About us
The Centre for Applied Theatre Research (CATR) is based in the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama and is built on the Drama subject area's reputation for developing theatre practice beyond the University in a variety of education and social contexts. The Centre for Applied Theatre Research promotes practice based research, research and evaluation, teaching and publication in the area of applied theatre.
'Applied Theatre' refers to the practice of theatre and drama in non-traditional settings. It refers to theatre practice that engages with areas of social and cultural policy such as public health, education, criminal justice, heritage site interpretation and development. Applied Theatre at Manchester has included theatre in education, prison theatre, theatre in places of conflict, theatre in museums and heritage sites, theatre for development and theatre with refugee communities and artists. This diverse range of practice exists at the intersection of performance studies and community, participatory, educational and political theatre practice. Applied theatre projects have made positive contributions to the everyday life of individuals and communities in a variety of contexts. In all of its activities the Centre for Applied Theatre Research aims to develop critical awareness of the ethical and political issues arising from the practice. The Centre for Applied Theatre Research is committed to continuing a tradition of experimentation and challenge in the field of applied theatre, aiming to explore how practice can respond to changing social and political prerogatives. The Centre has been at the forefront of taking the field in exciting new directions, with AHRC funded research projects focusing on the role of theatre in places of war and in museums and heritage sites. The Centre is proudly interdisciplinary, combining elements of participatory theatre with performance theory, development studies, cultural theory, criminology, education and social policy.
The Centre has a commitment to research and practice that combines a local, national and international focus.
We welcome enquires from recent graduates as well as experienced practitioners seeking opportunities to practice and research in a University environment, either via MA study, PhD, PhD by Practice or AHRC Fellowships in the Creative and Performing Arts Scheme. For more information about these opportunities please contact Jenny Hughes.
This Centre is affiliated to the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in the Arts.