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15th January 2026
When applying for our MA Performance Design course, it’s important to feel prepared and have a strong portfolio that you are confident presenting. This blog aims to uncover any misconceptions around preparing your design master’s portfolio and provide helpful tips on what we are looking for.
1. Creativity
Creativity is at the heart of this design course, from working on self-directed projects to collaborative ones. Performance Design is the perfect course for those who want to expand their creative repertoire.
When creating your portfolio, consider whether you have showcased a broad range of your creative talents. We are looking to gain a sense of you as a designer through your exciting approach to making. Ensure you have included not only your visual pieces, but also contextual references. What inspired your work? What research has gone into the development of your project, and how has this informed your making process?
2. Process
What is your process for making? We would like to know, show us through experimentation and the interesting steps that have guided you towards your final design.
Process is a key part of this course; we encourage experimentation and a collaborative spirit. Throughout your time here, you will work closely with writers and directors to bring performances to life. Can you demonstrate your interest in collaboration through your portfolio?
3. Practical Skills
Our theatre design course attracts undergraduate students from a wide range of creative backgrounds, including design, fine art, architecture, illustration, production arts and more. All of these disciplines require technical skills, and this is what we want to see. Present your ability to make, whatever the medium may be. From drawing, sketching, sewing, sculpting and painting, to cutting, prop making and 3D modelling, we want to see the practical skills you possess and would like to develop further.
Consider any transferable skills that could be adapted for the MA Performance Design course.
4. Storytelling
In this course, you will explore storytelling as a means of bringing a production to life, where each small detail plays a vital role in the narrative and performance of the show.
With this in mind, how have you demonstrated your ability to present a coherent and clearly explained portfolio? How do you communicate your ideas during your interview?
But above all else, we are hoping to see your own visual work. Ensure you showcase a broad range of images of your work; we are looking to see a majority of images rather than hefty chunks of text. Also, take careful consideration of how this will be viewed; if on a screen, ensure your images are good quality and large enough to view properly.
5. Theatre Design
We are a theatre school, and designing for theatre is at the heart of what we do. With this in mind, how can you demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for working in this sector? Applicants do not need prior experience working in theatre, but must show an eagerness to explore it.
If you don’t yet have a creative or theatre design project to present, why not create your own? Showcase your technical skills, creative imagination and abilities through a contextual analysis of a play and a proposed design.
Now you’re all set, we can’t wait to see the wonderful work you submit. Make sure to apply for the MA Performance Design course; the deadline for applications is 4pm on 19 March 2026.