Drama - Subject Guide

Drama involves everything from acting, screenwriting, directing, theatre management and so much more. You might choose to specialise in a particular field while at university and this can lay the groundwork for the type of work you pursue in your career. Specialisations allow you to hone your skills in a certain area and develop your artistic interests in greater depth. Some of these specialisations include: 

• Directing and stagecraft: The roles of a director is to guide actors through their performance and manage technical elements to bring a production to life. Directors oversee rehearsals and overall artistic vision, and the role has different considerations when directing a theatre play or a filmed performance for screen. 

• Musical theatre: A right old song and dance, musical theatre blends theatrical performances with musical numbers, creating dynamic productions which are often adapted between stage and screen. This form of theatre has been around for centuries and is as relevant now as it ever has been. 

• Puppetry: From Pinocchio to Punch and Judy, puppets have been used to convey emotions and bring characters to life on stage for generations. Puppeteers manipulate puppets through various techniques, captivating audiences with their skills and storytelling. 

• Theatre technology and design: Lights, camera, action! The atmosphere of a stage show or film set is designed by a team of theatre technicians, who use sophisticated lighting and sound techniques alongside set and costume design to enhance the production.  

• Avant-garde theatre: Pushing the boundaries of traditional theatre, avant-garde theatre is often the most experimental and controversial. It explores complex and provocative themes, inviting audiences to engage with thought-provoking and unconventional theatrical experiences

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• Acting techniques and methods 

• Dramatic literature analysis 

• Playwriting and screenwriting 

• Directing principles 

• Character development 

• Movement and physical theatre 

• Voice training 

• Dramatic theory and critical analysis 

• Design elements in theatre 

• Contemporary theatre practices 

Through practical workshops, group classes, individual and collective performances, you’ll explore many types of stories, emotions and characters, aiming to immerse yourself in the craft to the extent that you can shed your own self and appear as a believable character to your audience. 

At university, you’ll learn through collaboration and experimentation in an environment where you’ll be guided by tutors, gaining insights into the social, cultural, and political dimensions of theatrical performance. 

You’ll also pick up key transferable skills, like: 

• Verbal communication 

• Interpersonal skills 

• Observation skills 

• Physical fitness

In the United Kingdom, drama programs are often accredited by institutions such as the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) or the British Accreditation Council (BAC), ensuring that graduates receive high-quality training and preparation for careers in the performing arts.  

Accredited drama schools provide rigorous training in acting, directing, and other theatrical disciplines, giving students a competitive edge when looking for jobs in the industry. 

If you’re thinking about studying drama and want to see what else is out there before making a big decision, then it’s definitely worth checking out some alternative degree options, like these: 

• Dance 

• Creative writing 

• English literature 

• Film studies

You can build a promising career in film or theatre with a drama degree, and the connections you make while at university will be as important as the qualification itself. You’ll also be able to transition into directing, screenwriting, film making, or any other associated professions. Remember, it takes a huge team of professionals to shoot a film, and there are many roles which you may find yourself suited to. 

You’ll also be able to take other jobs within the performing arts in a more organisational way at educational institutions or cultural organisations. 

Career pathways include: 

• Actor 

• Director 

• Playwright 

• Theatre producer 

• Arts administrator 

• Drama teacher 

• Drama therapist 

• Casting director 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in drama or a related subject.

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