Alongside your theoretical and practical academic study, we offer a wealth of connections to the performing arts world and other creative industries, in the Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance, across the the wider Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and beyond.
All of our staff are practising researchers and industry professionals and you'll gain enormous benefit from working alongside us. We have strong links to theatre companies and individual artists, local communities and a national and international network of theatre scholars and makers.
Gain skills
In the summer term undergraduate students are encouraged to gain employment experience and skills by working in professional environments. During your undergraduate degree you will learn about the environment of a professional theatre by working on the MA season. You will gain experience by working and assisting sound technicians, actors, scenographers, stage managers and in the marketing of productions.
Work experience
From the second year onwards you will be encouraged to apply your knowledge by working in the cultural sector. You can take enrichment courses with professional theatre makers, undertake placements or develop your own work for public performance. Students recently undertook placements with The Theatre Royal Haymarket, at The Brighton Festival, The Globe and Patchwork Theatre, and even helped to stage manage the 2016 Olivier Awards!
Extra-curricular opportunities
There are numerous opportunities to gain performance and administrative experience at Royal Holloway and beyond. We have a wealth of performing arts societies - such our own Student Workshop, as well as the Students’ Union’s Drama Society, Musical Theatre Society, and Shakespeare Society.
You'll find creative connections can be made with students studying in all kinds of other fields like Music, Media Arts and Creative Writing.
In addition, our Careers Service shares details of placement schemes available to all students and supports you to apply for these.