Having an active theatre on campus really helped me develop creatively and impacted how I went about making and developing work. I wholeheartedly believe that without my studying drama at Essex, I wouldn't have ended up working in the theatre industry.
At the heart of the University of Essex Colchester campus, the purpose-built 200-seater Lakeside Theatre is home to two performance spaces: the Lakeside Studio, an intimate fully equipped black box theatre, and the Main stage. The Lakeside Theatre also serves as a connection to the cultural hubs around the country as a host of the prestigious National Theatre Live and the Royal Shakespeare Company live screenings.
In conjunction with the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies, our Lakeside Theatre provides the collaborative space that enables students to learn and work in a professional venue through lectures and classes. The immersive, nurturing environment of the Lakeside Theatre becomes a second home and dedicated space to many of our students - central to the University community.
Delivered by on-site experts with decades of experience and visiting professionals from various backgrounds, our students access a diverse range of professional theatrical works through their course and time at the University, expanding their knowledge and gaining experience ready for the theatre industry.
Playwright for Theatre and Radio
Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies, University of EssexResearching in the field of eighteenth-century theatre, Elizabeth was recently a Writer-in-Residence for Hampton Court. Before joining the department, she worked extensively as playwright and actor in Irish theatre and took on many roles across the industry. Elizabeth writes regularly for BBC Radio and explores lesser-known aspects of life at court through her micro-dramas.
Senior Lecturer
Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies, University of EssexA specialist in Applied Theatre and human rights performance, Annecy has more than a decade of experience in testimonial and verbatim theatre. She continues to work as a playwright and creative production with the Ice and Fire theatre, working on an installation piece about the UK's involvement in the arms trade.
Senior Lecturer
Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies, University of EssexA practicing playwright and renowned expert in World Theatre, Mary is the Creative Director of Lumenis Theatre company. With a strong expertise in literature, she has published works in the topics of Chinese and Digital Theatre, dramaturgy and translation. Mary also writes regularly for the British Theatre Guide and The Conversation as a theatre and book critic.
Unleash your potential as a theatre maker and deepen your critical understanding of the vital role the world of drama and theatre plays in our society with our courses at different levels of study.
The Lakeside Theatre hosts a dynamic mix of stage productions by top touring companies, alongside original works written, produced, and directed by our talented staff and students through the Essex Interns Scheme and the Homegrown Shows programme. Our students have the opportunity to gain valuable employment, professional training, and hands-on experience in a variety of roles across arts production and administration. See what events and upcoming shows are hosted at The Lakeside Theatre.