Theatre and Performance Practice Program, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts
Thammasat University
History of the Theatre and Performance Practice Program, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts
The Theatre and Performance Practice Program at Thammasat University was established in 1986 by Professor Dr. Mathanee Rattanin as a program under the Faculty of Arts. It later became part of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts in 1996 and continues to be one of its academic programs today. Prior to the formal establishment of the undergraduate major in Theatre and Performance Practice in 1986, Professor Dr. Mathanee Rattanin had been teaching courses on dramatic literature and translation within the Department of Literature and Foreign Languages (currently the Department of English Language and Literature). Public stage performances of theatrical productions began as early as 1970, with the first production being Death of a Salesman by the renowned American playwright Arthur Miller, performed at the Small Auditorium of Thammasat University. This production gained widespread recognition as a modern stage performance that introduced new perspectives on theatrical art in Thai society. Even His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and members of the royal family attended the performance, significantly contributing to the recognition of “Thammasat Theatre.” Following this, the program continued to produce public stage performances and gradually expanded its curriculum to include courses on acting and directing. Eventually, it was elevated to a minor program under the Department of English Language and Literature and formally established as the Theatre and Performance Practice Program in 1986.
The Theatre and Performance Practice Program at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts emphasizes excellence in creativity and scholarship that is relevant to contemporary society and widely recognized. Its goal is to cultivate lifelong learners who continuously develop themselves. Students study the history, literature, and theories of theatre from Western, Eastern, and Thai traditions, as well as acting, directing, playwriting, music, performing arts, and art theory. They also receive training in performance design, including stage technology, props, lighting, sound, costume, makeup, and multimedia, with intensive practical training tailored to each student’s interests. Additionally, students have opportunities to explore applications of theatre in areas such as education, social development, human development, and theatre management.
Teaching in this program promotes analytical thinking, creativity, and critical thinking, emphasizing the process of expressing these ideas through practical works and professional-level stage productions open to the public. In their final year, students are required to complete a thesis in Theatre and Performance Practice, synthesizing their accumulated knowledge and experiences while preparing them for professional careers in their chosen fields.
Careers after Graduation
- Producer
- Executive Director/Managing Director
- Artistic Director
- Director
- Assistant Director
- Playwright
- Creative Designer/Facilitator for Applied Theatre
- Set Designer
- Costume Designer
- Make up Artsist
- Stylist
- Stage Manager
- Event Organizer
- Actor
- Acting Coach
- Teacher/Performance Instructor
