Theatre Studies engages both theory and practice, and may include focus areas such as practical exercises, key concepts and practices of theatre, the study of historical topics such as Shakespeare, contemporary performance theory and practice, new media arts, critical theory, gender and performance, comedy, cinema spectatorship, and creative courses in writing for the stage or performance making.

Performance Studies is a new and exciting area of interdisciplinary study. It subjects the entire spectrum of human performance to critical examination, from the most mundane daily rituals to the conventions of grand opera, with a focus on the new, the hybrid and the technologically advanced modes of performance. Topics that may be studied include theories of physicality from feminism to cybernetics, the anthropology of performance, performance and visual arts including non-Western performance styles and alternative theatre.

Studying Theatre and Performance Studies at UNSW

The study of Theatre and Performance Studies at UNSW is conducted through the School of Media, Film and Theatre. Theatre and Performance Studies can be studied as a major sequence within the Bachelor of Arts and combined degree programs. Please refer to the table below for further details. An Honours program is available, as is postgraduate study.