The Theatre and Performance Studies program at the University of Sydney delves into a vibrant spectrum of drama and performance, encompassing theatre, dance, and live art. It explores how performance shapes culture, history, and personal identity, from political rallies to sacred rituals and pop stars.
This academic venture attracts global scholars and features distinguished research staff in the realms of theatre, dance, and dramaturgy. Graduates of the program embark on diverse career paths, spanning professional theatre, dance, production management, drama teaching, arts administration, and beyond.
Students also leverage the discipline’s insights and research skills in various fields such as law, medicine, public administration, social justice, and foreign affairs. Many alumni pursue postgraduate studies and venture into tertiary-level education.
The Theatre and Performance Studies major and minor offer undergraduate students a comprehensive exploration of aesthetic, social, and everyday performances across various mediums. The program covers performance in theatre, dance, live art, as well as the performative aspects of politics, sport, cinema, and popular culture.
Postgraduate research opportunities include Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy, and Master of Arts (Research) degrees. Current research projects within the program span a wide array of topics, from traditional performance forms to contemporary theatre practices.
The Rex Cramphorn Performance Research Studio serves as a hub for artistic collaboration, offering a fully-equipped space for external practitioners through an artist-in-residence program. This facility fosters research advancements in theatre and performance studies through collaborations between professional artists, faculty members, and students.
The annual artist residency program at the Rex Cramphorn Studio provides opportunities for artists to engage with the discipline’s teaching and research initiatives. Expressions of interest for residencies are accepted for durations between January and July, with a focus on integrating projects within the academic framework.
The discipline also publishes a peer-reviewed journal, About Performance, to provide a platform for academic researchers and performance makers to analyze, theorize, and critique performance practices. The journal welcomes articles that offer theoretical perspectives from various disciplines to enrich performance studies.
Academic staff within the Theatre and Performance Studies program include renowned experts such as Associate Professor Ian Maxwell, Dr. Paul Dwyer, and Dr. Isabelle Hesse. These professionals contribute to the program’s success and academic excellence.
Overall, the Theatre and Performance Studies program at the University of Sydney stands as a beacon of artistic exploration and scholarly inquiry, offering students a platform to engage with diverse forms of performance, contribute to groundbreaking research, and shape the future of theatre and cultural expression.
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