Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy

Individual specialisation

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.

Research topics

Our research focus areas include:

• dance, embodiment, and corporeal literacy
• theory and practice of dramaturgy
• performance and public space, (urban) scenography
• intermediality and new modes of storytelling
• relationships between the performing arts and visual culture

PART-TIME

The part-time option allows you to complete the full-time programme over two years instead of one.  

Practical orientation

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. 

After graduation

• You will be acquainted with the latest developments in theatre, dance and dramaturgy, and with affiliated contemporary critical and theoretical approaches.
• You have gained experience in dramaturgy, drawing from theoretical texts on academic perspectives and the actual practice of theatre and dance dramaturgy.
• You will know how trends in actual practice relate to recent developments in art criticism, curating and programming.
• You are able to carry out independent research and report on research outcomes according to international academic standards.
• You will possess a professional attitude when communicating with practitioners, and will know how to put academic skills and knowledge to work in a professional field.

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. 

Admission

Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy is a selective Master’s programme. Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master? 

Flexible study

You can also enrol in the Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy programme as a flexible study student (UU students and students from other Dutch universities only). This allows you to choose for yourself how many courses you want to take each year, and your tuition fees will be adjusted accordingly. You must, however, meet certain conditions.