Marcus Boxler, fourth semester student in Theatre Studies. He is pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree, 2-subject programme. Marcus’ second subject is Media Studies.
What made you choose this degree programme?
Back at school, I developed an interest in theatre and considered it a reflexive platform for social conditions. Because of its interdisciplinary character, this subject is relevant and attractive to students with different areas of interest.Back at school, I developed an interest in theatre and considered it a reflexive platform for social conditions. Because of its interdisciplinary character, this subject is relevant and attractive to students with different areas of interest.
In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?
Theatre studies turned out to provide an intersection of different philosophical and pragmatic movements. It seamlessly unites all kinds of humanities. Practical theatre work is optional. Students who wish to gain hands-on experience have to organise it themselves outside the curriculum; this will be pointed out prior to the degree course.
Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?
Each lecture and each seminar that I attend changes my view of theatre in an ongoing process. Various theatre concepts that were formed in the context of different eras have remained valid, to some extent. They constitute the foundation for developing an individual approach to theatre. By reviewing and reflecting on non-discipline specific texts, I have learned how to self-organise my work and have discovered unexpected capacities.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
It can be difficult to find one’s footing when starting the degree course. The fact that first-year students attend seminars together with students in higher semesters put a lot of pressure on me at first. However, once I have learned to realise the experience of my fellow students in a productive manner, it has become more than effective to share the room with the “old hands”. Moreover, one defining feature of theatre studies as an academic discipline is: as a mirror of society, theatre undergoes continuous change. Because of this permanent evolution, the discipline of theatre studies does not lend itself to focusing on one concrete subject, unlike many other academic disciplines. This vague definition is what renders this academic movement a bridge between disciplines. It combines theoretical approaches and translates them into a practical model.
What would you like to become after completing your degree?
I am considering pursuing an academic career and getting a PhD. But I could also imagine working in a theatre. In addition to my degree course, I work as a dramaturg, and I could imagine to pursue this career “professionally” one day.
Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?
Just as in any other degree course, there is a lot of organising and bureaucracy to get through at first. This shouldn’t put anybody off. Theatre studies aspires to an academic approach more than many other disciplines; its approach might appear aimless at first; and there is a gigantic pile of texts to get through. All this can be irritating at first. But once you have found your footing, the subject offers unexpected possibilities and a great deal of fun.
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