Bachelor´s Programme in Contemporary Theatre

«Contemporary» refers to the age that we live in, the artistic age, the political age and the social age. Contemporary Theatre is the theatre that is created in and of our time, reflecting it and making it relevant to audiences that experience it. Contemporary Theatre is not a single genre or style, it sometimes is in the style of traditional theatre, but more often not. Contemporary Theatre explores current questions and how these can shape the art of theatre.

The Bachelor´s programme in Contemporary Theatre, at the University of Agder combines artistic, scientific and didactic practice. The education is rooted in contemporary professional theatre practice, which is characterised by productive interplay between production, critical reflection, and didactic strategies. Students will work and familiarise themselves with a broad spectrum of theatrical expressions that all relate and explore our contemporary age.

The program engages with society through critical, creative and interactive theatre practices. The program enables the student to reflect on the role of theatre in our time, and its importance for our societies, by watching and participating in theatre (local, national and international), and by creating their own theatre projects as well as projects based on didactic theory.

Research and exploration are at the core of the programme. The studies are practice based and vocational, and are focused on creating, interpreting and the applying theatre in a range of different contexts. The cultural, political, economic and institutional framework of contemporary theatre practice will also be examined.

After programme completion the candidate must have achieved the following:

KNOWLEDGE

• Know the various international and national forms of Contemporary Theatre.
• Be acquainted with acting techniques and the methods, theories, basic forms, and practices of theatre.
• Understand research and development practices in the field.
• Be familiar with professional discourse, historic references of Contemporary Theatre, and the artistic and points of view that it’s built upon.
• Have deep knowledge of selected methods of creative practice.
• Be acquainted with central theatre pedagogies, teaching methods and how these are applied.
• Be acquainted with cultural, political, institutional and economic structures and frameworks for the production of contemporary theatre.

SKILLS

• Be able to acquire, choose and apply appropriate methods, strategies, techniques and tools to create different forms of theatre.
• Be able to contribute with critique, experiences and skills in acting or other artistic practices.
• Be able to plan and lead theatre productions, artistic projects and other creative processes.
• Be able to use accurate terminology to analyse and contextualise theatre performances and theatre inspired arts.
• Be able to apply theatrical and aesthetic strategies and methods to other circumstances.
• Be able to participate actively and critically in the professional discourse of contemporary theatre.
• Be able to reflect on own development and take advantage of direction and guidance in theory as well as practice assignments.

GENERAL PROFICIENCY

• Be able to initiate, complete and lead collective creative processes and projects.
• Be able to analyse and communicate social and aesthetic issues and key subject matters in writing, verbally and in scenic form.
• Be able to relate their subject matter knowledge to an academic and non-academic target audience.
• Be able to exchange views and experiences with other practitioners and contribute the development of good practice.
• Be able to integrate ethical views and dilemmas in artistic and pedagogical projects.

The programme is taught through practice in groups, workshops, lectures, individual supervision & mentoring (practice and theory), seminars and guided performances and projects. The course will include visits from professional practitioners, excursions to, internships with, and project in collaboration with professional partners, such as the international theatre arts festival SAND, Kilden Performing Arts Centre (and especially Kilden Dialog with projects such as Fotspor, Spor and Fargespill), Scenekunst Sør, Kunstsilo, PUNKT Festival, Platform Nord and regional arts institutions.

The digital learning platform Canvas is used as the program’s communications channel.

Note that some classes in select subject matters are mandatory. These will be highlighted on Canvas at the start of the semester.

Contemporary theatre has a strong international or even transnational orientation, so naturally students will learn to relate to and familiarise themselves with international contemporary theatre. Through international networks and regional partners, students will have the opportunity to experience international contemporary art, with a focus on the performing arts. Sections of the curriculum will be in English and sections will explore international perspectives.

To increase global awareness and international focus, including globalization and migration is essential. This is achieved through careful selection of performance visits, careful consideration of the voices expressed on stage, and of the themes to be explored through projects. Students are encouraged to view theatre from a regional, national and international perspective.
The faculty arranges optional study trips. The purpose of these excursions is to expand the horizons of the students by seeing national and international contemporary theatre.

Good exchange agreements are of the utmost importance for the faculty, this enables our students to study abroad and exchange international students to study with us. Students have the opportunity to study abroad in the 5th semester. During this semester, students can choose their own focus of study (within requirements), and it is encouraged that they choose courses that will make their education stand out from those who choose to complete their entire education at the UiA. It is emphasized that students should be able to choose between educational institutions with different profiles. Please refer to the university's website for exchange opportunities.
Incoming students must take TEA100-1 Physical Theatre and Theatre Space in the 5th semester. This course and syllabus will be taught in English. International students take classes with the regular UiA program students.