Theatre and Performance Design / Drama and Theatre

Why study Theatre and Performance Design / Drama and Theatre at Aberystwyth?

• This course will enable you to explore a radical and innovative approach to theatre and performance design.
• You will be taught and mentored by a team of internationally known designers and experts. 
• We are a vibrant and creative department where drama and theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide.
• All students benefit from our complementary learning experiences where theory and practice are designed to feed into each other.
• As a department, students benefit from our connections with key industry partners, such as National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. These creative partners provide an excellent opportunity to network and liaise with those in the industry before graduation. 
• Students in the department have access to our superb facilities and resources for practical work: three rehearsal studios, each with flexible technical facilities; 2 large professionally-equipped studios with digital lighting rigs controlled via ETC Congo and Strand Lighting consoles, Yamaha and Soundcraft PAs, Sanyo AV systems and Strand lighting and two NXAMP; and costume and wardrobe facilities.
• On our campus and situated next door to the Arts Centre is one of the largest Arts Centres in Wales, which regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work.
• Aberystwyth University’s is known for having a large number of clubs and societies, so be assured that your time will be occupied with your studies and taking part in your chosen club / society's activities. The University has a large and energetic drama society, come and say hello during a visit to Aberystwyth. 
• If you're looking for an experience beyond Aberystwyth, all students will have the opportunity to take part in a study or work placement abroad. Find out where your adventure could take you!

Our Staff

All academic staff at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies are research active and/or involved in Knowledge Transfer projects and have either relevant academic qualifications at doctoral level or equivalent professional experience and expertise.

What can I do with a Theatre Design and Performance / Drama and Theatre degree?

Many of our students have been successful in obtaining employment in these fields:

• set, costume and lighting design
• production design and art direction
• acting and performing
• directing
• stage management
• script writing
• teaching and education
• arts administration
• marketing
• management and project co-ordination
• marketing and public relations.

What skills do I gain from this degree?

Students on this degree gain the following valuable skills that are sought after by employers. These include the ability to:

• gather, assimilate and interpret intellectual and aesthetic material independently and critically
• structure and communicate ideas efficiently and creatively through oral, written, visual and performative means to a range of audiences
• apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations;
• work effectively in group settings to develop, rehearse and produce live events;
• apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations;
• research, evaluate and organise information
• structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations and using a variety of means
• work independently and with others
• effectively organise your time and deploy your skills
• listen to and make use of critical advice
• be self-motivated and self-disciplined
• use a range of information technology skills and resources
• be entrepreneurial in developing cultural projects.

The wide range of module choices paired with the wide variety of drama societies means we can easily be prepared for any area of drama and theatre practice. The academic and practical elements are brilliant, allowing us to either focus on one or the other and/or ground ourselves in the theory in order to better our practical exploration. The staff are always friendly and enthusiastic, always encouraging us to do more and explore further.

Jemma Rowlston

Since graduating I have been living in London. I have worked for the multi award winning musical Wicked! at the Apollo Theatre, where I am both a Costume Assistant and Dresser. Aside from my work on Wicked! I freelance further as a Costume Assistant on a variety of theatre productions including The Railway Children (Waterloo Station) working closely with designers and costume supervisors to realise their work on stage. The flexibility and structure of the Scenography and Theatre Design degree combined with the expertise of the tutors means that not only do you feel you are getting a hand crafted, meaningful degree, but a course that teaches the skills and methodology you need to work in the industry. Aberystwyth University is an infectious place to study (and play!) with amazing staff, inspiring surroundings, endless opportunities and friends for life. I would certainly recommend it.

Ed Parry