Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Course

The Doctor of Philosophy (Theatre Performance) is 100 per cent by research. The candidate will develop and present a live performance in a public venue, which will normally be in one of the fields of directing, theatre making or dramatic writing. The candidate performance will embody the results of the research investigation, which will be into the contexts, theoretical influences, aesthetic elements and performance making processes of the project. The critical commentary will be an explication and analysis of the performance research project and will address methodological and theoretical issues that arise during the research investigation.

The objectives of this course are to:

• expose candidates to advanced methodologies of practice as research in performance
• foster a deeper, critical understanding of the intersections of theory and practice in the performing arts that will enable the candidate to move beyond this binary and create a practice that both reflects and embodies theory
• provide the conditions necessary for the candidate to advance the field of practice-based research with an original contribution to knowledge and practice
• enable candidates to challenge and extend their advanced knowledge and training as makers of theatre performance
• enhance and further refine the skills of candidates in practical performance work
• develop a heightened awareness in candidates of the demands of professional practice.

Candidates develop and present a live performance in a public venue, and later submit a written critical commentary. The performance will normally be 60-90 minutes and the commentary 30,000 - 35,000 words. The equivalent combined word total is 80,000 words.

Doctor of Philosophy (Theatre Performance)