Introduction to Theatre Studies
Theatre Studies at the University of Melbourne offers students an exciting interdisciplinary environment in which to develop their critical skills, creativity and deep appreciation of the arts. Students can study the whole history of theatre from classical Greek and Roman tragedy and comedy to the multi-media spectacles of the twenty-first century. Integrating theory and practice, subjects are offered across a broad spectrum of performance and include studies in Greek, European, Japanese and Australian theatre, feminist theatre, modern and contemporary theatre, postmodern and postcolonial theatre, theatrical space and light and technology and live art. In addition to subjects taught at the Parkville campus, students can take complementary studies in Germany, the UK, Japan and the United States.
Areas of specialisation for Theatre Studies staff include:
- theatre history
- performance theory and practice (including Stanislavskian, Brechtian, Japanese and Physical Theatre styles)
- dramaturgy
- theatrical space and light
- feminist and gender studies
- genre studies (tragedy, comedy, naturalism and realism)
- avant-garde and live art including installation and site specific performance
- applied theatre (including drama in education and community theatre)
Undergraduates are able to undertake a major in Theatre Studies in their Arts degree. Postgraduate candidates can also explore specialised research areas by undertaking a Masters or PhD degree. Postgraduate research can include theory and practice and we offer co-supervision with the Victorian College of the Arts. The knowledge and skills acquired from a course in this program mean that graduates have distinguished careers in their areas of expertise. Theatre Studies graduates are working in fields including the arts, teaching, communications, media, events management and arts festivals.
The Theatre Studies program has strong links with Union House Theatre, the University of Melbourne Theatre Board, the School of Drama at the Victorian College of the Arts, the Australia Council, Arts Victoria and works with theatres including Malthouse Theatre, Arts House, La Mama and companies such as NYID.
Theatre at the University of Melbourne has a distinguished cohort of alumni including Barry Humphries, Zoe Caldwell, Cate Blanchett, Barrie Kosky, Michael Kantor, Jack Hibberd and Hannie Rayson. A younger generation of graduates includes some of Australia's most innovative theatre makers including Lally Katz, Angus Cerini, Melinda Hetzel, Olivia Crang and Lachlan Plain.