Theatre Studies

The Theatre Studies Master’s programme focuses on contemporary theatre and dance studies. Students of this Master’s degree programme approach contemporary theatre and dance from an intermedial, interdisciplinary, intercultural and international perspective. From its very beginning, theatre has been an interdisciplinary art form. This is particularly true of contemporary practice: hybrid projects that approach and transcend the borders of theatre, dance, visual arts, music, media and daily life no longer exist on the fringe of experimentation, but rather function as the core activities of minor and major companies; theatre and dance are inextricably linked with other media that shape our reality; and theatre and dance extend beyond the theatre’s walls and inject themselves into our daily lives. This demands an approach that studies theatre and dance as intermedial phenomena and that addresses the interrelationships of these phenomena, the audience and the socio-cultural context.

The Master’s degree

A tremendous diversity of forms, increasing internationalisation and a high degree of reflexivity/self-reflexivity are characteristic of contemporary theatre and dance. They are constantly being influenced by society, and by developments in the world of theatre, dance and the other art disciplines. This complex interrelationship is the primary focus of the Theatre Studies Master’s degree.

An English-language degree programme, our Master’s programme takes an academic approach to theatre and dance, but also like to keep abreast of current practice in theatre and dance. We explore it, pose questions and surprise ourselves: why this, why here, why now, and for what purpose? How can we understand what we see happening in theatre and dance? How can we place this in a cultural-historical context? How can we analyse, interpret and make our own contributions to the continual evolution of theatre and dance? What can theatre tell us about society? How can theatre inform and shape society?

The Master’s degree programme is offered in close collaboration with the Faculty of Theatre of the Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU). In addition, the programme draws on an extensive network of national and international contacts in the world of theatre and dance practice, education and scholarship. Dramaturges, theatre and dance makers, programmers and other professionals from the world of theatre and dance are regular guests in our teaching programme and Why Theatre? lecture series. Conversely, members of staff of Theatre Studies are active in theatre and dance practice as dramaturges, researchers, and organizers of events. Through their practical work they can open doors for the mandatory work placements of our Master’s students.