Theatre Studies University of Otago

Overview

The Theatre Studies programme at the University of Otago offers a comprehensive exploration of the dramatic arts, blending practical performance skills with academic theory. Students engage deeply with the human experience through a curriculum that covers everything from stagecraft and acting to historical analysis and scriptwriting.

Learning takes place in a dynamic environment where interactive workshops, seminars, and lectures encourage hands-on experimentation. The department fosters a collaborative atmosphere, allowing students across different year levels to work together on creative projects. This approach ensures that graduates develop a well-rounded understanding of the theatrical world.

Why Theatre Studies at the University of Otago?

The institution provides access to exceptional facilities, including the state-of-the-art Performing Arts Building and the historic Allen Hall Theatre. These spaces serve as a hub for the Lunchtime Theatre programme, where students can produce and perform their own original shows in a professional setting.

Teaching is led by internationally recognised researchers and experienced practitioners who maintain strong links with the professional industry. The university’s location in Dunedin offers a vibrant arts scene, providing opportunities for secondments and connections with local arts organisations and professional theatre artists.

The curriculum is designed to be interdisciplinary, allowing students to pair their creative interests with other subjects such as Marketing, Law, or Psychology. This flexibility helps students build a unique degree that aligns with their specific career goals while benefiting from the university's reputation for research excellence.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 41265 per year
• National fee: NZD 9427 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Backstage for Theatre and Performance
• Voice and Movement
• Staging Worlds: Theatre and Performance
• Exploring Worlds Through Theatre and Performance
• Writing for Stage and Screen
• Actor
• Theatre, Culture and Identity in Aotearoa
• Design for Theatre and Performance
• Theatre of Australasia
• Performance Research
• Aspects of Contemporary Theatre and Performance
• Advanced Writing for the Stage and Screen
• Performing Shakespeare
• Directing
• Creating Theatre
• Working Dramaturg
• Advanced Directing
• Advanced Production Project
• Directed Project in Theatre
• Shakespeare Text to Performance
• Trauma and Violence in Performance
• Research Project
• Dissertation
• Studio Project in Theatre

Careers with Theatre Studies

Graduates are equipped with highly transferable skills, including teamwork, creative expression, and big-picture thinking. These attributes are valued across various sectors, leading to successful careers in professional theatre, film production, and scriptwriting for diverse media platforms.

Beyond the stage, alumni find opportunities in arts administration, event management, and teaching. The degree also prepares individuals for roles in journalism, public relations, and museum curation, where communication and research capabilities are essential for professional success.