Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy

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

Dive into expanding theatre and dance and interdisciplinary dramaturgy

Contemporary performance practices are increasingly hybrid projects that approach and transcend the borders of theatre, dance, visual arts, music, media and daily life. How can we analyse, interpret and respond to this? In this programme you will learn how to investigate and reflect on the dynamic ways in which theatrical and choreographic practices respond to a society in transition. 

Unique characteristics

This programme welcomes both Dutch and international students who are interested in dramaturgy, programming and curating, critical writing and art criticism, as well as arts professionals who wish to enrich their practice through academic research. 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.

A situated perspective with a 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. the programme gives you the opportunity to actively work on your 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
• 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.