Drama
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Studying Drama, Theatre and Performance
Experience the London theatre scene
The University of Roehampton is in one of the world’s most exciting performance cities. Our courses in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies and Theatre Practices and Production are brought to life through our close connections with the London theatre and performance scene.
Our thriving degree programmes include free tickets to see some of London’s best shows. You will visit the city’s most acclaimed theatres, seeing a variety of high-profile productions, thought-provoking plays and cutting-edge performance events.
What have our students seen this year?
Here is a selection of some of the theatre our students have experienced this year as part of their course:
HadesTown at the National Theatre
Now on Broadway, HadesTown is a grand reworking of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, re-imagining the young lovers as songwriters, Hades as an old capitalist, and his underworld realm as a kind of industrial, blue-collar speakeasy-slash-mine.
Twelfth Night at the Young Vic
A musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night with community chorus from Southwark and Lambeth with music and lyrics by the critically acclaimed songwriter Shaina Taub.
The Convert at the Young Vic (cast includes Letitia Wright)
Black Panther star and Tony-nominated writer Danai Gurira’s striking play explores if faith has a cost and if so, when is that cost too much? It’s 1896 in what is modern day Zimbabwe and Jekesai, a young woman fleeing forced marriage finds herself working for devout Catholic priest.
COMPANY at the Gielgud Theatre
Marianne Elliott directs COMPANY, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s legendary musical comedy about life, love and marriage.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a modern day fairytale, based on the true story of a 16 year-old with a secret to tell – and dreams to realise.
Unleash your creativity
Hear from our academics Fiona, Lis and Glenn as they explain the differences between our two dynamic courses.
Where will you study?
Drama, Theatre and Performance student Rohit, takes a couple of minutes to show a few of his favourite spaces in the Jubilee Building.
The Jubilee Building (situated in Digby Stuart College), is conveniently located near our award-winning library and brand-new media mentre. Drama students are also encouraged to make use of our beautiful 54 acre parkland campus and our close proximity to the London theatre scene.
Collaborate with the People Show
The People Show is the UK’s longest-running experimental theatre company, with a rich legacy of performance dating back to 1966. They have played a fundamental role in the evolution of British performance art and collaborative theatre, creating performances in theatres, fields, phone boxes, on streets, and even on water.
Since 2011, our students have had the opportunity to collaborate with the People Show on a summer-term project in year three. It’s an exciting and enriching process, giving them the experience of working closely with a well-respected theatre company.
Create, implement and perform
As well as learning about theatre history and performance, you’ll perform, create and implement designs for sets, lighting and costumes; critically analyse plays, performances and audiences; and have direct contact with drama and theatre professionals.
The Roehampton Performance Festival (ROPE), is the presentation of work created by the second and third year students. This festival gives fellow students, staff and visitors the opportunity to enjoy work that is written, devised and performed by Roehampton students.
Alumni who succeed
Joel Oladapo
Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies Graduate, 2018
What have you been up to since graduating?
I’m part of a theatre company called Hyperfusion that specialises in running TIE content around secondary schools in the UK. One strand of their work is through their theatre umbrella label, TICBox Productions which produce interactive plays that are focused on tackling contemporary social issues such as homophobia, sexuality, and consent. I’m also working at the Young Vic Theatre in London Waterloo as a member of the Welcome Team where I sell tickets at the box office and answer telephone calls and emails from the general public regarding all customer queries and ticket bookings.
Looking back, what was your favourite aspect of Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies?
The opportunity to see different theatre around London was a huge highlight; it was just fantastic to broaden my knowledge of the variety of theatre on offer. In addition, writing a 12,000 play instead of a dissertation was something I deeply valued, it was undoubtedly one of the hardest academic tasks I have yet faced but the process was rewarding and stimulating and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Were you involved in any societies or trips while at Roehampton?
I was actively involved in The Roehampton Players which was one of the student drama societies that the University had to offer. I performed in a range of shows which allowed me to form friendships with people outside of my course and broaden my acting abilities. I also was given the opportunity to study abroad in America as part of my second year. I studied Theatre at the University of North Carolina Wilmington for six months which was a life-changing experience that I will always cherish.
What advice would you give to current Drama students?
I’m sure it’s probably been said a million times but I’ll say it again - make the most out of your time at university! Work hard, make sure you are involved in other projects, spend time with friends, go out and see as much theatre as you can - take advantage of what London has to offer.
When you leave university, make sure you seize every opportunity that you get in order to develop new skills and broaden your horizons. Be open-minded, bold, courageous, creative and focused. Dream big, aim high, and enjoy everything that life has to offer you post university.
Roehampton Societies
SSOAP is an association created by the students from the department of Drama Theatre and Performance who share a passion for original artistic creations and performances of all sort. Throughout the year SSOAP stages festivals to present original student-led work, organise workshops, talks, debates and seminars to help develop skills.
The Roehampton Players is a society created by students who share an interest and passion for Musical Theatre. Throughout the year they orchestrate productions with the support of the lighting and sound technicians at Roehampton.
Virtual Tour
Take a Virtual Tour
Have a look around our campus using our virtual tour.
View highlighted accommodation, academic buildings, student life and student support spaces.
Student Life
Being a student at a campus university in London gives you the best of both worlds. We are lucky enough to have a 54-acre parkland campus to call home, and are only 30 minutes from central London.
We offer plenty of opportunities for you to get involved through playing sport, music, volunteering, or joining one of over 50 student societies. We also have catering outlets, across campus, and each College has social spaces where you can meet up with your friends and relax.
Our campus is close to Putney, Hammersmith and Wimbledon, which each have wide a range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. With central London so close, you can easily access the wealth of culture, entertainment and dining options the capital has to offer.
Accommodation
Support services
At Roehampton we are focused on ensuring you succeed, and have a wide range of support services to help you at every step of your journey.
Wellbeing – our team are able to provide personal wellbeing support, professional counselling and mental health support. Each college has a Student Wellbeing Officer and a College Warden, the latter is available after hours for all on campus students.
Medical – we have an on-site NHS medical centre which provides doctor and nurse-led services.
Disability and dyslexia – we encourage students to let us know about specific needs so we can work with you to tailor our support.
Financial – we have a wide range of scholarships, and a student hardship fund for those students in financial difficulty.
Chaplaincy – our diverse community is reflected in our multi-faith chaplaincy and we have a number of spaces for worship.
Study support – all students have an Academic Guidance Tutor, as well as access to library support and online study resources.
Next steps
We hope you found our Digital Taster Day informative
Find out how to make an application to us below