Studies in Theatre and Performance

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Dialogue and Discovery in Theatre Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the Studies in Theatre and Performance information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Studies in Theatre and Performance, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1468-2761
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2000 to 2024
AbbreviationSTUD THEATR PERFORM / Stud. Theatr. Perform.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Studies in Theatre and Performance' focuses on the intricate relationship between performance and various societal, political, and cultural themes. It aims to explore how theatre functions as a medium for dialogue, resistance, and expression within diverse contexts.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal promotes interdisciplinary research that intersects theatre studies with fields such as sociology, politics, cultural studies, and gender studies, highlighting how performance can inform and be informed by these areas.
  2. Social Justice and Activism:
    A consistent focus is on the role of performance in social justice movements, examining how theatre can serve as a platform for activism and collective resistance against oppression.
  3. Cultural Representation and Identity:
    The journal explores themes of identity, representation, and the politics of cultural narratives within theatre, analyzing how performance reflects and shapes societal understandings of race, gender, and nationality.
  4. Innovative Performance Practices:
    Research on new and experimental performance practices, including participatory and immersive theatre, showcases innovation in the field and its implications for audience engagement and experience.
  5. Historical Contextualization:
    The journal frequently contextualizes contemporary performance within historical frameworks, discussing the evolution of theatrical forms and their socio-political implications over time.
In recent years, 'Studies in Theatre and Performance' has embraced several trending and emerging themes that reflect the changing landscape of performance studies and its engagement with contemporary issues.
  1. Participatory and Community-Based Performance:
    There is a growing interest in participatory performance practices that emphasize community involvement and collective action, highlighting the agency of audiences and participants in shaping performance.
  2. Decolonization and Global Perspectives:
    The journal is increasingly focusing on decolonization within theatre studies, exploring how performance can challenge colonial narratives and amplify voices from historically marginalized communities.
  3. Intersectionality in Performance:
    Emerging themes related to intersectionality are prominent, examining how various identities (race, gender, sexuality) intersect in performance and influence artistic expression and audience reception.
  4. Digital and Virtual Performance:
    The rise of digital technologies and virtual performance has become a significant area of exploration, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as scholars investigate new forms of engagement and representation.
  5. Socially Engaged Art and Activism:
    The trend towards socially engaged art practices that address urgent political and social issues, such as climate change, migration, and human rights, is increasingly reflected in the journal's publications, showcasing theatre as a tool for activism.

Declining or Waning

While 'Studies in Theatre and Performance' continues to evolve, certain themes have shown a decline in focus over recent years. These waning scopes reflect shifts in interest and scholarly priorities within the field.
  1. Traditional Theatre Criticism:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in traditional forms of theatre criticism that focus solely on textual analysis or performance reviews, as the journal increasingly prioritizes interdisciplinary and socio-political themes.
  2. Eurocentric Perspectives:
    Research centered on Eurocentric narratives and methodologies is becoming less prominent, with a growing emphasis on global perspectives and voices from marginalized communities, reflecting a broader shift towards decolonization in the arts.
  3. Individual Artist Studies:
    While individual artist studies remain relevant, there is a waning trend in papers dedicated solely to isolated case studies of artists, as the journal shifts towards collective movements and the broader socio-political context of performance.
  4. Mainstream Theatre Productions:
    Focus on mainstream or commercial theatre productions appears to be diminishing, with more attention being directed towards experimental, community-based, and activist forms of performance.
  5. Historical Canonical Works:
    There is a decline in the analysis of canonical works of theatre in favor of contemporary and emerging forms that address current socio-political issues, indicating a shift towards relevance in present-day contexts.

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