MA Performance (Theatre Making)
* Subject to approval from September 2023
Who is the programme for?
The Master of Arts (MA) Performance (Theatre Making) is designed for both early stage and more experienced actors as well as directors or producers who wish to develop their artistic practice and transition to the next phase of their career. The programme offers the student a comprehensive experience of contemporary theatre practice.
The MA is focussed on creativity and the development of individual student’s approach to theatre making. The programme offers artists the opportunity to work in a supportive and nurturing environment and explore, with leading practitioners, methods to create innovative and individualistic new work.
Please note this course is subject to approval from September 2023
Where will this course lead?
The MA is designed to help individual artists find their own path and route for creative progression.
The programme will facilitate you to develop as a:
- Theatre Director
- Dramaturg
- Performer
- Theatre facilitator
- Arts Entrepreneur
- Teacher / Academic in higher education
- Theatre researcher / critic
- Further study at doctoral level
Unique features of the programme
- The highly practical nature of the programme
- Based in Scotland’s largest independent performing arts institution
- The opportunity for collaboration with other MA programmes
- The focus on the individual development of each student
- Outstanding resources with some of the largest studios in Scotland
- The institution’s professional network and industry partnerships
- Supportive and nurturing environment
Programme overview
The MA Performance (Theatre Making) is taught over one academic year. Across the programme students will explore:
- Theatrical storytelling
- Directing
- Improvisation / writing
- Acting techniques
- Theatre Performance
- Arts entrepreneurship for the professional performer / choreographer
- History and critical theory for the professional performer (the reflective practitioner)
- Research practice for the creative artist (including practice as research)
Degree structure
The programme is made up of 180 credits. The programme has three exit awards determined by the number of credits achieved.
Postgraduate Certificate -60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma -120 Credits
Master of Arts -180 Credits
The programme develops progressively over the year.
PGCert
Contemporary Approaches to Theatre Making -30 Credits
Contemporary Issues in Performance – A Global Perspective -15 Credits
Creative and Academic Research Methods -15 Credits
PGDip
Alternative Theatre Practice -30 Credits
Performance -15 Credits
Arts Entrepreneurship -15 Credits
MA
Final Practical Project (Practice As Research) -60 Credits
Or
Final Research Project (Dissertation) -60 Credits
The order of module delivery may vary for part-time students.
Teaching and learning
All MGA postgraduate programmes share a common approach to teaching and learning. Students will spend the majority of their time in the studio where their skills will be developed by MGA’s highly experienced professional staff and a substantial number of masterclasses from visiting practitioners.
This practical way of learning is supplemented by lectures and seminars supporting other professional areas such as Historical and Contextual Studies, Arts Entrepreneurship and Research skills.
We realise that all of our students are individual creative artists and wherever possible we adapt our teaching to their individual needs and aspirations with all students receiving one to one tutorials where progress is discussed and action plans developed.
For more information on applying for postgraduate courses please email postgraduate@themgaacademy.com
Assessment
Each module has specific learning outcomes. These outcomes are evaluated through assessment tasks. All assessment tasks are mapped in detail against the learning outcomes. Assessment tasks, together with dates and times are normally published at the beginning of the teaching year.
Assessment tasks vary according to the learning outcomes. They can include group performance presentations, solo presentations, written assignments, and contribution to public performance projects.
Feedback
As well as formal written feedback given for each assessment tasks, feedback is also given informally during most practical teaching sessions. All feedback is designed to be positive and contrastive and enhance the learning experience.
Attendance for part-time students
The programme recognises that part-time students normally have work or caring commitments therefore has designed a low-residency system.
The part-time course is delivered one evening per week and one full weekend per month.
Entry requirements
Normally applicants are expected to hold a first degree in a related discipline. Applicants without a first degree but have considerable professional experience are welcome to apply.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be expected to hold IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
All applicants will be invited to attend an interview and an audition, full details of which will be sent upon receipt of an application.
You must be a UK or Irish citizen to apply for any MGA’s programmes and be able to provide proof. MGA is able to accept applications from outside of the UK if a candidate has applied successfully for Settled or Pre-Settled Status. All relevant information regarding our audition requirements will be sent out on receipt of a valid certificate. (More information on EU Settlement Scheme.) Please read the information on fees and funding here before completing the application form.
Fees, Finance and Funding
For more information on tuition fees and available funding visit www.themgaacademy.com/fees-and-funding
