Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy

Interested in our programme? Meet us at the Open Day!
Unable to attend? You can also watch our webinar.

Focus on expanding performance and interdisciplinary dramaturgy

• Would you like to know more about contemporary theatre, dance or performance?
• Are you interested in interdisciplinary dramaturgy? 
• Are you open to the idea that objects and machines can be equally interesting performers or dancing partners as physical actors or dancers?

In this Master's programme we focus on new and interdisciplinary forms of theatre, the kind of work where one is inclined to ask: is this theatre or a music concert? Shall we call it performance or art? Dance or mime? We are interested in ways in which theatre and dance respond to current societal phenomena (such as debates around gender diversity, sociental and ecological challenges, dance and neuroscience, or how media impacts perception), how this response leads to new artistic forms and strategies, and new modes of storytelling. 

We study those emerging strategies in theatre-making and choreography, we dive into the dramaturgy of those strategies, and we will teach you how to critically reflect and write about these developments.

A diverse and international community

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.

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. Read more about the curriculum. 

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. Read more about career development.

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

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. Read more about possible career prospects. 

Admission

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