Theatre: Directing BA(Hons)

Why study BA(Hons) Theatre: Directing at University College Falmouth?

Performance courses - additional information (994.71 KB)

The role of the director is at the core of theatre making; central to the conception of a project, its development and final realisation in performance. The contemporary director has been compared to a facilitator, coach, third eye, guide and even sculptor.

At Falmouth, you'll be introduced to a wide range of disciplines, focusing on the skills, knowledge and imagination required to make an impact in contemporary theatre. At the heart of the course is a thorough exploration of the collaborative nature of theatre, focusing on the role of the director and enabling you to develop a sound grasp of the techniques and strategies used for researching, generating and composing work with ensembles.

A combination of practical workshops and theoretical study, as well as professional directors sharing their approaches and insights, will give you a solid foundation from which to develop an exciting and multi-faceted career. Studying Theatre: Directing at Falmouth also gives you the opportunity to work alongside students from other artistic disciplines - including music, dance, film, design, and fashion - and share in the creativity and innovation at the heart of University College Falmouth.

Tell me more about the BA(Hons) Theatre: Directing course

This dynamic course explores in depth the director's role in contemporary performance making. You'll gain the practical skills that every director needs, including understanding the building blocks of performance language - space, light, sound, image, audience - and how they can be arranged, layered and composed. You'll also learn all about working collaboratively, including improvisation and working with an ensemble. Learning techniques for running successful workshops and rehearsals, plus understanding how to respond to live work, will also form an important part of your study.

During the course, professional directors will share some of their approaches, techniques and insights with you, and you'll also have opportunities to direct new performance work created with the support of fellow students and tutors - giving you excellent preparation for the professional world. The BA(Hons) Theatre: Directing course is closely linked to our BA(Hons) Theatre: Performance and BA(Hons) Theatre: Writing courses, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to create work with students on these courses.

You'll also study the history of theatre direction and examine the evolving role of the director in contemporary theatre. Learning how to make work in both a controlled theatre environment and in non-traditional spaces will give you the practical experience of how the specifics of place, people and time can affect your work - as well as understanding the vital connection that exists between theatre makers and the audiences, consumers, communities, industry, and cultures that they serve.

Falmouth's BA(Hons) Theatre: Directing degree will give you an inspiring opportunity to gain knowledge of different areas of specialisation and how each of these areas relates practically and conceptually to one another. As the course develops you'll engage more fully with directing, looking closely at the skills required and helping you to develop the effective strategies of a flexible and creative professional director. A variety of activities will help you hone your writing skills, including essays and project proposals and - working collaboratively with students from the other theatre awards - you'll have the opportunity to present your performances as part of an exciting public festival showcase.

Facilities

From 2010, all performance courses will be based at our new £15 million Performance Centre at our Tremough Campus. This high-specification facility is purpose-built for students' specific needs with the very latest equipment and will encourage collaborations between the three Schools to create exciting new performance, installation and exhibition projects.

Specific facilities for theatre students include a large theatre performance studio with variable raked seating options and three studio theatres, all equipped with contemporary production lighting and sound facilities. You'll also have access to music and media facilities including a recording studio complex.

Answers and advice about the course

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Career opportunities

• Director in an individual theatre practice
• Theatre director employed within the creative industries
• Theatre critic
• Theatre animateur in community contexts

Course entry requirements

A minimum of 220 UCAS points mainly from the A2 level (including one Grade B), equivalent Level 3 qualifications or relevant experience.

Please see our How to Apply page for more information.

For further information about BA(Hons) Theatre: Directing at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@dartington.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01803 861620. (New course for 2010 entry)

Interview dates and selection process

Selection days will commence in December.

Selection days will involve improvisation and working in small groups.

Applicants will be expected to bring:

• A prepared piece of text of no more than five lines. This fragment may be your own writing or it may be text from another source that interests you. The prepared material will be used for group improvisation and devising exercises. Please bring comfortable clothes for movement.
• A short review of a contemporary performance that you have recently seen (a page at most).

Location: Dartington Campus and London, Bristol and Birmingham

Related courses

• Theatre Design & Production BA(Hons)
• Theatre: Performance BA(Hons)
• Theatre: Writing BA(Hons)