Why Study Theatre Studies at Otago?
Theatre represents and explores human experience and imagination in a dynamic, immediate way.
Drawing on the rich diversity of theatrical expression in different cultures and eras, Theatre Studies at Otago offers you an exciting, stimulating combination of practical skills and academic training, preparing you for a range of careers both within and beyond theatre and the performing arts.
How can I fit Theatre Studies into my degree?
We offer plenty of study options, from just one or two papers to postgraduate qualifications.
Planning your degree
Answer the following questions to help you decide which Theatre Studies path to take.
Which level of study are you ready for?
- If this is your first time at university, you will be an undergraduate student.
Undergraduate qualifications - If you already have a degree, and wish to build on it, then you will be a postgraduate student.
Postgraduate qualifications
How much Theatre would you like to study?
- If you wish to make Theatre Studies the focus of your degree, then you can make Theatre Studies your major.
You will need to follow the study path laid out under Major subject requirements.
You could also consider Theatre Studies as part of a double major.
- If you wish to focus on another subject but still be recognised for your Theatre Studies papers, then you can make Theatre Studies your minor.
You will need to follow the study path laid out under Minor subject requirements.
- If you would like to take one or more Theatre Studies papers as part of your degree you just need to check that you have any required prerequisite(s).
You can enrol/apply for individual papers without majoring (or minoring) in Theatre Studies.
What sort of things can I get involved in with Theatre Studies?
Students in our papers have many opportunities to participate in production activities. Recent production activities in some of our papers include:
- Scene-work, both script-based and improvised
- Original devised pieces
- Shakespearean monologues and full performances
- Directing both shorter pieces and longer, one acts
- Backstage and front-of-house activities for Lunchtime theatre
- Various scriptwriting activities
How can Theatre Studies help me in my chosen career?
Theatre Studies papers can help you to build and develop a number of skills that are of value in the wider job market.
For example: THEA 151 Improvisation can give you increased confidence and self-awareness, tap into your creativity, help to make you aware of body language and non-verbal communication skills, and build team skills.
All are desirable qualities for jobs in many fields.
"Theatre Studies taught me to act on my impulses and be spontaneous, and boosted my self-esteem and confidence. It taught me skills that I could use in any field of work."
- Ahilan Karunaharan