates from this course who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15 and 2015/16 aggregated).

“Since graduating, as well as securing my current role I have completed my MA (Res). I continue to make and produce work to take on tour with my own theatre company, which I started with friends in my second year. It’s a brilliant university – all the lecturers have years of professional experience as academics, performers, and directors, and allow you to really hone your skills. The course content was excellent – it was really varied, which meant there was always something new with lots of opportunities to make and perform our own work.”

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Graduates employed from these subjects

85– 89%*

Drama and English Language BA(Hons)

DM at BTEC in Performing Arts or related subject and a minimum grade B at A Level in English

On the course we’ll give you the chance to gain a deep understanding of contemporary approaches to drama, alongside English language. You’ll have the opportunity to work with internationally renowned theatre companies. Recent partners have included Slung Low, IOU Productions and Northern Broadsides. Professor Sir Patrick Stewart, John Britton, Andrew Morrish and Nicolás Núñez have all visited the department and worked with our students.

120 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B at A Level in two related subjects, preferably in Drama, Theatre or Performance Studies and English

We want to help you draw on your own creativity to produce intelligent, thoughtful and innovative work. We’ll encourage you to develop principles and approaches that could carry you through your chosen career and help you reach your full potential.

Key information: UCAS code: W401 Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBB at A Level including a minimum grade B in two relevant subjects, preferably Drama, Theatre or Performance Studies and English

On the English-language side of the course, we’ll cover a broad range of topics in English language and linguistics, all with the aim of furthering your understanding and helping you gain useful and transferable skills. We’ll look at literary and linguistic approaches to texts and interaction to help you build your analytical and interpretive abilities. In your second year, you’ll also have the opportunity to take a placement for 5 weeks, looking at ‘Language in the Workplace.’ You’ll have the chance to see how the language skills you’ve learnt on the course can be applied to communication in the working environment.

Additional criteria: Applicants will be invited to attend a selection-day workshop by way of audition. Some applicants may also be invited to interview. You must show evidence of practical and theoretical interest in drama.

Daniella Ryalls graduated from Drama BA(Hons) in 2016 * Percentage of graduates from these subject areas at Huddersfield who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15 and 2015/16 aggregated).

“My degree at Huddersfield has benefited me in my area of work more than I can put into words. When I started, I was sure that I wanted to go into acting but the course has opened my eyes to new opportunities. I am now completing a vocational course in Stage Management in Edinburgh, a course where only 15 people are accepted a year. And I owe it all to the tutors at Huddersfield.”

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Graduates employed from these subjects

85– 89%*

Key information: UCAS code: W402 Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBB at A Level including a minimum grade B in two relevant subjects, preferably Drama, Theatre or Performance Studies and English DM at BTEC in Performing Arts or related subject and a minimum grade B at A Level in English 120 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B at A Level in two related subjects, preferably in Drama, Theatre or Performance Studies and English Additional criteria: Applicants will be invited to attend a selection-day workshop by way of audition. Some applicants may also be invited to interview. You must show evidence of practical and theoretical interest in drama.

* Percentage of graduates from these subject areas at Huddersfield who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15 and 2015/16 aggregated).

Drama and English Literature BA(Hons)

On the course you’ll be able to look at contemporary approaches to drama in great depth, while studying English Literature. Our links with theatre companies like Slung Low, IOU Productions and Northern Broadsides mean you’ll be able to work alongside internationally known companies. You could also meet and work with guests like Professor Sir Patrick Stewart, John Britton, Andrew Morrish and Nicolás Núñez. We want to help you draw on your own creativity to produce intelligent, thoughtful and innovative work. We’ll encourage you to develop principles and approaches that could carry you through your chosen career and help you reach your full potential.

In your English-literature studies, you’ll study some of the most renowned writing, along with some lesser-known but equally inspiring works. You’ll have the chance to develop an understanding of the major movements of prose and poetry, and we’ll focus on building your analytical skills to help you assess, question, debate and persuade. They’re all skills that employers are looking for. While you’re here you will go and see how the professionals do it. National touring theatre and performance companies regularly perform in Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre, as well as venues in nearby Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. We aim to make it a rich and inspiring three years for you to develop your creativity and understanding.

Melissa Sert, Drama and English Literature BA(Hons), on her first-year production “Working with the well-established theatre company, Duende on a two-week professional production was an extremely rewarding experience. Being able to work with incredible practitioners like John Britton was amazing.”

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Graduates employed from these subjects

85– 89%*

Key information: UCAS code: W4Q3 Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBB at A Level including a minimum grade B in two relevant subjects, preferably Drama, Theatre Studies or Performing Arts and English DDM at BTEC in Performing Arts or related area of study 120 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B at A Level in two relevant subjects, preferably Drama, Theatre Studies, or Performing Arts and English Additional criteria: Applicants will be invited to attend a selection-day workshop by way of audition and submit a small creative-writing portfolio. Some applicants may also be invited to interview. You must show evidence of practical and theoretical interest in drama.

Drama with Creative Writing BA(Hons)

You’ll be encouraged to develop your writing across a whole range of creative media, including theatre, film, television and radio as well as fiction and poetry. We’ll also give you the chance to study contemporary approaches to drama. Our links with Slung Low, IOU Productions and Northern Broadsides mean you’ll be able to work alongside internationally known companies. You could also meet and work with practitioners like Professor Sir Patrick Stewart, John Britton, Andrew Morrish and Nicolás Núñez. On the drama side of the course, we will give you the chance to explore your own creativity to produce intelligent, thoughtful and innovative work. We’ll encourage you to explore approaches to drama, and work with you to fine-tune your skills and help you develop, both practically and intellectually. We’ll give you the chance to reach your full potential.

In your creative-writing modules, you’ll be working with tutors, many of whom are published and performed writers. They’ll encourage you to get writing and give you useful feedback to help you progress. You’ll have the chance to understand what makes great writing, which could be invaluable in your own work, and help you find a career in a number of professions too. On the course you’ll have the chance to work with a professional theatre company, getting you collaborating with other students and professionals to put on a major performance.

Kathryn Blackburn graduated from Drama BA(Hons) in 2016 “Throughout the course I gained a lot of experience working with professional theatre companies. I developed many essential skills and gained insight into how real companies create and develop work. This has had a lasting impact on how I work and create theatre today.”

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Graduates employed from these subjects

Fılm Studies and Drama

Key information: UCAS code: PW43 Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year

On your course you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules in both film and drama. You can build up a strong foundation in both subjects before moving on to what really fascinates you.

But it’s not all theory. We’ll also give you the chance to try your hand at filmmaking too. If you choose one of our documentary filmmaking modules you could get behind the camera and start exploring.

Studying film, we’ll look at a wide range of cinematic forms. From the latest Hollywood blockbuster through to challenging avant-garde works, you’ll be able to study a rich and varied selection of genres. We’ll also look at topics like national cinemas, and the work of individual filmmakers. You could look at adaptation – how great works of literature are adapted to the big screen.

On the drama side of the course, we’ll look at both theory and practice. We aim to give you a thorough grounding in drama techniques, approaches to developing performance, and to give you opportunities to perform yourself. It’s all about giving you the chance to develop your own skills, helping you produce intelligent, thoughtful, and innovative work.

89– 92%*

Entry requirements: BBC at A Level including a minimum grade B in a relevant subject, preferably Drama, Theatre or Performance Studies DMM at BTEC preferably in a Drama or English subject 112 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B at A Level in a related subject, preferably Drama, Theatre or Performance Studies

BA(Hons)

Olivia Handley, Film Studies and Drama BA(Hons) * Percentage of graduates from these subject areas at Huddersfield who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15 and 2015/16 aggregated).

“The variety of modules allows me to dive into different aspects of both film and drama. There is real diversity, from practitioners in drama to Marxist views in media and popular culture. In the future I would like to use what I have learnt in drama whether that be on stage or screen. I have learnt so much on my degree – it has opened so many doors for me to explore my aspirations and dreams.”

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Meet our staff

Discovering who you are

Dr Ben Spatz Lecturer – Drama, Theatre and Performance Caught between his love of performing and enjoyment of reading and writing, Ben struggled to find a career path which would satisfy both impulses. “For a long time I couldn’t find a situation in which I could be physically and vocally active and also intellectually stimulated – until I discovered academic theatre departments.” Originally from Massachusettes, Ben has lived in New York City, Poland and Germany, but describes Huddersfield as “a great home for me.”

Here you can really focus on discovering what kind of theatre you want to make. Starting out in musicals and summer-camp acts, Ben explains, “I started to understand what is most important to me in theatre. It is not the fancy lighting, big sets or dramatic scripts, it’s about discovering who you are and what it means to be human through combining body, voice, memory and imagination.” In talking about his area of expertise Ben explains, “First, using physical exercises, games, songs and character-based scenarios, I teach people how to develop precise performances that become more and more dynamic. Second, I help people understand the importance of embodied knowledge in performing arts.” So, why should people choose to study drama at Huddersfield? According to Ben, “We are a team with diverse interests and truly care about our students. We have a wonderful drama building with five beautiful studio spaces. Essentially, you can come here and really focus on discovering what kind of theatre you want to make.”

My student journey so far

Flo MacLennan Drama BA(Hons)

Flo knew Huddersfield was the university for her after coming to an Open Day and meeting the lecturers, “They were so welcoming and even reassured my mum that I would be in good hands. They have a genuine open-door policy and really do put their heart and soul into their teaching. There is a mutual respect which makes it feel more like a family than a student-lecturer relationship.” Talking about the course, she explains, “A lot of courses focus on individual styles and genres, but here you study every aspect of theatre and performance with an even balance of theory and practice.”

Here you study every aspect of theatre and performance with an even balance of theory and practice.

“The lecturers take on board whatever you have to say or want to try and with their diverse range of specialisms they open up your mind to new ideas. I started out wanting to go into teaching but now I have discovered I love directing and that is what I would like to pursue as a career.” Flo loves the drama facilities: “The Sir Patrick Stewart building is an amazing place for us to study and there is never a shortage of space to rehearse and perform.” “By far my most memorable moment was taking part in the two-week intensive project where we worked with international theatre company Duende. We spent two weeks working on a production based on George Orwell’s 1984. It gave us the opportunity to experience working in the industry and I felt so proud when our families came to watch the final performance.”

To hear Flo talk about her student journey visit hud.ac/profiles

We hope you’ve found all the information you need to inspire you to become a student here at Huddersfield. Now all you need to do is apply.

Apply to us UCAS If this is your first (undergraduate) degree and you want to study a full-time course, then you’ll apply via UCAS at ucas.com If you’re at a college or school right now, it’s probably already registered with UCAS. The best thing to do is ask your teacher or careers adviser to help with your application. Once you’ve applied we’ll keep in touch with you throughout the application process, so you’re up to speed with what’s 1 going on.

Our course codes You have to enter the code for the course you want to study on your application form. You can find our course codes on each of the course pages in this brochure, or on the UCAS website. By the way, the institution code for Huddersfield is HUDDS H60. Selection Days For all of our courses you will be asked to attend a selection-day workshop. If you are invited to a selection day, we’ll let you know what we expect you to bring with you.

When to apply If you want to start your course in September 2019, you can apply to UCAS any time from 1 September 2018 onwards. Please make sure UCAS receives your application by 15 January 2019.

Contact us Got a question? Get in touch with us. Tel. +44 (0)1484 478455 Email. drama@hud.ac.uk @Dramahudds dramahuddersfield

Important Information This brochure is provided for information only and will not form part of your student contract. For full, up to date details on our courses, including when and how that information may change, visit our website at www.courses.hud.ac.uk

Open Days Everything starts now

2018

Saturday 30 June Saturday 22 September Saturday 20 October Wednesday 7 November Friday 30 November

Book a place hud.ac.uk/open-days 15

University of Huddersfield Queensgate Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD1 3DH UK Tel. +44 (0)1484 422288 Email. askhud@hud.ac.uk www.hud.ac.uk

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