Master of Arts in Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy
Utrecht University
Key Information
Campus location
Utrecht, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,209 / per year **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
** EU/EEA, Surinam or Swiss students; €17,500: International students
Scholarships
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Introduction
Focus on Expanding Performance and Interdisciplinary Dramaturgy
In this Master's program, we focus on new and interdisciplinary forms of theatre, dance, and dramaturgy. We are interested in how performance and choreography respond to current societal phenomena (such as debates around gender diversity, societal and ecological challenges, dance and neuroscience, or how media impacts perception), how this leads to new artistic forms and strategies, and new modes of storytelling. We will teach you how to critically reflect and write about these developments.
A Diverse and International Community
This program welcomes both international students as well as students with a Dutch Bachelor's degree in art and culture studies, but also arts professionals who wish to enrich their practice through academic research. The academic DNA of our Master's students preferably consists of reflexivity, curiosity, open-mindedness, commitment, initiative, and affinity with writing.
Individual Specialisation
The first semester brings you up to date with the latest trends and topics, the second semester is for individual specialization. The unique characteristic of the program in Utrecht is the focus on contemporary, hybrid practices and the possibility to focus on dance and dance dramaturgy.
Practical Orientation
Fully taught in English, this Master’s program takes an academic approach to contemporary performance. We closely collaborate with the field of theatre and dance in the Netherlands and Flanders. You will get acquainted with state-of-the-art theory yet we are also oriented towards the practice of theatre and dance. This is exemplified by the focus on dramaturgy, an internship in the second semester, and the many opportunities to meet with practitioners.
Program Outcome
After Graduation
- You will be acquainted with the latest developments in theatre, dance, and dramaturgy, and with affiliated contemporary critical and theoretical approaches.
- You have gained experience in dramaturgy, drawing from theoretical texts on academic perspectives and the actual practice of theatre and dance dramaturgy.
- You will know-how trends in actual practice relate to recent developments in art criticism, curating, and programming.
- You are able to carry out independent research and report on research outcomes according to international academic standards.
- You will possess a professional attitude when communicating with practitioners and will know how to put academic skills and knowledge to work in a professional field.
Since the work field is multifaceted and comprises both larger and smaller companies as well as public and private initiatives, many alumni combine various jobs - for instance, dramaturge and writer or programmer and artistic advisor.
Career Opportunities
Career prospects
Graduates of the Contemporary Theatre, Dance, and Dramaturgy have gone on to work as:
- theatre or dance dramaturge
- theatre or dance critic
- dramaturgy instructor
- researcher
- public officials for cultural affairs
- employees at training centers for the arts
- director of cultural programs on radio, television, or internet platforms
- curators, organizers, and programmers of theatre or dance festivals
- public relations or education employee with theatre or dance companies or performing arts houses
Many of our international students use their knowledge and skills to become dramaturge, writers, artistic advisors, or organizers of performance events in their homeland, or to start-up platforms for the exchange of artistic knowledge.
Academic Careers
This MA program does not directly prepare students for Ph.D. studies, but occasionally, a student begins a Ph.D. project after finishing this program. If you wish to pursue an academic career, you might be interested in our Master’s program in Media, Art, and Performance Studies.