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    1. Studying at ZHdK
    2. Theatre
    3. BA Directing
    More: BA Directing

    Content and structure

    Course content.

    BA in Theatre, Major in Directing
    Students learn the craft of directing and engage with all performance phases through (new) dramatic literature, other materials and character development, and by establishing dramatic contexts and writing scenographic texts. Other aspects of this course involve experimenting with contemporary formats and a wide range of dramatic processes. Students learn to continuously reflect on the possible impact of theatre, participate in developing it, and are encouraged to take their own specific stance on artistic and social perspectives.

    BA in Theatre
    Directing is a major offered as part of the BA in Theatre along with three other specializations: Acting, Stage Design and Theatre Education. This degree programme interlinks the four major programmes, offers project-based teamwork, and a wide range of courses designed to develop your own artistic profile. By taking a practical approach, students benefit from an excellent infrastructure, professional network and opportunities to present their work on our in-house stages or at external venues. 

    Theatre, Directing
    Theatre, Directing

    Course structure.

    Level 1 

    You attend the basic courses with fellow students from the Acting and Theatre Education programmes and, through your own experience, develop an understanding of acting techniques and character work. You develop your own sketches and try out basic directing skills and processes. 

    Level 2

    Building on level 1, you broaden your expertise and expand your artistic range with performative approaches, research methods, analysis of dramatic theory and scenographic writing. You are introduced to a wide range of genres and strategies for staging (e.g. post dramatic theatre, documentary theatre, immersive theatre and musical theatre) and work independently by developing your own scenes and projects. Furthermore, you will also collaborate with other students from the Acting, Theatre Education and Stage Design majors. In the process, you will develop your own personal artistic stance and gain access to a large network of theatre professionals throughout your education. 

    Level 3

    In collaboration with your fellow Acting and Stage Design students as well as students from the MA in Dramaturgy, you create and finalize a comprehensive project. You are responsible for delivering a concept, managing the rehearsal process and the performance itself. Topics are pre-defined and communicated in advance.

    Graduation project

    You complete a graduation project that reflects your aesthetic interests and represents your own artistic and sociopolitical understanding of the topic. In your Bachelor’s thesis, you discuss your previously defined topic from a theoretical perspective.

    Theatre, Directing
    Theatre, Directing

    Skills acquired in the course.

    Expertise/Profession

    You reflect on your own artistic position within a broader cultural and theatrical context. You are able to apply classical, post dramatic and performative theatre methods in your directorial work. 

    Position

    Continue to independently develop your own artistic approach and authorship for various formats. You require extensive knowledge of dramatic and cultural theory as well as an understanding of dramatic literature, including current industry developments and contemporary theatre discourse. 

    Responsibility

    See work as an ongoing process and take responsibility during the production process to ensure fair practice. Demonstrate awareness of ethical work practices, equality, inclusion and diversity.

    Perspective

    Push the boundaries of your own artistic work, while ensuring the future of performing arts in the process.

    Theatre, Directing
    Theatre, Directing

    Entry requirements.

    You are fascinated by the theatre and would like to learn more about directing.
    You show artistic potential and want to shape the future of theatre. Furthermore, you have the following skill set:

    • Imagination when it comes to staging 
    • Conceptual and theatrical understanding 
    • Able to self-reflect and self-assess
    • Curiosity and the ability to take risks 
    • Open, resilient and able to act independently 

    Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

    Studying theatre at ZHdK offers you a wealth of opportunities:

    • Our BA in Theatre is an internationally recognized degree programme.
    • Within the German-speaking area, Zurich is the only city to offer interlinked theatre majors, a wide range of courses, and the opportunity to collaborate in diverse teams in transdisciplinary work. 
    • The BA in Theatre has developed strong partnerships with other universities and industry leaders and fosters international collaborations. This allows students to gain experience outside of their subject area as well as in their professional field.
    • While building a distinctive profile, showcasing your stage projects and working with others, you have the chance to network beyond your discipline and degree programme.
    • Theatre as a field of study combines individual support with training sessions, seminars and project work in small groups, in close cooperation with students and lecturers from all the theatre programmes.
    • External guests add to the expertise offered by the university’s lecturers, opening doors to numerous artistic opportunities. 
    • Gathered on one campus, ZHdK’s faculties are located in close proximity to one another and offer an extensive infrastructure of the highest calibre. Students have access to workshops with cutting-edge equipment, a museum, concert halls, sound and film studios, rehearsal stages, studios, a library and exhibition rooms. A roof garden, cinema, music club, cafés and a canteen also offer opportunities for them to meet for study or recreational purposes.