Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy

Dive into expanding theatre and dance and interdisciplinary dramaturgy

What can theatre tell us about everyday life in a digital culture? How does dance inform and shape society? How can we analyse, interpret and respond to this - as critical thinkers? 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. 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.

Contemporary performance practices are increasingly hybrid projects that approach and transcend the borders of theatre, dance, visual arts, music, media and daily life. Theatre and dance are inextricably linked with other media that shape our reality; they extend beyond the theatre’s walls and inject themselves into our daily lives. Theories and concepts derived from the performing arts are progressively deployed in cultural theory and (social) science. Such a field in transition demands an approach that studies theatre and dance as intermedial and interdisciplinary phenomena, and addresses the interrelationships of these phenomena, the audience and the socio-cultural context.

This dynamic is the focus of our Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy programme. 

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, internationally regarded as the forerunners of the exciting new trends that emerge on the European stage. You will get acquainted with state-of-the-art theory yet we are also actively 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, build-in components within the programme and closely related to the staff’s expansive network.

After graduation

• You are an independent thinker who is able to reflect critically on contemporary theatre, dance and performance.
• 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 professional and academic skills and knowledge to work in a dynamic professional field.

In your programme you will have the opportunity to actively work on your career development.

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.