Course description

Applied Theatre refers to the practice of theatre and drama in non-traditional settings and/or with marginalised communities. It encompasses theatre practices which tackle areas of social and cultural policy such as public health, education, housing, social welfare, and the care system.

This course provides a specialist route for graduates who wish to develop as educational practitioners using theatre and drama.

• You will deepen your knowledge and practice in the field of Applied Theatre
• This course enables you to engage in real-life practice within and alongside a professional producing theatre
• You will develop your ability to interpret, understand and conduct practice as research relevant to the theatre and education at a masterly level
• You will become industry ready for employment in Theatre Education

Derby Theatre
The UK's unique professional, producing and learning theatre

As a Learning Theatre, Derby Theatre provides a unique opportunity for students to learn to their craft by working alongside both academics and theatre professionals in the heart of a professional producing theatre, to develop your skills in technical theatre or performance.

Students, academics and artists work, create and learn side by side at Derby Theatre. All decisions about the development of both the art and the learning opportunities are made together. At every stage, there is huge potential in the crucible of the arts, learning and research combining to both underpin and inform our future work.  

Derby Theatre provides an extraordinary platform for real life learning to take place, not only through the exciting main stage and studio programmes, but also through the work that the Theatre does with young people, young people in care, emerging artists and the community. Graduates of the programme can also be supported by our Artist Development Programme, In Good Company, which is part of a large regional funding programme.

#ThisIsDerby award winning project
Derby Theatre has won the Excellence in Arts Education Award at the UK Theatre Awards in 2019 and the Guardian University Award 2020 for Social and Community Impact in recognition and celebration of the #ThisIsDerby project. Delivered by Derby Theatre and other cultural and sports organisations in the city, including Derby County Community Trust, Cultural Campus: Derby's Cultural Education Partnership and the City's Sports Forum, the project provides opportunities for young people to take part in high-quality arts, sports and cultural activities across the city and aims to develop their essential life skills.

Winner of the Creativity for Good category at the Mainframe Awards 2022

Senior Lecturer and MA Applied Theatre and Education Programme Leader Dr Ava Hunt won the Creativity for Good category at the Mainframe Awards 2022 for the Destinies theatre and music production. The project, a partnership between Dr Ava Hunt Theatre, Sinfonia Viva, Orchestras Live and co-created with young people and Derbyshire County Council Virtual School, celebrates the stories and creativity of young refugees and asylum seekers living in Derbyshire.

Mainframe, based at QUAD, is an initiative that aims to bring together a community of digital and creative business across Derby and Derbyshire, enabling real business growth and jobs. The Mainframe Awards were launched to highlight and celebrate the talented digital and creative businesses that call Derby and Derbyshire home.

How you will learn

The sessions are designed to be interactive, utilising a variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, seminar discussions and ‘hands on’ practical activities related to theatre and education. Working alongside industry professionals, you will gain a wide range of skills and understanding over and above the course content e.g. fundraising and marketing.