The Department of Theatre Studies was founded in 1989 (Presidential Decree 378/89) and accepted its first students in the academic year of 1992/1993. It was one of the first departments of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Patras.
The four-year degree of the Department is of theoretical direction, with special emphasis on the study of ancient Greek theater.
The Department has 15 members of Teaching and Research Staff that cover a wide range of disciplines from ancient Greek and modern theatre to dance, modern literature, literary theory, the history of cinema and the history of the arts. It also has five members of Special Teaching Staff and one member of Specialized Laboratory & Teaching Staff, as well as several teaching staff members employed on contract basis every year. The enrolled students amount to 795.
There are also two postgraduate programs under the titles “Ancient Greek Theater and its Reception” and “Contemporary Approaches to the Performing Arts and Film (History, Theory, Identity Politics).” Faculty members of the Department and distinguished scientists from outside the Department teach the postgraduate seminars of the postgraduate programs.
The Department also publishes the international journal Logeion. A Journal of Ancient Theatre, which focuses on the study of Ancient Theater and its reception.
Presidential Decree 378/89 on the establishment of the Department
1. A Department of Theatre Studies is established at the University of Patras and is integrated into the School of Humanities and Social Sciences
2. Admission of the first students as well as the opening date for the Department’s operation, will be defined in the academic year during which the number of admitted students will be determined for the first time.
3. In terms of organization, administration, operation, syllabi, regulations of study and staff, the Department is governed by the provisions of Law 1268/82 as in force.
4. The mission of the department is:
(a) to cultivate and promote the science of theater through academic and applied teaching, research and study;
(b) to provide its students with the academic knowledge and supplies that ensure their thorough training and are necessary for their scientific and professional career and development;
(c) To contribute to the development of theatrical education and consciousness of the people, as well as the awareness of the people regarding the role and importance of theater in life.
(d) To contribute in various ways to the development of the cultural level of the homeland, taking initiatives toward this direction.
Vocational Perspectives of the Graduates of the Department
The graduates of the Department can work as teachers at secondary education schools, teach courses of Theatre in Education and Drama in Education (according to the state directions and syllabi).
They can also work at:
a. Primary Education as theatrologists in all-day schools;
b. theatre organizations and institutions as dramatologists, dramaturgs, artistic and administrative advisors or staff members;
c. the Press and the Media as artistic advisors, theatre critics, reporters and the like;
d. state administrative posts;
e. Drama Schools as teaching staff.
The graduates of the Department can also continue their studies on a postgraduate level. They can also follow a professional career in theatre (after they have completed a practice-based training in a special Drama School).
