Contemporary Pantomime Practice MA at Staffordshire University

About

Study the first ever Masters level qualification that offers research and practical study in Contemporary Pantomime Practice.

Developed in association with Wilkes Academy, and supported by the UK's leading pantomime producers, the emphasis of this MA is strongly vocational, allowing for formal industry â€˜trainingâ and careers networking through placements and work experience.

Through the MA Contemporary Pantomime Practice, you will negotiate hyper-personalised learning routes, to develop your skillset in areas of pantomime practice you want to advance and explore in your practical study and training.

What's more, you will then work with established industry professionals and pantomime experts in workshops and rehearsals to explore these. These may include stock character conventions; audience participation and direct address; slapstick, comic routines and topicality; music, orchestration and sound; movement and choreography; the use of magic, transformation and illusion; scenography and design etc.

You will be taught by professionals with real-world experience in the theatre industry, using the fantastic studio spaces and workshop facilities at our award-winning institution.

Developed in association with Wilkes Academy, and supported by the UK's leading pantomime producers, the emphasis of this MA is strongly vocational, allowing for formal industry â€˜trainingâ and careers networking through placements and work experience.

Through the MA Contemporary Pantomime Practice, you will negotiate hyper-personalised learning routes, to develop your skillset in areas of pantomime practice you want to advance and explore in your practical study and training.

What's more, you will then work with established industry professionals and pantomime experts in workshops and rehearsals to explore these. These may include stock character conventions; audience participation and direct address; slapstick, comic routines and topicality; music, orchestration and sound; movement and choreography; the use of magic, transformation and illusion; scenography and design etc.

You will be taught by professionals with real-world experience in the theatre industry, using the fantastic studio spaces and workshop facilities at our award-winning institution.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Contemporary Pantomime Practice

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You will begin your study by researching the landscape of current pantomime practice from a variety of different perspectives and contexts: commercial, repertory and community. You will explore the impact of past traditions and lineages, investigate and challenge notions of tradition, study regional, national and international differences in the expression of the form; and critically appraise how the impact of the COVID pandemic, and recent advances in digital technologies, has led to innovation and change. Where appropriate, your work will be further contextualised by developments in associated popular art forms including musical theatre, cabaret, drag, variety and circus.

You will undertake an Industry placement and associated training opportunities with the UKs leading pantomime producers and engage in current industry debates e.g., impact of Disney, impact of â€˜Me Too, casting, inclusivity, ethics etc.

Working with Be Inspired Staffs, you will learn how to pitch your work and improve your audition, interview and presentation skills, using traditional and digital formats.

In the final module, you will collaborate with others to create and produce your own original pantomime, that responds to, reflects and celebrates contemporary British multicultural society. This will be performed in schools, colleges and other venues and you will be encouraged to tour your work to theatres, arts centres and festivals.

Would you like to know more?

Please contact our Course Leader, Richard Cheshire for more information: richard.cheshire@staffs.ac.uk

You will begin your study by researching the landscape of current pantomime practice from a variety of different perspectives and contexts: commercial, repertory and community. You will explore the impact of past traditions and lineages, investigate and challenge notions of tradition, study regional, national and international differences in the expression of the form; and critically appraise how the impact of the COVID pandemic, and recent advances in digital technologies, has led to innovation and change. Where appropriate, your work will be further contextualised by developments in associated popular art forms including musical theatre, cabaret, drag, variety and circus.

You will undertake an Industry placement and associated training opportunities with the UKs leading pantomime producers and engage in current industry debates e.g., impact of Disney, impact of â€˜Me Too, casting, inclusivity, ethics etc.

Working with Be Inspired Staffs, you will learn how to pitch your work and improve your audition, interview and presentation skills, using traditional and digital formats.

In the final module, you will collaborate with others to create and produce your own original pantomime, that responds to, reflects and celebrates contemporary British multicultural society. This will be performed in schools, colleges and other venues and you will be encouraged to tour your work to theatres, arts centres and festivals.

Would you like to know more?

Please contact our Course Leader, Richard Cheshire for more information: richard.cheshire@staffs.ac.uk

Assessment

The assessment for the MA is authentic and embraces practical etudes, rehearsals, performance presentations, seminar presentations, oral reflections. There are no formal exams and the format of many of the assignments can be negotiated.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
Academic writing (including how to reference)
Research skills
Critical thinking
Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

You will receive regular formative feedback during workshops and rehearsals from a variety of staff. Summative feedback after each assignment will be given by your Academic and/or Creative mentor.

Disciplines

School of Digital

Technologies and Arts

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Postgraduate

Courses requiring a 2:1 degree

Bachelor degree in a relevant subject with a minimum CGPA of 3.0

Courses requiring a 2:2 degree

Bachelor degree in a relevant subject with a minimum CGPA of 2.5

English Program Requirements

The majority of our undergraduate bachelor degree courses require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with 5.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. However, we also accept a wide range of qualifications from around the world. The following qualifications are acceptable for most of our Bachelor degree courses.

Career

Careers

Successfully completing an MA of this kind can lead to many different careers within theatre and the creative industries. It provides industry practitioners with opportunities to extend and advance their existing skills and knowledge and can also lead to further academic study.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 16,750

How to Apply

Be prepared

Get ready to upload copies of the following documents as part of your application. This will enable us to assess your application and make a decision.

Personal statement – please see our guide to writing a personal statement.
Passport – photo page from a valid, in-date passport.
Certificates and transcripts – copies of certificates and transcripts of your academic qualifications. Please see entry requirements for your country.
Evidence of English Language (if applicable) - please see information on English Language requirements.
Previous UK visas (if applicable) - if you’ve previously studied in the UK you must declare this as it could make a difference to your offer and visa application.
Reference – provide a letter of support from your current or previous university (postgraduate students only).

Contemporary Pantomime Practice MA

Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University

Key Facts

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