Student review [#20784] for Scriptwriting and Performance
at University of East Anglia - UEA

They covered a decent base of creative practices, but there was a heavy focus on Meisner. Meisner, is an acting technique for the screen, and bearing in mind there is only one module in the whole three years in which you do act for the screen it seems as though they’ve chosen the wrong acting technique to focus on when the school predominantly produce plays.

There are a few lecturers who really stand out in this program. From the performing staff, it is Mike Bernardin who is an excellent member of staff, and I truly believe the whole course would fall apart without him. Then, from the scriptwriting perspective the two lecturers who are the most helpful are Molly Naylor and Professor Steve Waters. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the modules taught by these lecturers and would happily take them again.

The program overall was good. I enjoyed the content which was taught and had a great time at UEA.

In the drama department, there are very few international students or any people of color at all, (which is a larger problem we face within the arts). LDC is running a decolonizing initiative to update and diversify the curriculum, and throughout the time I spent at UEA they did make a lot of progress when it came to addressing a wider variety of content.

The social life within the Drama department however is FANTASTIC. There is always something happening on campus, always a show to go to, opportunities to learn new things, or an event, or a workshop, and generally speaking, the coursemates become really close.

It was great preparation for me to take on further studies, and a path into other education opportunities. But, I would say if you are looking to only do an undergraduate degree and go straight into work (within theatre) look towards a drama school or a school in a larger city.