Applied Theatre and Social Change MA

University of Leeds

This course is centred on the belief that applied theatre has the ability to create individual, community and social change. As a student on the course you will explore the application of theatre practice as a tool to effect social change. You will also develop your own practice with a specific focus on the role of the facilitator in community contexts. You will have opportunities to apply your learning through workshops and practice-led research. In addition to this, your practice will be supported with expert guidance from established practitioners. The course aims to introduce students to the wide array of practices that form applied theatre including Theatre in Education, Theatre with Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Intergenerational Theatre and Theatre for Development. As well as practice, you will investigate current issues, debates and theories around applied theatre in diverse contexts such as education, health and mental health, community work and the criminal justice system. You’ll gain a critical understanding of issues relating to applied theatre such as ethics, boundaries and evaluation, alongside structures of good practice in workshop and project planning. Facilitation training is a core element of the master’s degree. You will undertake facilitation training as part of your induction process to the course, and one-to-one support will be offered throughout the year by staff with expertise in theatre for social change. Leading practitioners from the field will also hold sessions throughout the year to share their experiences, practices and learning. Leeds has a thriving applied theatre scene, and we have partnerships with many organisations that are engaged in applied theatre practice including Leeds Playhouse, Mind the Gap, Mafwa Theatre, and Fall into Place. We also work closely with local institutions like schools, hospitals, and Leeds City Council, as well as a range of third sector organisations. You will have the opportunity to deliver a project in collaboration with an external partner, allowing you to focus on a particular form of applied theatre practice and its implementation.