MA in Drama and Performance Studies (PLAYWRITING STRAND New 2012)
This Playwriting Strand offers you the opportunity to analyse, explore, and reflect on modern and contemporary theatre and performance in theory and practice.
On this specific playwriting pathway, you will have a real opportunity to develop writing for Theatre, through an initial module, Writing for Theatre (10 Credits) - taught in association with a leading playwright (currently Conor McPherson), and through a Creative Playwriting Project (40 Credits - the equivalent of a standard MA minor thesis). This Project will be developed in association with Fishamble Theatre Company (currently UCD Drama Studies Company-in-Association), who are renowned for their role in the development and production of new work.
This Playwriting Strand will provide a range of advanced practical strategies for approaches to writing for theatre, will develop your dramaturgical skills and editing competencies, will encourage disciplined practices, and will broaden your creative expression. Throughout the year you will be offered detailed consideration of and feedback on your writing practices. This programme supports students to develop their skills in analysing and evaluating theatre writing and performance from around the world, and invites you to engage with current theoretical and practical philosophies of dramaturgy and performance. Seminars and workshops will foster a supportive, collegial ethos.
Teaching throughout the MA includes seminars, process, rehearsed readings, laboratory sessions, theatre visits, critical appraisals, and regular feedback from peers and members of staff. All students are offered the opportunity to develop their writing, research, analytical, communicative, and reflective skills, as well as their presentation and teamwork skills.
Students may follow this programme full-time over one year, or part-time over two years.
MA in Drama and Performance Studies (PLAYWRITING STRAND)
6-7 students:
90 Credits
Core Semester One
-
Writing for Theatre 1 (In association with a leading Playwright- currently it is Conor McPherson) (10 Credits)
-
Research and Analysis in Drama and Performance (10 Credits)
Core Semester Two
-
Issues and Perspectives in Drama and Performance (10 Credits)
-
Creative Playwriting Project (or Standard minor Thesis in exceptional circumstances) (40 Credits)
To Include:
-
Script Development support 3-4 group sessions with members of Fishamble Theatre Company)
-
Masterclasses with playwright on writing for stage
Select two ten credit options from:
-
Contemporary Irish Theatre in Performance (10 Credits) (Sem 1)
-
Gender and Identity in Performance (10 Credits) (Sem 2)
-
European Theatre in Context (10 Credits) (Over both Sem1/2)
-
The Body in Performance (10 Credits) (Sem 1)
(Modules may vary from year to year)
Admission Requirements
We welcome applicants with academic qualifications and/or professional experience and expertise. The deadline for applications is 30th June. You are encouraged to apply early if your application is complete. Applicants may be called for interview before June.
Please submit a ten page sample of writing.
For further information please contact Dr. Eamonn Jordan, Telephone: (01) 716 8936.
Candidates may apply for a place on the M.A. Degree if they have obtained one of the following:
- B.A. Degree with at least Second Class Honours, Grade II, in a relevant subject and at least Second Class Honours, Grade II in the second subject; or
- B.A. Degree with at least Second Class Honours, Grade I, in a relevant subject; or
- Second Class Honours, Grade I, in a relevant post-graduate diploma; or
- Second Class Honours, Grade I, in the relevant M.A. Qualifying Examination.
We also welcome applications from prospective candidates, including mature students, who do not fulfill the normal academic requirements, but who have relevant professional expertise and experience.
