Learning outcomes

Students on the Master [120] in Performing Arts prepare themselves for the challenge of becoming an expert actor in the field of theatre studies, with an approach which takes the whole phenomenon of theatre into account. At the end of their training, the students will be able to master and employ knowledge and critical analysis skills in respect of theatrical creation and performing arts, in order to independently and relevantly approach their current or future practice and become an active cultural actor in the world of professional theatre.

In order to achieve that, students will master a broad range of knowledge relating to theory and practice, tools, concepts and methods in various disciplines required in order to understand problems in the field of theatre studies and performing arts.

Students will employ their knowledge and skills in order to understand, analyse and respond to situations/problems in all areas of and in respect of all the complexities of the field of performing arts:

  • in accordance with an academic approach: a scientific approach grounded upon reflection and a rigorous methodology; 
  • in accordance with a multidisciplinary approach ensuring the adoption of a critical and nuanced posture regarding the contributions made by different disciplines; 
  • in accordance with questioning which takes the institutional, historical and cultural specifics of performing arts into account; 
  • by appropriately and compatibly communicating and interacting with the different actors involved in a given situation; 
  • by proposing action plans in response to a situation or problem.

Depending upon the focus chosen, students can give their training either a bias towards specialised skills in theatrical practices and professions, or towards specific teaching skills.

Students will question, enrich and consolidate their professional practice by subjecting the latter to criticism. Students will integrate a continuous developmental logic which allows them to perform as professionals demonstrating high-level expertise and flexibility, and be able to adapt and develop positively within the context of their work.

On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :

1. Master and employ interdisciplinary theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of theatre studies.

1.1. Understand the aesthetic theatrical concepts and acquire an in-depth knowledge of the phenomenon of theatre;
1.2. Be able to situate the phenomenon of theatre amongst other arts and, more widely, other discourse;
1.3. Employ multidisciplinary knowledge which is essential to the theatre and to culture in general, such as the history of staging, literary analysis, the dramaturgical study of theatrical texts, the sociology of the theatre, theatrical legislation;
1.4. Master specialist knowledge depending upon their choice of focus, such and drama teaching to adolescents and the principles of teaching;
1.5. Apply the knowledge and practices linked to experiences in the theatrical sector and culture;
1.6. Situate theatrical productions (text and/or staged) in history and interpret them from the point of view of history, dramaturgy, stagecraft, text, sociology, law and themes;
1.7. Develop and implement appropriate methods for devising and handling a theatre studies problem, formulate questions and hypotheses linked to the analysis of performances, dramaturgy and other multidisciplinary fields.

2. Devise academic and practical methodologies and apply knowledge in the field of research and the socio-professional, cultural milieu.

2.1. Realize a research assignment implementing a rigorously scientific methodological and critical approach , in accordance with an interdisciplinary method, in order to go deeper into a philosophical research question;
2.2. Carry out a review of the literature on a complex problem in the field of theatre studies;
2.3. Contribute to the creation of knowledge which is useful to scientific research in the field of theatre studies;
2.4. Employ and use theoretical and practical knowledge for artistic and/or logistical purposes (e.g.: staging, staging assistance, scenography, dramaturgy, artistic collaboration, teaching dramatic arts);
2.5. Distinguish the key aspects from the less important aspects relating to a problem connected with the world of theatre or culture in order to define and delimit that problem’s field of action;
2.6. Communicate and transfer knowledge in theatre studies in writing or orally and in a way which has been adapted for the target audience;
2.7. Demonstrate an ability to deal with conceptual abstraction in, summarize and formalise an analysis.

3. Act and think as a cultural and critical actor.

3.1. Devise scientific, artistic or logistical solutions which are appropriate and innovative and allow for the evolution or contributions to the evolution of reflection, aesthetic or strategic production choices and development;
3.2. Test and analyse situations in respect to their academic, artistic and/or institutional context, being able to adapt them if necessary;
3.3. Deepen, develop and share a humanist, multicultural and multidisciplinary idea of theatre which is open to the world.

4. Develop the human and professional qualities required in the world of culture.

4.1. Work in the theatrical and culture sector in general and be able to identify their profession in accordance with their path, skills and desires: dramaturgy, academia, communication manager, theatrical director, critic, administrator, manager, stage director, assistant director, dramatic arts teacher, scenographer, artistic collaborator;
4.2. Collaborate in a team, listen, adapt and integrate into the theatrical and cultural structures, appreciate the organisational challenges, identify actors, know where to implement and offer solutions;
4.3. Have assimilated the importance of proactively establishing and cultivating networks with actors and cultural institutions;
4.4. Devise a professional path incorporating continuous development on the basis of their individual plan and skills.

5. If the “Occupations and Practices in the Theatre” professional focus course is chosen: deepen the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the core curriculum activities. In addition to a practical supplement, students will acquire knowledge in the fields of art, literature and cultural management.


6. If the teaching focus course is chosen: employ the competencies necessary to begin teaching effectively in upper secondary education, in philosophy, and be able to progress there.

6.1. Take part in education, in partnership with different parties;
6.2. Teach in authentic and varied situations;
6.3. Reflect upon and progress through the usual stages of continuing development.
For further information, please go to Teacher Training Certificate (upper secondary education) - Performing Arts.