Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy

In this Master's programme we focus on new and interdisciplinary forms of theatre, dance and dramaturgy. We are interested in how performance and choreography respond to current societal phenomena, how this leads to new artistic forms and strategies and new modes of storytelling. We will teach you how to critically reflect and write about these developments.

Individual specialisation and practical orientation

The first semester brings you up to date with the latest trends and topics, the second semester is for individual specialisation. The unique characteristic of the programme in Utrecht is the focus on contemporary, hybrid practices and the possibility to focus on dance and dance dramaturgy. The part-time option allows you to complete the full-time programme over two years instead of one.   

Fully taught in English, this Master’s programme takes an academic approach to contemporary performance. We closely collaborate with the field of theatre and dance in the Netherlands and Flanders. You will get acquainted with state-of-the-art theory yet we are also oriented towards the practice of theatre and dance. This is exemplified by the focus on dramaturgy, an internship in the second semester and the many opportunities to meet with practitioners. 

Why this programme in Utrecht?

A diverse and international community

Every year, our programme attracts a lot of people with very different backgrounds and ideas about what theatre is. This will not only give you more insight in the concept of theatre in other countries, but it will also let you critically reflect on your own topic of research. 

This programme welcomes both international students as well as students with a Dutch Bachelor's degree in art and culture studies, but also arts professionals who wish to enrich their practice through academic research. The academic DNA of our Master's students preferably consists of reflexivity, curiosity, open-mindedness, commitment, initiative and affinity with writing.

Internationally renowned staff

Our academic staff is outstanding and internationally renowned. Our professors are, amongst others, chair of the Acting Like a Robot research project, a core convenor of the interdisciplinary Performance Philosophy research network, convener of the MOCO24 conference, two co-founders of Platform-Scenography and a co-convener of the Urban Interfaces research group.

After graduation

Since the workfield is multifaceted and comprises both larger and smaller companies as well as public and private initiatives, many alumni combine various jobs - for instance, dramaturge and writer or programmer and artistic advisor. 

I really value how the programme gave me the awareness of dramaturgy as a lens, an analytical mindset that allows me to approach postdramatic and interdisciplinary theater and dance practices with relevant concepts and a material sensibility.