Theatre and Performance at UNSW Sydney invites Expressions of Interest for a UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship project on ‘theatre of the real’, as Carol Martin calls it in her book by the same title (2013). The joint supervisors are Dr Meg Mumford and Dr Caroline Wake; the secondary supervisor is Dr Theron Schmidt.
 
Theatre of the Real
This project explores the politics of participation and representation in theatre of the real, an increasingly prominent form of performance internationally. Such theatre explicitly cites or summons the world outside the theatre. It includes, for example, autobiographical, community-based, documentary, participatory, relational, re-enactment, testimonial and participatory practices. Often involving vulnerable or marginalised people, theatre of the real casts these participants as “everyday experts” with valuable knowledge derived from their lived experience. This project investigates what happens when such experts meet theatre professionals and spectators. To this end it explores the complex politics and ethics that surround the process of representing and empowering real people through theatre.
 
UNSW Scientia Scholarship Scheme
Scientia scholars will have a strong commitment to making a difference in the world, with demonstrated potential for contributing to the social engagement or global impact pillars of the UNSW 2025 Strategy. Candidates are matched with researchers who have demonstrated excellence in supervision, and are provided with career coaching, mentoring and access to a series of professional development activities. The scheme offers a prestigious scholarship package of $AUD 50,000 per annum (approximately 29,000 GBP or $US 37,000 at current exchange rates). This comprises a tax-free living allowance of $AUD 40,000 per annum for 4 years, and a support package of up to $AUD 10,000 per annum to provide financial support for career development activities. International students also receive a tuition fee scholarship. The minimum qualification is: (i) an upper second class Honours degree; or (ii) Masters by Research degree; or the equivalent of (i) or (ii). All applicants must satisfy the university’s English-language proficiency requirement. The scheme is looking for strong research potential and research background (including publications, research assistance and related work, previous research degrees, industry experience, exhibitions etc.).
 
Timeline  

• Expressions of Interest open: 26 May 2017
• Expressions of Interest close: 21 July 2017
• UNSW invites nominated applicants to lodge full applications: 4 August 2017
• Full applications close: 1 September 2017
• Offers to successful applicants: 6 November 2017
• Successful candidate(s) commence in early or mid 2018

 
Application Process
Applicants must use the Apply Online system:  http://www.2025.unsw.edu.au/apply/.
 
Click on the ‘Apply’ button in the top section of the page. On the left-hand side of the next page you will see ‘700 Scientia PhD Scholarships’. Click on ‘View all Scholarships’, then ‘Contemporary Humanities and Creative Arts’, then ‘Theatre of the Real’.
 
To submit an Expression of Interest, please complete the self-assessment form online and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the supervisory team via the website. Supervisors will then contact suitable applicants to discuss the project and the next steps to take.
 
For further timeline and process information see: http://www.2025.unsw.edu.au/apply/node/69/
 
Immediate Next Step
If you are interested in applying for this exciting scholarship, please contact both Meg Mumford (m.mumford@unsw.edu.au) and Caroline Wake (c.wake@unsw.edu.au) for further advice.  You will need to do so before 21 July 2017 and preferably by 30 June 2017.