Master of Theatre in Writing in Southbank Australia | The University of Melbourne

The Master of Theatre (Writing) stands out in Australia's theatrical landscape by celebrating the rich variety of voices and cultural perspectives in modern writing both locally and internationally. This program maintains strong connections with the Master of Theatre (Directing) and Master of Theatre (Dramaturgy) programs. Through practical writing workshops, analytical seminars, and group discussions, you'll hone your craft for both live and digital performance while exploring how writers engage with their cultural environments. The course helps you cultivate your distinctive writing style across various formats while strengthening your ability to contextualize your work within current performance theory and cultural studies. A key component involves creating a full-length play - culminating in a professionally staged reading for industry professionals and the public. Additionally, you'll complete four smaller writing projects: collaborative improvisation pieces with acting/directing students; digital media scripts; text adaptations; and live art performance writing. Emphasizing teamwork, the program fosters collaboration across VCA's postgraduate programs, connecting you with directors, designers, choreographers, performers, and other creatives in an immersive learning setting. These experiences often lead to lasting professional relationships and future creative partnerships.

Learning Outcomes
Upon graduating, students will have achieved:
Sophisticated abilities to develop and present original performance writing across multiple formats
Enhanced critical judgment for making artistic decisions within their writing practice
Professional-level collaboration skills with fellow theatre practitioners and diverse communities
Proven adaptability and creative problem-solving capabilities
Advanced capacity to articulate their creative processes within contemporary artistic and academic frameworks.