Master of Theatre (Dramaturgy)

This is the first course leading to a qualification in dramaturgy in Australia and Asia, and offers a unique curriculum emerging from its positioning within the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and the artistic and cultural life of Melbourne.

The Master of Theatre (Dramaturgy) offers you the opportunity to explore dramaturgy beyond work with written texts and literary play scripts to encompass the contexts of dance, hybrid works, installation, community-based and performance artwork. You will develop your potential for artistic leadership and attain in-depth knowledge of dramaturgical thinking and practices from industry professionals.

The course is underpinned by a commitment to the pursuit of artistic excellence, collaboration and interdisciplinarity within established and emerging local, national and international dramaturgical practices. It is closely interwoven with both the existing Master of Theatre (Directing) and Master of Theatre (Writing).

Structured with a balance of theory and practice across three semesters, the program is delivered through laboratory-based workshops, seminars, lectures, self-directed exercises, tutorials, practical masterclasses, and practical work on performance projects and an independent project.

A core principle of the program is collaboration, in developing this skill you will collaborate with other VCA postgraduate disciplines and engage with writers, directors, designers, choreographers, performance-makers and actors on a range of projects in an intensive training environment. As such this course also provides a unique opportunity to develop creative partnerships that can lead to future collaborations in the profession.

Course Structure

18 months full-time or 36 months part-time.

This is a 150 credit point program.

The course provides a balance of theory and practice across three semesters through laboratory-based workshops, seminars, lectures, self-directed exercises, tutorials, practical master classes, practical work on performance projects and an independent project.

Artistic collaborations with directors, choreographers, designers and other performance makers at the VCA, provide a unique opportunity to develop creative partnerships that can lead to future collaborations in your profession.