University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle offers a vibrant theatre pathway through its Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts (combined with a Bachelor of Arts), featuring specializations in creative performance, scenography, directing, sound and lighting design, and stagecraft. This interdisciplinary degree prepares students for careers across theatre and live production as well as broader creative industries, integrating performance training with academic inquiry in theatre and media.

In the first year, students build a foundation through core units in creative and performing arts that explore theatre, performance practice, and collaboration across music and dramatic forms. As they progress, bespoke courses such as Australian Theatre and Performance examine performance traditions shaped by Indigenous and cultural identities. Students are encouraged to develop both practical craft and critical awareness in equal measure.

Practical learning is embedded throughout via production labs, original ensemble work, and collaborative projects that simulate real-world performance environments. Students receive technical training in lighting, sound, set design, and stage mechanics, while also engaging in directing and performer-based modules. Work-integrated placements and community engagements further enhance readiness for careers in theatre or live arts presentation.

The University’s scenic and performing arts facilities support this hands-on experience. Whether staged in campus studios or city-based arts platforms, students develop professional-level portfolios that include live performance, design projects, dramaturgy, and creative research. Coursework also encourages participation in local festivals and external theatre work—especially within Newcastle’s strong cultural scene and annual events like This Is Not Art (TiNA), which features experimental theatre and performance arts.

Graduates complete the program with both academic and vocational credentials. The degree supports seamless transition into honours-level study or direct entry into professional roles in acting, production design, musical theatre, or arts leadership. With its location in a culturally engaged city and emphasis on contemporary and interdisciplinary practice, the University of Newcastle offers a compelling pathway for future theatre-makers and creative professionals.