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Monash University

Master of Theatre

Course code: 3753 ~ Course abbreviation: MTheatre ~ Total credit points required: 72 ~ 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Arts

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton)

Course description

Students gain a creative and critical understanding of current theatre practice, including its history, production, and reception, as well as the cultural and aesthetic issues that inform its ongoing evolution. Within the professional, community and educational contexts in which it operates, the program embraces a distinctively diverse, intercultural, and international ethic that encourages interdisciplinary approaches to the theory and practice of theatre performance. Teaching will be based in the theatre and rehearsal spaces of the Monash Performing Arts Building.

Course objectives

Students successfully completing this course will have: 1. a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline; 2. an understanding of the world view of the field of study; 3. a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study; 4. a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study; 5. advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal; 6. advanced analytical skills; 7. a grasp of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program.

Minimum pass grade

To graduate with the Masters, students must gain a credit (60 C) or above in core units and a minimum credit average overall.

Course structure

The coursework program offers two streams designed to give students an opportunity to (a) increase their knowledge of theory and practice in contemporary theatre whether for the purposes of teaching or community work, including the option of a research project, and (b) develop skills relevant to the professional performing arts industry. Some teaching will occur in block mode during mid or summer-semester breaks.

There are opportunities for substantial credit for those students with relevant professional experience or equivalent higher degree study.

Students undertake units to the value of 48 points at level 4, consisting of two core units (24 points) and 24 points of electives. At level 5, students take 24 points of electives.

The course offers two primary sequences of study.

Course requirements

Coursework with research project option

The coursework with research project option places greater emphasis on the combination of theory and performance practice to theatre studies. This option would suit those wishing to upgrade their skills and knowledge of historical and contemporary theatre but not those intending to continue with further study. The possibility of undertaking an extended research project at level 5 will provide students in this stream with an opportunity to undertake advanced analytical work if they choose. All units are 12 points unless otherwise stated.

Level 4 core unit
  • DTH4000 Dramatic theory, criticism, and research methods
Level 4 electives
  • DTH4001 Design for theatre
  • DTH4002 Creating the new: Theatre and its experiments
  • DTH4003 Performance investigation
  • DTH4004 Rethinking theatre history
Level 5 core unit
Level 5 electives
  • DTH5002 Creating the new: Theatre and its experiments
  • DTH5007 Research project

Coursework and professional practice

The second involves coursework and an understanding of professional research with an emphasis on interpretation of contemporary theatre. This option would suit those who wish to develop a more advanced knowledge and understanding of the professional industry and whose written appreciation of theatre needs further development. All units are 12 points unless otherwise stated.

Level 4 core unit
  • DTH4000 Dramatic theory, criticism and research methods
Level 4 electives
  • DTH4001 Design for theatre
  • DTH4002 Creating the new: Theatre and its experiments
  • DTH4003 Performance investigation
  • DTH4004 Rethinking theatre history
Level 5 core unit
Level 5 elective

Other units within the school or faculty, such as CRT4760/CRT5760 (Gender, body and performance), may be accredited as electives with approval from the course coordinator.

Exit points

After successful completion of 24 points, students may apply to exit the program with a Graduate Certificate in Arts, or after successful completion of 48 points with a Graduate Diploma in Theatre.

Course coordinator

Dr Will Peterson