For me, a degree in Theatre has always been the plan. As someone who has a keen interest in performance. I always thought that this alone should be what I pursue at a drama school. However, after loving the other elements, such as playwrighting, directing, producing and design, the course here at York really caught my eye, and I haven’t looked back since. I’m going to tell you about my experience as a first year studying theatre at York.
My experience as a first year studying theatre at York
BA Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance course at York is truly unique; it gives equal weight to each component of theatre in your first year. This helps you to find your niche and tailor the course to your own speciality when you get to Year 2.
The history of theatre
So far, I have experienced more of an academic approach. I’ve loved the Histories and Politics of Theatre-making module, where we examine plays within their contexts. Likewise, Why Theatre? offers a critical approach. We’ve analysed everything from Aristotle’s Poetics and more contemporary scholarly works.
Getting creative
Theatre-making Workshop allows space for being creative and more collaborative. It explores what theatre offers, comparing film adaptations to the plays themselves. We consider what’s omitted, what was added, and what the desired effect was. We discuss what makes theatre special, and what it captures that other media simply cannot. It’s so exciting and interactive, and look forward to studying more.
Typically, in a week we have lectures, seminars, screenings and workshops. In the second semester, I am looking forward to the Playwrighting and Acting modules. We’re already talking about what we get to do, and it’s really exciting! I can’t wait to have the opportunity to write my own plays, act, and collaborate with other people on my course.
In Year 2, we even get opportunities to try modules from other degrees in the School, including Film and Television Production and Business of the Creative Industries.
Facilities
The facilities in the School are amazing. The Scenic Stage Theatre is incredible. It has a really distinctive audience arrangement comparable to that of the Crucible Theatre. I can’t wait to get involved in Main Stage productions. The producers recently pitched their shows in our lectures.
Why York?
Another great element of studying Theatre in York, is the emphasis on individual creativity and development. The School hosts regular scratch nights, which support and develop new original drama.
There are numerous theatre-related societies to join, which are student led. I have attended a scratch night as part of the Drama Society, where I watched 8 snippets of original drama – from serious monologues to comedy. The Original Drama Nights are particularly unique, and they happen weekly. Workshops and writing circles are weekly opportunities.
I’ve been heavily involved with the Central Hall Musical Society (CHMS) where I am lucky enough to be playing a principal role in their February show, Beauty and the Beast. With three musicals a year, showcases and soirées, there is so much to get involved with, whether this be in the cast or the production team. You’ll never be bored as a Theatre student here!
During my short time here, I have found myself immersed in the world of theatre. York is such an incredible place to study the subject, with so many opportunities right at your doorstep. One being York’s Grand Opera House which is home to many shows each year, it is such a great space, and I really enjoyed attending. York is truly a living creative community, which is so exciting to be a part of!
Leave a Reply