Undergraduate Research in Theatre - Practical Guide for Students

In this review of Undergraduate Research in Theatre: A Guide for Students, the bottom line is clear: this book is a practical, discipline-specific handbook for undergraduates and their instructors who want a structured path into theatrical research. Michelle Hayford assembles accessible explanations of methods and concrete examples from real undergraduates, making the book useful for students learning how to frame theatre practice as research and for faculty designing coursework. The single biggest reason to buy is its mix of method chapters and 36 case studies that demonstrate how diverse theatre work can be treated as rigorous undergraduate research.

Key Features

• Comprehensive scope: The book covers research approaches across scripted theatre, devised and new works, applied theatre, design areas, and theory so readers see options across the field.
• Practical case studies: Thirty-six undergraduate-authored case studies show real project choices and outcomes, helping students model their own work on concrete examples.
• Skills and methods focus: Dedicated chapters on research, skills, and methods give step-by-step framing useful for coursework and independent projects.
• Equity and inclusion lens: Early discussion of reframing the discipline toward greater equity, diversity, and inclusion helps readers situate research questions ethically.
• Interdisciplinary reach: Coverage of theatre theory and interdisciplinary studies helps students connect performance to broader scholarly conversations.

Who It's For

Undergraduate Research in Theatre is best for undergraduate students in theatre and performance programs who need guidance on framing practice-based and scholarly projects, and for instructors who want scaffolded classroom activities and exemplar student work. The text is particularly well suited to programs that aim to broaden research definitions to include design, applied work, and devised processes.

Those looking for a heavily theoretical monograph or an exhaustive methodological textbook for graduate-level research may want a more advanced or specialized volume; this title is pitched to undergraduates and introductory courses rather than advanced methodological treatises.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, field-specific guidance that maps research methods to common theatre practices for accessible classroom use.
• Numerous undergraduate case studies provide realistic models and varied project types across six countries.
• Attention to equity and inclusion frames research choices in an ethically conscious way.

Cons

• The focus on undergraduate-level projects means readers seeking deep graduate-level theory may need supplemental texts.

Specifications

Title	Undergraduate Research in Theatre: A Guide for Students
Author	Michelle Hayford
Series	Routledge Undergraduate Research Series
Content focus	Scripted, devised, applied theatre; scenic, costume, sound, lighting design; theory
Case studies	36 undergraduate-authored examples from six countries
Audience	Undergraduate students and instructors

Our Verdict

Undergraduate Research in Theatre is a strong, practical resource for students and teachers who want concrete models and methods for practice-led research in theatre. Its 36 case studies and clear method chapters make it good value for undergraduate programs that seek inclusive, discipline-specific research training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include student examples?
Yes; it contains 36 case studies authored by undergraduates from six countries to illustrate varied research projects.

Is this suitable for instructors?
Yes; instructors can use the skills and methods chapters to structure assignments and scaffold research learning for undergraduates.

Does it cover technical design areas?
Yes; dedicated chapters address scenic, costume, sound, and lighting design alongside other theatre research areas.