Key Practitioners in Drama and Theatre

This practical CPD course is designed for theatre practitioners, performers, directors, educators, and arts professionals seeking to understand the ideas, movements, and creative approaches shaping contemporary performance. It explores influential theatre companies, practitioners, productions, and performance forms that have redefined how theatre is created, experienced, and understood in the 21st century.

Participants will develop a deeper understanding of contemporary theatre practice while examining how social, cultural, political, and technological developments continue to influence performance-making and audience engagement.

To view the module descriptor (PERF07007), please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors 

 

CPD for teachers of Music and English aiming to dual-qualify in Drama

This module is part of a suite of four modules designed to enhance knowledge and understanding of Drama, Theatre and Performance, equipping learners with the skills to teach Drama in secondary school contexts. These modules are well suited to teachers of Music and English who are looking to dual-qualify in Drama.

• From Page to Stage 
• Key Practitioners in Drama and Theatre
• Theatre Workshops 
• 21st Century Theatre and Performance

Upon completion successful completion of these modules, you will be able to access an academic transcript highlighting credits gained. You will need to submit evidence of your study when applying for Additional Professional Registration.

  

Who is this course for?

This course is also suitable for:

• Theatre practitioners looking to expand their knowledge of contemporary performance practice
• Actors and performers interested in current approaches to theatre-making and audience engagement
• Directors seeking inspiration from contemporary companies, practitioners, and production styles
• Drama and theatre educators supporting learners in the study of contemporary performance
• Community arts practitioners and creative facilitators working in performance-based settings
• Arts and cultural professionals involved in programming, producing, or supporting live performance
• Individuals with an interest in how theatre responds to contemporary social, political, and cultural issues

 

Why take this course?

Contemporary theatre continues to challenge traditional ideas about performance, storytelling, audience participation, and the role of the artist. New technologies, changing audience expectations, and evolving cultural contexts have created innovative forms of theatre that blur the boundaries between performer and spectator.

This course provides an opportunity to explore the key movements, practitioners, and productions that have shaped contemporary theatre while developing a deeper understanding of the forces influencing performance today. Participants will gain insights that can inform creative practice, performance-making, arts education, and audience development activities.

 

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how contemporary theatre and performance have been influenced by earlier theatrical practices
• Critically evaluate contemporary performance within its social, cultural, political, and historical contexts
• Analyse the work of influential contemporary theatre practitioners, companies, and productions
• Reflect on the evolving relationship between audiences, performers, and performance experiences
• Examine contemporary theatre movements and genres and their impact on creative practice
• Apply insights from contemporary theatre to professional, educational, or creative contexts

 

How you will learn

This course combines live online learning, collaborative discussion, performance analysis, and independent study to provide a rich understanding of contemporary theatre and performance.

You will learn through:

• Live tutor-led sessions exploring key theatre movements, practitioners, productions, and contemporary performance forms
• Interactive discussions examining current trends, debates, and developments within theatre and performance
• Analysis of significant productions, performances, and creative case studies
• Exploration of immersive, participatory, site-specific, digital, and interdisciplinary performance practices
• Independent research activities that support critical engagement with contemporary theatre
• Reflective exercises exploring the role of audiences, performers, and performance-makers in contemporary contexts
• Opportunities to engage with peers and share perspectives through online discussions and collaborative activities

 

Course content

The course explores the key movements, practitioners, companies, productions, and performance forms that have shaped theatre and performance in the 21st century.

• Contemporary Theatre in Context
• Contemporary Practitioners and Companies
• New Performance Forms and Genres
• Performance, Participation, and Audiences
• Contemporary Productions and Case Studies
• Theatre, Society, and the Future of Performance

 

Assessment

Assessment is designed to develop your ability to critically engage with contemporary theatre and performance while applying your learning to practical and professional contexts.

You will complete a portfolio of practical and reflective work that demonstrates your understanding of contemporary theatre movements, practitioners, productions, and audience engagement. This provides an opportunity to analyse performance examples, examine key themes, and explore the relationship between performance, context, and spectatorship.

Through the assessment, you will develop your ability to:

• Critically evaluate contemporary theatre and performance practices
• Analyse the influence of practitioners, companies, and movements on current performance
• Apply research and analysis to performance examples and case studies
• Reflect on the role of audiences and performance-makers in contemporary theatre
• Communicate informed perspectives on current developments within theatre and performance

The assessment focuses on applied understanding, critical reflection, and professional relevance rather than purely academic analysis.

 

Applying your learning

Throughout the course, you will:

• Explore a wide range of contemporary theatre movements, practitioners, companies, and productions
• Analyse how social, cultural, political, and technological developments influence performance
• Examine how audiences engage with contemporary theatre experiences
• Investigate current debates and emerging trends within performance practice
• Reflect on how contemporary approaches can inform your own creative and professional work

You will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of contemporary theatre and performance practice
• Greater confidence in analysing and evaluating performance work
• Enhanced knowledge of influential theatre-makers, companies, and movements
• Stronger research, critical thinking, and reflective skills
• Insights that can be applied within theatre-making, arts education, community arts, and cultural practice
• A broader understanding of how contemporary performance responds to changing audiences and societies

 

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

The course is suitable for individuals with an interest in contemporary theatre, performance, creative practice, or arts and cultural engagement. It may be particularly beneficial for performers, theatre-makers, educators, arts professionals, and those seeking to broaden their understanding of current performance practices.

Participants should be prepared to engage in discussion, research, critical reflection, and independent study at SCQF Level 8. Previous experience of theatre or performance may be beneficial but is not essential.

 

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits at SCQF Level 8.

These credits may contribute towards further undergraduate study where appropriate and in line with University regulations.

 

Sector and workforce relevance

This course reflects contemporary developments within the theatre and performance sector, exploring the practitioners, companies, productions, and performance forms that continue to influence creative practice today.

Through engagement with current theatre trends, innovative performance approaches, and contemporary audience experiences, participants will develop knowledge and insights that are directly relevant to theatre-making, arts education, audience engagement, cultural programming, and creative practice. The course emphasises real-world examples and contemporary case studies, ensuring learning remains aligned with current developments across the performing arts sector.

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.