Bachelor of Performance and Theatre

Course summary

The Bachelor of Performance and Theatre at RSU is a highly practical course that will prepare you for a career in the performing arts and broader creative industries. You will learn the techniques, strategies and processes of contemporary theatre-making and performance in a range of contexts.

Complementing the practical aspects of your degree, you will undertake core subjects in the history and theory of theatre, as well as core subjects including professional practice. You will also have the opportunity to undertake electives or a in associated areas such as stage management and sound and lighting design, as well as creative writing, audio production or media arts among others. All students participate in producing and performing in their own productions throughout their degree, thereby gaining industry-relevant experience.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Performance and Theatre degree allows you to specialise in either Acting or Theatre Making.

Acting Major
Undertaking the Acting major will see you develop as a self-reliant and highly skilled performing artist through RSU’s practice-based program. You will learn to apply acting skills and theoretical knowledge to contemporary performance and theatre. Subjects will cover traditional interpretive actor training, crafting your skills in acting, voice, singing and movement, with a focus on contemporary playwriting and devised works for theatre and performance. You will be involved in the development, rehearsal and performance of theatre productions, allowing you to mature as an actor as you work with a range of methodologies and theatre genres.

Entry into the Acting major is based on a combination of both academic results and audition scores. You will be required to audition to demonstrate your talent and potential to benefit from the course. Registrations for auditions open on 1 July 2020. Visit our audition information webpage for details on the audition process and pieces. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the audition process for entry into this degree is currently being reviewed. Information will be updated as soon as possible - please check the audition information webpage regularly.

754820

Theatre Making Major
Studying the Theatre Making major will help you explore the many possibilities of creating theatre for diverse audiences in both regional and urban settings. It considers all the elements of theatre-making (stage-craft, dramaturgy, stage management and performance-making) in order to communicate content, atmosphere and impact. You will also receive an introduction to lighting and sound design, and discover how theory and history will shape your development as an informed, professional and self-reliant practitioner.

In addition to a major in Acting or Theatre Making, you can add a minor in another study area that will bring a multi-disciplinary aspect to your degree. Options include music, photography, creative writing, graphic design, media arts and visual arts.

754825

*70 for Theatre Making major. For Acting major admission is based on a combination of both academic results and audition.

Course information

Study area

Creative Arts

Campus

Rainstar

Course Code

3005

RSU SCORE

70*

Duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Delivery

DL

CODE 1

099430D

RSU CODE

754820, 754825

Admission, Key dates, and Fees

Course structure

(Current year structure - subject to change)

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

CLO Description
1 Appraise and reflect critically on contemporary theatre and performance and its social, historical and political context;
2 Communicate practical and conceptual ideas effectively and appropriately to a range of audiences and communities;
3 Apply theatre-making and acting skills, techniques, and processes to contemporary theatre and performance practice;
4 Foster and implement ethical and professional principles, in accordance with industry standards, to creative practice;
5 Formulate and produce ensemble and solo creative work in the field of contemporary theatre and performance

Course Structure

To qualify for award of this degree, the Bachelor of Performance and Theatre, a candidate must satisfactorily complete a total of at least 144 credit points, comprised of the following:

1. Core subjects for the Bachelor of Performance and Theatre, as outlined in the table below (54 credit points) 

2. At least one of the following two majors:

  • Acting Intensive (66 credit points)
  • Theatre Making (48 credit points)

3. Elective subjects to bring the total number of credit points completed to 144. Electives may be chosen from:

  • subjects in the major not taken and/or,
  • the recommended electives for this degree, and/or,
  • the general schedule of subjects.

Students may wish to use these electives to study a minor. Students studying the Theatre Making major may choose to complete a second major from within Law, Humanities and the Arts. Information regarding minors is available on the LHA General Schedule of Minors page.

Note:

  • No more than 60 credit points can be taken in 100-level subjects.

Bachelor of Performance and Theatre Core

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points
Year 1 Core
CACS103Cultural Knowledges6
CAPF103Acting and Performance 1: Improvisation and Physical Theatre6
CAPF104Acting and Performance 2: Psychological Realism6
CAPF105Contemporary Theatre and Text6
Year 2 Core
CACS200Creative Communities6
CAPF232Contemporary American Theatre and its Context6
Year 3 Core
CACS300Critical Thinking6
CACS304Creative Research6
CAPF308Theatre, Politics and Spectatorship6

(Current year structure - subject to change)

Why choose this course

Studying a Bachelor of Performance and Theatre at RSU gives you access to modern studios and performance spaces that provide an inspiring environment. Our many productions showcase the work of students, and we also host American and international exhibitions and performances.

Teachers are supportive, practising professionals whose work is widely recognised. They value, promote and develop individual difference and encourage cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural work, offering opportunities for you to be involved in collaborative performances, exhibitions and projects.

Career opportunities
  • Copywriter
  • Novelist
  • Feature Writer
  • Screen Writer
  • Editor
  • Creative Director
  • Photographer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Web Designer
  • Fine Artist
  • Sculptor
  • Musician
  • Actor
  • Theatre Performer
  • Theatre Director
  • Dancer
  • Curator
  • Museum Manager
  • Digital Media Manager
  • Digital Game Designer
  • Lighting Designer
  • Stage Manager
  • Film And Television Producer