1 Annual Conference  |  13 Working Groups  |  30+ Convenors  |  400+ Members  |  Interim Events  |  Prestigious Awards  |  Postgraduate Symposia

Our History and Ethos

The Theatre and Performance Research Association (TaPRA) held its first conference in 2004. It was formed by a group of senior academics in theatre and performance eager to promote the growth of research in the field by fostering a co-operative and collaborative ethos that would benefit postgraduate students, early career researchers and provide a platform for everyone interested in sharing the diverse discoveries of the discipline. Working in English and in the UK research environment, TaPRA welcomes international members. Beginning with only a handful of working groups, TaPRA currently has over 400 members in thirteen working groups that meet in early autumn at our annual conference which is hosted at a different university each year. In addition, many working groups organise interim events, often in collaboration with other groups. TaPRA relies on the generosity of individuals who give their time as working group conveners and as members of the Executive Committee, the bodies through which decisions are made. Membership is individual, rather than institutional, and inclusive of independent scholars and practitioners, although the majority of members have HEI affiliation. TaPRA members are expected to abide by our dignity and respect policy. TaPRA is always looking for new ways to encourage excellence in research and to that end currently awards prizes to recognises work at every career stage. TaPRA also works closely with DramaHE and other cognate organisations to respond to and guide government policy and funding in the field.

View our conference manifesto here.

To contact TaPRA, please email exec@tapra.org.

TaPRA 2024 at Northumbria

Our 2024 conference will be hosted in partnership with Northumbria University from 4 to 6 September.

TaPRA 2024 at Northumbria

Our 2024 conference will be hosted in partnership with the University of Northumbria.

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