Theatre and Performance BA
Study of live performance, theatre-making, and contemporary performance practices, exploring acting, directing, devising, and performance theory through practical and critical work.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy theatre and live performance
Like creative collaboration
Are interested in acting or production
Want a career in theatre or media
Enjoy storytelling
Popular Career Fields
Theatre & Performing Arts
Education
Events & Entertainment
Arts & Culture
Your Personality Might Be:
Experimental creator
Education
Physically expressive
Risk-taker
What is it?
What is a Theatre and Performance degree?
Theatre and Performance is a practice-based creative degree that explores how performance is created, staged, and experienced.
You’ll study theatre traditions alongside contemporary and experimental performance, combining practical work with critical reflection.
Unlike acting-only degrees, this course takes a broad approach. You may work as a performer, director, maker, collaborator, or researcher, and explore performance in theatres, public spaces, digital environments, and interdisciplinary contexts.
It is ideal for students interested in live performance, collaboration, creativity, and critical engagement with theatre and performance culture.
Why study Theatre and Performance?
If you enjoy creative collaboration, storytelling, and exploring ideas through performance, this degree offers both artistic freedom and transferable skills.
It helps you understand:
How performances are devised, rehearsed, and staged
The relationship between performer, audience, and space
Theatre history, theory, and contemporary practice
Performance as a tool for social, political, and cultural expression
How to work creatively within ensembles and productions
The degree supports both artistic development and broader employability.
Course Summary
Study of live performance, theatre-making, and contemporary performance practices, exploring acting, directing, devising, and performance theory through practical and critical work.
What you'll study
Most Theatre and Performance degrees cover:
Performance skills and ensemble practice
Devising and contemporary theatre-making
Acting and movement techniques
Directing and dramaturgy
Theatre history and performance theory
Practice-as-research and reflective methods
Skills You'll Gain
A Theatre & Performance degree builds creative and practical skills including:
Performance and creative expression – enabling confident work on stage and in performance spaces.
Collaboration and teamwork – preparing you to work effectively in ensembles and creative groups.
Critical and reflective thinking – supporting analysis of creative processes and performance contexts.
Communication and presentation skills – useful across creative and professional environments.
Project management and self-direction – equipping you to plan, rehearse, and deliver complex creative work.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers in:
Theatre and live performance
Acting, devising, or directing (often freelance)
Arts administration and producing
Community arts, applied theatre, and outreach
Education, drama facilitation, and youth theatre
Media, events, and creative industries
Work Experiences & Placements
Many Theatre and Performance degrees encourage students to gain experience alongside study.
Some courses offer optional placement years, industry projects, or work-based modules, while others support external experience during holidays or alongside study.
Typical opportunities include:
Theatre companies and performance collectives
Arts organisations, venues, and festivals
Community arts and applied theatre projects
Education, outreach, or workshop facilitation
Production support roles (assistant director, stage management support)
Experience helps build professional networks and a strong creative CV.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels (or equivalent) in any subjects - though some universities have a preference for Drama/Theatre Studies, English Language or Literature and/or Essay-based subjects
Personal Statement Tips
Show enthusiasm for theatre, performance, or live art.
Mention productions, performances, or practitioners that inspire you.
Reflect on collaboration, creativity, and experimentation.
Highlight commitment, communication skills, and openness to feedback.
What to do Next
See as much live theatre and performance as possible.
Get involved in drama groups, youth theatre, or productions.
Explore contemporary and experimental performance practices.
Build experience through workshops, volunteering, or festivals.
Wider Reading
The Empty Space – Peter Brook
A classic exploration of what theatre can be and why it matters.Performance Studies: An Introduction – Richard Schechner
A foundational text on performance across cultures and contexts.Theatre of the Oppressed – Augusto Boal
An influential work on theatre as a tool for social change.An Actor Prepares – Konstantin Stanislavski
A key text on acting, rehearsal, and performance practice.Performance Art: From Futurism to the Present – RoseLee Goldberg
A rich overview of performance art and experimental practice.