Drama and Theatre Arts
Drama at Goldsmiths focuses on theorised practice. We carry out our research as much through practice-based projects as through theorisations of performance and explorations of textual practice. We aim to make work in a variety of media that reflects on and contributes to innovation in contemporary production and performance practice. Our own theatre has seating for 160 and is used for both teaching and public performances. We also have three performance studios; scenic, sound and costume workshops; and design studio facilities.
Visual design, sound and video courses are taught in our own studios, supported by the College’s excellent editing facilities. The Department’s academic staff are assisted by a team of four experienced technicians.
Please note: in the Summer term you can choose to do two additional credits in any of the non-practical areas through a negotiated individual study supported by some tutorial guidance. Your area of study must be confirmed by the Student Recruitment and International Office. You must also tell the International Liaison Tutor what topics you are interested in so that appropriate tutorial guidance can be arranged and agreed. Your study should be confirmed by Week 6 of the Spring term.
Where 4+4 credits is indicated, you cannot study the course for the Spring term only. Where ‘full year only’ appears in the course description, you must be enrolled for the whole year to study that course.
| Undergraduate Year | Description |
|---|---|
|
Year 1 |
a course for which you do not need any previous experience |
| Year 2 |
assumes that you have had some experience |
| Year 3 |
assumes a specialist knowledge of the |
Year 1
DR50001A
London Theatre
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; 2 credits, Summer; )
You are introduced to the wide diversity of theatre in London from the major subsidised companies, through the commercial West End to smaller fringe venues and productions. Weekly visits to new or recent events in the capital are introduced with a critical context and are discussed the following week within seminar groups.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only]
London Theatre
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; 2 credits, Summer; )
You are introduced to the wide diversity of theatre in London from the major subsidised companies, through the commercial West End to smaller fringe venues and productions. Weekly visits to new or recent events in the capital are introduced with a critical context and are discussed the following week within seminar groups.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only]
DR50003A
Shakespeare’s London
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You undertake a thorough, practical and critical examination of selected plays from the Shakespearean canon and the work of his contemporaries, looking at theatre visits and videos as examples of Shakespeare on the stage and in film. There are visits to sites of relevance to Shakespeare’s work in London and Stratford.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only]
Shakespeare’s London
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You undertake a thorough, practical and critical examination of selected plays from the Shakespearean canon and the work of his contemporaries, looking at theatre visits and videos as examples of Shakespeare on the stage and in film. There are visits to sites of relevance to Shakespeare’s work in London and Stratford.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only]
DR50004A
British and American Musical Theatre
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course aims to explore the musical as the predominant form of popular theatre in the 20th century. Background lectures and seminars introduce you to the history and aesthetics of the form. By examining and reviewing a selection of shows in detail, you learn to analyse and assess the contribution of various artists to the success of a show and to the evolution of the genre as a whole.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only]
British and American Musical Theatre
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course aims to explore the musical as the predominant form of popular theatre in the 20th century. Background lectures and seminars introduce you to the history and aesthetics of the form. By examining and reviewing a selection of shows in detail, you learn to analyse and assess the contribution of various artists to the success of a show and to the evolution of the genre as a whole.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only]
DR50005A
Performance Analysis: Contemporary Performance in London
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
In this course you develop your awareness of – and critical responses to – cutting-edge contemporary performance in London in a range of scales from large stage to intimate/site-specific. You are introduced to a rich and wide range of new theatre, both UK-grown and international: new writing, visual theatre, dance theatre and Live Art both within our international festivals and in our seasonal programming. Theatre visits are critiqued in seminars using Performance Analysis tools derived from a range of contemporary critical theories. In addition, the work of some prominent international researchers and practitioners is accessed via the Department’s Performance Research Forum.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only]
Performance Analysis: Contemporary Performance in London
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
In this course you develop your awareness of – and critical responses to – cutting-edge contemporary performance in London in a range of scales from large stage to intimate/site-specific. You are introduced to a rich and wide range of new theatre, both UK-grown and international: new writing, visual theatre, dance theatre and Live Art both within our international festivals and in our seasonal programming. Theatre visits are critiqued in seminars using Performance Analysis tools derived from a range of contemporary critical theories. In addition, the work of some prominent international researchers and practitioners is accessed via the Department’s Performance Research Forum.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only]
DR51003A
Analytic Vocabularies
(4 credits, Autumn; 4+4 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore methods of performance analysis, examining some of the significant theoretical frameworks for the analysis of Western performance. Using critical tools, you identify creative processes and outcomes in the light of the theories of key practitioners. You evaluate performance texts from different media, and distinguish how history and culture influence contemporary theatre-making.
Analytic Vocabularies
(4 credits, Autumn; 4+4 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore methods of performance analysis, examining some of the significant theoretical frameworks for the analysis of Western performance. Using critical tools, you identify creative processes and outcomes in the light of the theories of key practitioners. You evaluate performance texts from different media, and distinguish how history and culture influence contemporary theatre-making.
DR51012B
Theatre Making I
(4 credits, Summer)
Prerequisite: Theatre Making: Process and Performance, DR51011A.
The Summer term project is an opportunity for you to explore theatre making in a creative and inventive fashion, within defined parameters and a constructively critical framework. You work in groups, prepare performance projects and present your work to other students. This project develops work you have done in DR51011A, and takes on the quality of a festival.
Theatre Making I
(4 credits, Summer)
Prerequisite: Theatre Making: Process and Performance, DR51011A.
The Summer term project is an opportunity for you to explore theatre making in a creative and inventive fashion, within defined parameters and a constructively critical framework. You work in groups, prepare performance projects and present your work to other students. This project develops work you have done in DR51011A, and takes on the quality of a festival.
DR51007B
Space-body-spectator
(4 credits, Autumn; 4+4 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You are introduced to the three essential elements of performance – space, body and spectator – via theory and practice. You focus on the body in intensive workshop training sessions and frame this study in theoretical lectures and seminars. You develop your own performance material for assessment using the methodologies introduced, giving short theatre-based performances in the Autumn term and working on site-specific group projects in the Spring term. Teaching approaches draw on European and non-Western sources
Space-body-spectator
(4 credits, Autumn; 4+4 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You are introduced to the three essential elements of performance – space, body and spectator – via theory and practice. You focus on the body in intensive workshop training sessions and frame this study in theoretical lectures and seminars. You develop your own performance material for assessment using the methodologies introduced, giving short theatre-based performances in the Autumn term and working on site-specific group projects in the Spring term. Teaching approaches draw on European and non-Western sources
DR51010C
Theatre Making: Scenography and Technologies
(4 credits, Autumn)
You are introduced in practical ways to the principles and techniques of theatre-making. The course gives you a practical introduction to two of the following areas: lighting design, sound design, scenography, and stage management.
Theatre Making: Scenography and Technologies
(4 credits, Autumn)
You are introduced in practical ways to the principles and techniques of theatre-making. The course gives you a practical introduction to two of the following areas: lighting design, sound design, scenography, and stage management.
DR51011A
Theatre Making: Process & Performance
(4+2 credits, Autumn and Spring) [Full year only]
You are introduced in practical ways to the principles and techniques of theatre-making. This practical course introduces you to the craft of directing, and examines various approaches to working with space, composition, rhythm, texts, and improvisation.
Theatre Making: Process & Performance
(4+2 credits, Autumn and Spring) [Full year only]
You are introduced in practical ways to the principles and techniques of theatre-making. This practical course introduces you to the craft of directing, and examines various approaches to working with space, composition, rhythm, texts, and improvisation.
Year 2
DR52016A
Performance Theory and Practice
(4 credits, Autumn; 4+4 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
In this combined lecture/seminar/laboratory course, you investigate the major forms of 20th-century Western theatre performance. You explore ways in which various practices have been theorised and, conversely, the way performance theories have been translated into practice. Recently taught eight week options include: Psychological Realism; Physical Action; Theatre for Change; Brechtian Theatre; The Play Principle; Queer & Feminist Performance; Visual Language; and Presence of Mind.
Performance Theory and Practice
(4 credits, Autumn; 4+4 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
In this combined lecture/seminar/laboratory course, you investigate the major forms of 20th-century Western theatre performance. You explore ways in which various practices have been theorised and, conversely, the way performance theories have been translated into practice. Recently taught eight week options include: Psychological Realism; Physical Action; Theatre for Change; Brechtian Theatre; The Play Principle; Queer & Feminist Performance; Visual Language; and Presence of Mind.
DR52017A
Elements of Theatre History
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You develop an understanding of the relationship between a work and its historical – social, cultural, intellectual – context. There is a wide range of options from which you choose a 10-week course of study. These options could include such subjects as: Ancient Greek Theatre; African Theatre; Polish Theatre; Irish Theatre and Politics; American Theatre; and Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama. Options may change from year to year, depending on staff availability and research interests.
Elements of Theatre History
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You develop an understanding of the relationship between a work and its historical – social, cultural, intellectual – context. There is a wide range of options from which you choose a 10-week course of study. These options could include such subjects as: Ancient Greek Theatre; African Theatre; Polish Theatre; Irish Theatre and Politics; American Theatre; and Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama. Options may change from year to year, depending on staff availability and research interests.
DR52018B
Theatre Making II
(10 credits, Full year) [Full year only]
You focus on the acquisition and development of performance-making skills in this practical course. You develop your ability in areas such as: performing, scenographic design, lighting design, sound design, stage management, and dramaturgy. This course starts in week 7 of the autumn term and enables you to develop these skills for the rest of the year, working towards the creation of a performed event in the Summer term.
Please state your preferred area of interest on your application.
Theatre Making II
(10 credits, Full year) [Full year only]
You focus on the acquisition and development of performance-making skills in this practical course. You develop your ability in areas such as: performing, scenographic design, lighting design, sound design, stage management, and dramaturgy. This course starts in week 7 of the autumn term and enables you to develop these skills for the rest of the year, working towards the creation of a performed event in the Summer term.
Please state your preferred area of interest on your application.
DR52019A+DR52020A
Modernisms and Postmodernity A+B
(10 credits, Full year) [Full year only]
In the Autumn term, you are provided with an introduction to key aspects of modern and postmodern thought, culture and theatre. The course aims to explore the historical and cultural contexts of its topic while at the same time examining the theoretical and cultural ideas and practices which have been seen as modernist and postmodern.
In the Spring term, you choose one 10-week option course. These options are designed to extend the study of modernism and/or postmodernity through a sustained engagement with a particular range of material. To give you examples, recent specialist topics were: Postcolonial Theatre; Brecht and Political Theatre; the Artistic Avant Garde, and Contemporary Women Practitioners. Options are likely to change from year to year, depending on staff availability and research interests.
Modernisms and Postmodernity A+B
(10 credits, Full year) [Full year only]
In the Autumn term, you are provided with an introduction to key aspects of modern and postmodern thought, culture and theatre. The course aims to explore the historical and cultural contexts of its topic while at the same time examining the theoretical and cultural ideas and practices which have been seen as modernist and postmodern.
In the Spring term, you choose one 10-week option course. These options are designed to extend the study of modernism and/or postmodernity through a sustained engagement with a particular range of material. To give you examples, recent specialist topics were: Postcolonial Theatre; Brecht and Political Theatre; the Artistic Avant Garde, and Contemporary Women Practitioners. Options are likely to change from year to year, depending on staff availability and research interests.
Year 3
DR50002A
Acting in London
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This practical course develops your acting skills and introduces you to methods of actor-training and modes of performance in the UK. You meet for an intensive session each week and present your work in a final workshop performance at the end of term. Through the study of plays currently in production on the London stage, you are encouraged to explore contemporary issues of cultural and political significance unique to the UK. Acting in London provides you with an artistic and academic challenge related directly to your experience of living in a foreign city.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only by our Department of Professional and Community Education]
Acting in London
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This practical course develops your acting skills and introduces you to methods of actor-training and modes of performance in the UK. You meet for an intensive session each week and present your work in a final workshop performance at the end of term. Through the study of plays currently in production on the London stage, you are encouraged to explore contemporary issues of cultural and political significance unique to the UK. Acting in London provides you with an artistic and academic challenge related directly to your experience of living in a foreign city.
[Taught to Study Abroad students only by our Department of Professional and Community Education]
DR53033A
Culture and Performance: Critical Cultural Theory
(4 credits, Autumn)
You approach the study of performance within a culturally diverse society. Lectures and seminars introduce you to a range of art practices and theoretical issues in the field of multi-cultural performance, including cross-culturalism, interculturalism, interchange and globalisation. This course is a prerequisite for Culture and Performance: Options.
Culture and Performance: Critical Cultural Theory
(4 credits, Autumn)
You approach the study of performance within a culturally diverse society. Lectures and seminars introduce you to a range of art practices and theoretical issues in the field of multi-cultural performance, including cross-culturalism, interculturalism, interchange and globalisation. This course is a prerequisite for Culture and Performance: Options.
DR53034A
Culture and Performance: Options
(4 credits, Spring)
Prerequisite: Culture and Performance: Critical Cultural Theory, DR53033A.
You choose a 10-week seminar option which contextualises the theories and discourses studied in Culture and Performance A. For example, options offered recently were: Art and Japan; Voicing the Margins; and Translation across languages, cultures and genres.
Culture and Performance: Options
(4 credits, Spring)
Prerequisite: Culture and Performance: Critical Cultural Theory, DR53033A.
You choose a 10-week seminar option which contextualises the theories and discourses studied in Culture and Performance A. For example, options offered recently were: Art and Japan; Voicing the Margins; and Translation across languages, cultures and genres.
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