BA World Performance

If you’re looking for a practical drama degree that goes beyond traditional approaches, BA (Hons) World Performance offers an intensive, hands-on training that embraces diverse perspectives.

This course gives you the opportunity to train, create, and perform in an exciting range of global theatre practices. You’ll explore Western and non-Western acting techniques alongside performance traditions from around the world, developing a deeper understanding of storytelling through different cultural perspectives.

The course combines practical theatre training with a broad exploration of international performance styles, from World Music to Commedia Dell’Arte and Balinese Kecak. You’ll also be introduced to the basics of filmmaking and backstage roles such as theatre production and set design. In your final year, you’ll apply the techniques you’ve learned in three technically-supported productions.

The course is designed for curious, ambitious creatives who are eager to explore the world’s rich performance traditions. Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to discover your own artistic voice and challenge conventions. By the time you graduate, you’ll have developed as a performer and theatre-maker with the artistic and technical skills to create innovative and culturally-informed work.

We offer a broad range of scholarships and bursaries to support your studies with us. EU students are eligible for the Undergraduate EU Scholarship, which offers a discount of £5000 on annual tuition fees for each year of study. International students from non-EU countries could be eligible for a International Undergraduate Scholarship worth £5000. To explore our full range of scholarships and check your eligibility, visit the University of Essex scholarships and funding page.

As a World Performance student, you’ll have opportunities to:

• Develop a strong foundation in acting, movement, voice and articulation, alongside global performance styles such as Balinese Kecak, Kathakali, Capoeira, Biomechanics, Commedia Dell’Arte, and non-Western Character work.
• Cultivate a deep understanding of theatre around the world and learn to adopt an intercultural approach to examining theatre in its social, political, and cultural contexts.
• Learn about World Music and singing, and explore how music influences performance and storytelling across cultures.
• Work with visiting international artists, who lead workshops in theatre traditions from around the world. Past examples include Butoh, Chinese Opera, African Performance and Drumming, Kabuki, Brazilian Theare, Shakespeare in a Global Context, and Thai Theatre.
• Learn the basics of production and media, including filmmaking, lighting, set design, and theatre production.
• Perform in three technically-supported productions at our campus theatre, applying the techniques you’ve learned in text-work, multicultural approaches, and political theatre.
• Choose to study abroad for a term or attend a summer programme at one of our partner institutions.
• Take part in a showcase in Central London and film a showreel to promote yourself to the industry.

This course is taught at our vibrant and modern Southend Campus. With its lively, state-of-the-art facilities and close-knit international community, Southend is the perfect environment for living and learning.

View more undergraduate courses from East 15 Acting School, including further Actor training programs as well as behind the scenes courses in Creative Producing and Stage Management.