Course content.
Actors on stage are not always human; materials, things and objects also have an immense performative quality. In this minor, you will conquer the world of things as a catalyst for innovative narratives. Contrary to the conventional process of first developing a design idea for a performance, you will work with alternative practices. Students will engage in experiments and set off on an open-ended search for narrative dimensions. You will also get a chance to demonstrate your performance or staging skills while exploring materials, things and objects in a theatrical environment. Finally, the performative sketches will be collectively presented and reflected on within the scope of practical workshops. The aim is to productively incorporate what you learn into your own artistic practice.

The minor, offered by the Theatre discipline, is taught in German and English and is aimed at Bachelor’s and Masters’s students. It is open to all students of the Departments of Art Education, Design, Fine Arts and Performing Arts and Film, and offered once a year.

Skills acquired in the course.
–  Interact intuitively with all manner of materials and modify the properties of substances in an innovative way
–  Analyse installations, impressions and constellations in the performative space and integrate the findings into your own artistic work
–  Develop and implement design ideas with confidence using experimental approaches
–  Use artistic design practices to incorporate and design new experiential and imaginative spaces

Admissions requirements.
This minor is aimed at Bachelor’s students who would like to explore performative practices, extend their use of materials through experimentation, and also undertake practical, installation-based work.

This minor is open to students of the Departments of Art Education, Design, Fine Arts and Performing Arts and Film.

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  German and English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  German and English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  German and English: to understand a text
–  German or English: to write a text

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.
–  Experiments: investigate the intrinsic value of different materials as well as their potential for use in performance processes
–  Reflection: reflect on and contextualise theatrical experiments in groups using a variety of feedback methods
–  Theory and practice: selected readings accompanied by direct interaction with artists from theatre and fine arts whose work revolves around objects
–  Workshop: extended interaction with objects in terms of space, body and presentation

→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

Minor Coordination

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.