MA Performing Arts - Directing

This core module bridges practice and theory, allowing you to explore research methods such as practice research, action research, and auto-ethnography, tailored to your specialism in Directing, Choreography, Performance, or Entrepreneurship. Guided by a specialist mentor, you’ll develop a concept and proposal for your Trimester 3 Professional Project, producing an initial piece of practical work supported by theory. This module emphasises strategies for maintaining creative well-being, giving you a strong foundation for both your academic and professional journey in the performing arts sector.

This module immerses you in the collaborative nature of performing arts, introducing you to the roles and relationships in theatre, TV, and film through industry-led practical workshops. You will develop leadership, negotiation, and teamwork skills by working on a real-world project with industry professionals, placements on cross-course productions, and the opportunity to collaborate with an industry stakeholder on a 1-2-1 basis. Your interactions within the module culminate in your assessed collaborative output, providing you with feedback on your roles and contributions, providing direct insight into the professional creative processes in the working sector.

Explore the creative potential of technology in this module, where you’ll learn to integrate cutting-edge tools and platforms into performance practice, enhancing your creative output. Through technological workshops and industry masterclasses, you’ll collaborate with your peers and create an innovative piece of work. You have the opportunity for a cross-course placement, where you could contribute to the technical or creative development of the Final Showcase module, further developing your tech-driven creativity for your future modules and future career.

Focusing on business development and self-promotion, this module gives you the entrepreneurial toolkit needed to develop performing arts related business practices, discovering the exponential business possibilities within the performing arts sector. You’ll explore business start-up strategies, funding opportunities, and innovative PR methods. The module culminates in a student-led exhibition where you’ll present your business ideas to industry stakeholders for feedback, helping you refine your concepts and build a solid foundation for your creative enterprise.

You will create a significant piece of work, aligning to your chosen named award: Directing, Choreography, Performance, or Entrepreneurship. Under mentor guidance, you’ll produce an ambitious, research-led project that showcases your advanced skills and knowledge, built on the previous four modules. This significant project serves as the culmination of your studies, with a public dissemination or performance, marking your entry into the professional world of performing arts.