THEATRE HISTORY STUDIES

Scope & Guideline

Charting New Territories in Theatre and Performance Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the THEATRE HISTORY STUDIES 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 THEATRE HISTORY STUDIES, 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
ISSN0733-2033
PublisherUNIV ALABAMA PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2002 to 2012, from 2014 to 2019, from 2021 to 2023
AbbreviationTHEATRE HIST STUD / Theatre Hist. Stud.
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressBOX 870380, TUSCALOOSA, AL 35487-0380

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'THEATRE HISTORY STUDIES' serves as a vital platform for exploring the multifaceted nature of theatrical history and performance studies. Its scope encompasses a wide range of topics, methodologies, and cultural contexts, making significant contributions to both academic discourse and practical understanding in the field.
  1. Historical Analysis of Performance:
    The journal critically examines the history of theater, focusing on the evolution of dramatic forms, genres, and their socio-political contexts throughout different periods.
  2. Cultural and Ethnographic Studies:
    It emphasizes cultural histories and ethnographic approaches to theater, exploring the lives of those behind the scenes and how cultural narratives shape theatrical practice.
  3. Interdisciplinary Connections:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary research that connects theater with various fields such as literature, sociology, anthropology, and gender studies, thereby enriching the understanding of performance.
  4. Focus on Marginalized Voices:
    There is a consistent focus on marginalized voices within theater history, including works by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ artists, bringing attention to underrepresented narratives.
  5. Contemporary Issues in Theater:
    The journal addresses contemporary issues and crises within theater, including the impact of racial capitalism, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of ethics and politics in performance.
The journal has demonstrated a dynamic adaptability in its focus, with several themes emerging as particularly relevant in recent publications. These trending areas reflect current societal debates and the evolving landscape of theater studies.
  1. Theatrical Responses to Social Justice:
    There is a growing trend in exploring how theater responds to social justice issues, including race, gender, and class struggles, highlighting the role of performance as a tool for activism.
  2. Impact of Technology on Theater:
    Emerging themes include the impact of technology on theater, such as digital performance, social media's role in contemporary theater, and innovative approaches to audience engagement.
  3. Intersectionality in Performance Studies:
    Increasing attention is being paid to intersectionality within performance studies, examining how various identities intersect and influence theatrical narratives and practices.
  4. Environmental and Ecological Themes:
    Recent publications are increasingly focusing on ecology and environmental themes in theater, exploring how performances engage with issues of climate change and sustainability.
  5. Mental Health and Well-being in Theater:
    The exploration of mental health and the well-being of theater practitioners has gained traction, addressing the psychological impacts of the industry and the importance of care within theatrical communities.

Declining or Waning

While 'THEATRE HISTORY STUDIES' continues to evolve, certain themes have seen a noticeable decline in prominence over recent years. These waning scopes reflect shifts in academic focus and changing societal interests.
  1. Traditional Canonical Works:
    There appears to be a decreasing emphasis on traditional canonical works of theater, such as classical Greek or Shakespearean plays, as scholars increasingly explore diverse and contemporary narratives.
  2. Formalism and Aesthetic Critique:
    Research centered around formalist approaches and solely aesthetic critiques of theatrical performances has waned, giving way to more socially engaged and politically aware methodologies.
  3. Historical Biographies of Lesser-Known Figures:
    The focus on biographical accounts of lesser-known historical figures in theater has decreased, as the journal shifts towards broader cultural analyses and collective histories.
  4. Eurocentric Perspectives:
    There is a declining interest in Eurocentric perspectives on theater history, with increasing attention being paid to non-Western theatrical traditions and global performance practices.
  5. Static Representations of Gender:
    Discussions around fixed or traditional representations of gender in theater are less prevalent, as the discourse now embraces more fluid and intersectional approaches to gender and identity.

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