Drama and Theatre Arts, University of Birmingham

10/10/2026

Open Day in full swing here University of Birmingham

08/10/2026

Congratulations to our very own Dr David Pattie on the publication yesterday of his latest book: Theatrical Performance and Popular Music.

The book explores the ways in which theatrical techniques are used to create shared performance environments for musicians and fans in popular music.

Readers will discover how stage lighting, costuming, choreography, character adoption, and spatial design transform concerts into large-scale theatrical experiences. Through engaging case studies of artists and bands such as The Weeknd, Lil Nas X, Taylor Swift, BTS, and Lana Del Rey, this book reveals how these practices have adapted to changing technologies and cultural trends, offering both historical context and contemporary analysis.

31/07/2026

Today marks an important transition.

From tomorrow, the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts and the Department of Film and Creative Writing () will start to come come together as the Department of Creative Industries.

Over the coming months you'll see some changes on our social media and website, and we'll be sharing more about the new department, while also celebrating the rich histories and achievements of the communities that have brought us to this point.

For everyone who has been part of DTA over the past 60 years: thank you. Your legacy remains an important part of our story as we look to the future.

This video is just a little throwback to some of the shows we've done over the last 30 years. Can you spot yours?

06/07/2026

27/06/2026

A busy Open Day for our Creative Industries programmes . Lots of guests for our facilities tours!

02/06/2026

Adele Anderson (BA Drama & Theatre Arts, 1972) reflects on identity, representation and her career in theatre — including becoming the first trans actor to play Bernadette in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

At University of Birmingham, Adele found a refuge and the real-world skills to succeed in her chosen career.

Read more: https://www.oldjoe.co.uk/article/adele-anderson-identity-theatre-and-playing-priscilla

06/01/2026

A Happy New Year and welcome to a snowy 2026 here in DTA!

27/11/2025

Massive thanks to Andrew Boateng ( ) for coming along yesterday and running the most amazing masterclass in breaking in to commercial performance with some of our students. The session was packed with insight, advice and (as you can see from the photo) lots of laughter!