The University of Auckland, School of Humanities
Two MA scholarships in Drama 2015

Shakespeare’s Theatre Games
Supervisor: Prof. Tom Bishop

Seeking applicants for TWO (2) MA scholarships in Drama in 2015 on some topic related to early modern (1500-1642) dramatic performance practice.

Applicants will work on researching and exploring the work of early modern performers, producing a research portfolio of written and performance work to be decided in consultation. The project will include active performance and a full-production programme working on early modern drama both solo and with other students. Choice of performed work will be made in consultation. Possibilities for written work include:

• the history of some aspect of early modern English performance
• clowning and comic skills in sixteenth century English drama
• the history of a key individual performer or company in the early modern English theatre

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisor in advance of the deadline to discuss their proposed research.

The scholarships cover:

• fees at the University of Auckland for full-time enrolment in the MA in Drama
• a tax-free stipend totalling $16,000 for the year (to be paid out in monthly intervals across the period of enrolment)
• practical training and production work with Dr. Ira Seidenstein, world-renowned clown teacher and mentor.

Applications are due by email to Tom Bishop (t.bishop@auckland.ac.nz) no later than 30 November 2014. The successful candidates will be notified by 7 December 2014. The successful candidate will have until 14 December to take up the scholarship offer and must be fully enrolled in the MA programme in Drama at the University of Auckland no later than 1 March, 2015.

Applications must include the following:

1. A copy of the applicant’s official academic record (to be verified by the University of Auckland once the application is successful)
2. A letter applying for the place including a description of areas of interest and experience and plans for research and performance
3. A letter of reference in support of the application, sent confidentially to the supervisor by the referee (by post or email)

Applicants should note the following:

1. Applications will be assessed on the candidate’s academic record, experience with drama and research potential, and the quality of the referee report. The supervisor may request an interview with applicants by Skype, telephone or in person
2. Applicants may receive the scholarship as soon as they are fully enrolled in the MA programme at the University of Auckland. They are expected to be resident in Auckland for the duration of their enrolment, aside from any agreed periods of research travel.
3. The scholarship is offered for a period of one year. Applicants are expected to have completed within this period. If additional time is required, the applicant will have to bear any additional costs
4. In order to take up the offer, the successful applicant must meet all requirements for admission into an MA in Drama at the University of Auckland. The scholarship will not be paid out until the successful applicant is fully enrolled in the MA
5. To remain eligible for the scholarship, the successful applicant must fulfil all the requirements of on-going enrolment in an MA in Drama at the University of Auckland. The scholarship may be terminated if the applicant does not make satisfactory progress
6. As per University of Auckland policy, the amount of additional work the applicant may undertake either inside or outside the University shall not exceed a total of 500 hours in the scholarship year
7. The scholarship cannot be held concurrently with any other scholarship either from within or outside the University of Auckland
8. The scholarship may be terminated if the applicant fails to meet the above conditions.

For further information, please contact:

Tom Bishop
Email: t.bishop@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 87841.