21st Century Theatre and Performance

This practical CPD course is designed for theatre practitioners, performers, educators, creative professionals, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of contemporary theatre and performance. It explores the key movements, practitioners, productions, and performance-making approaches that have shaped theatre in the 21st century, examining their relevance within wider social, cultural, and historical contexts.

Participants will develop the ability to critically engage with contemporary performance, understand its influences, and reflect on the evolving roles of both audiences and performance makers in today's creative landscape.

To view the module descriptor (PERF08005), 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 broaden their understanding of contemporary performance practices
• Actors, directors, producers, and creative collaborators seeking insight into current trends and approaches within the sector
• Drama and performing arts educators interested in contemporary theatre movements and their practical application
• Early-career artists and graduates wishing to strengthen their knowledge of 21st-century performance and its wider cultural significance
• Arts and cultural professionals seeking to engage more critically with contemporary theatre and audience experiences
• Individuals with an interest in modern theatre and performance who want to develop their analytical and reflective skills

Why take this course?

Contemporary theatre continues to evolve in response to social change, technological developments, and shifting audience expectations. Understanding the ideas, practices, and innovations shaping modern performance can help creative professionals engage more effectively with current industry trends and audience experiences.

This course provides the opportunity to explore influential theatre-makers, companies, and performance forms that continue to shape contemporary practice. Through critical analysis and reflection, participants will strengthen their ability to evaluate performance work, understand its wider context, and apply these insights within their own creative, educational, or professional settings.


What you will learn

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

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how 21st-century theatre and performance has been influenced by earlier theatrical practices and movements
• Critically evaluate contemporary performance work within its social, cultural, historical, and political contexts
• Analyse the approaches and contributions of significant contemporary theatre practitioners, companies, and performance-makers
• Reflect on the changing role of audiences and performance-makers within contemporary theatre and performance
• Apply critical thinking and research skills to explore and interpret current developments in theatre and performance practice

How you will learn

This course combines guided learning, discussion, independent study, and critical reflection to help you develop a practical understanding of contemporary theatre and performance.

You will learn through:

• Tutor-led sessions exploring key theatre movements, practitioners, productions, and contemporary performance approaches
• Interactive discussions that encourage critical engagement with performance works and their wider social and cultural contexts
• Analysis of contemporary theatre case studies, productions, and performance texts
• Independent reading, research, and reflection activities to deepen your understanding of course themes
• Opportunities to share perspectives and engage with the ideas of fellow participants

Course content

The course is structured around key themes and developments that have shaped theatre and performance in the 21st century.

• Foundations of Contemporary Performance
• Influential Practitioners and companies
• Contemporary Performance Forms and Genres
• Analysing Contemporary Productions.
• The Role of the Audience and Performance Maker
• Contemporary Theatre in Context

Applying your learning

Throughout the course, you will:

• Explore contemporary theatre and performance through real-world examples, productions, and practitioner case studies
• Engage critically with current performance practices and emerging trends within the sector
• Reflect on the relationship between performance, audiences, and wider social and cultural contexts
• Develop and apply research, analysis, and critical thinking skills through guided activities and independent study
• Build confidence in discussing and evaluating contemporary theatre and performance

You will leave with:

• A stronger understanding of the key movements, practitioners, and performance forms shaping contemporary theatre
• Enhanced ability to analyse and evaluate performance work within its wider context
• Greater confidence in engaging with contemporary theatre as a practitioner, educator, arts professional, or informed audience member
• Practical critical and reflective skills that can be applied across creative, cultural, and educational settings
• A broader perspective on how theatre continues to respond to and influence contemporary society

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

The course is suitable for individuals with an interest in theatre, performance, and contemporary creative practice. It may be particularly relevant to theatre practitioners, performers, educators, arts professionals, and those working within the wider creative and cultural sectors.

Participants should be prepared to engage with contemporary performance examples, contribute to discussions, and undertake independent study at SCQF Level 8. Previous experience of theatre or performance studies 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, drawing on influential practitioners, companies, productions, and performance-making approaches that continue to shape professional practice.

The content is informed by current industry trends and contemporary performance forms, enabling participants to explore how theatre responds to changing social, cultural, and technological contexts. Through engagement with real-world examples and case studies, learners will develop insights that are relevant to creative practice, arts education, and the wider cultural 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.