Theatre and Performing Lancaster University

Theatre, made well, changes us. Whether you want to focus on performing, directing, playwriting, or applied theatre, join us to shape the theatre industry of the future. You will combine practice and theory to support your creative risk-taking and develop an original voice through your own innovative practical work.

Why Lancaster?

• Benefit from a forward-thinking curriculum that is firmly based on the skills and knowledge that will be needed in the theatre industry in years to come

• Tailor your studies by specialising in your chosen area of theatre such as acting, scenography, scriptwriting, directing or applied and community performance

• Enjoy a practical course where you can bring your theoretical ideas to life in imaginative ways in our studios

• Take advantage of regular networking opportunities with professional theatres and arts organisations in Lancaster and beyond

• Choose a course that expertly combines practical skills with contextual knowledge, giving you a strong understanding of 21st century theatre and how it can impact society

The future of theatre

Focussing on the emerging trends and innovations of 21st-century theatre and performance, we will teach you the building blocks of performance making, whilst supporting your ability to develop highly creative, challenging and impactful work.

You will engage in collaborative group performances throughout the course, allowing you to specialise in what you enjoy the most. You might choose to focus on acting, building your confidence on stage, perfecting your characterisation and portraying that character through performance. You could opt to work in pre-production, playwriting or script writing, or even scenography, designing sets and scenes that bring your production to life.

You may see yourself behind the scenes, directing those on stage and managing production from start to finish. You can make this course your own.

As you progress through the course, you will be able to choose thematic areas of focus, for example, theatre for social change, intermedial theatre, text-based performance, and environmental performance. You will also be trained on topics such as sustainability, inclusivity, and creative entrepreneurship – equipping you with vital skills that will help you to shape the theatre industry of the future.

The freedom to perform

The performance work you create will span a wide array of forms and styles. Most of your learning will be practical, collaborating with others to create projects such as performance pieces, practical presentations, creative portfolios, and contemporary writing and communication projects such as blogs and podcasts. At other times, you will learn through lectures and seminars given by our expert team. Through this, you will develop your knowledge of recent theatre developments and learn to critically evaluate the impact of theatrical performance on global societies.

You will also have the option to study aspects of the Creative Industries, learning essential skills such as project management and funding applications, and how to ensure theatre is accessible and inclusive.

You will often work in professional theatre venues, including the Nuffield Theatre on the University campus. At other times you might be creating work in the natural environment surrounding campus, or within the urban landscapes of the city of Lancaster.

You will also have opportunities to participate in applied and community-based projects, working with socially and economically disadvantaged groups in the Lancaster region. For some students, this is the most inspiring part of the course.

A creative community

You will be taught by professional theatre practitioners and top academics, benefitting from their links to leading creative and cultural organisations, such as Arts Council national portfolio organisation, Lancaster Arts, and The Dukes Theatre with their Creative Communities programme.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

BBB . Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts are considered desirable subjects, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

Access to HE Diploma

24 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 21 Level 3 credits at Merit. Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts are considered desirable subjects, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM, ideally in Performing Arts, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DM, or A level at grade C plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BC plus BTEC at D. Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts are considered desirable subjects, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

International Baccalaureate

30 overall with 15 points from the best 3 HL subjects. Theatre, Drama or Performance are considered desirable subjects, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Merit overall. We would also expect you to be able to demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

Additional requirements

If you have not studied Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts as one of your qualifications equivalent to A level, then we would expect you to demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre elsewhere in your application.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.