Theatre Studies Extended Essay Topic Ideas for IB

In my capacity as an IB tutor with a deep appreciation for the performing arts, I’m excited to present a selection of Theatre Studies Extended Essay topics. These topics are chosen to inspire students to explore the multifaceted world of theater, encompassing aspects such as playwriting, directing, acting, and the historical evolution of theatrical forms. This undertaking encourages students to engage with theater not only as a form of entertainment but also as a powerful medium for cultural expression, social commentary, and artistic innovation.

IB Theatre EE Topic Ideas

Through this scholarly exploration, students have the opportunity to analyze the elements that contribute to the effectiveness of a theatrical production, examine the impact of cultural and historical contexts on theater, and consider the ways in which theater reflects and influences societal norms and values.

Here are 50 topic suggestions for IB Theatre Studies Extended Essays, categorized into five different areas. Each suggestion includes a potential research question to guide the essay.

1. Theatre History and Movements

1. The Influence of Greek Tragedy on Modern Theatre: How have the themes and structures of ancient Greek tragedies influenced modern playwrights?
2. Commedia dell’Arte and its Impact on Contemporary Comedy: How has Commedia dell’Arte influenced modern comedic techniques and character archetypes?
3. The Evolution of the Elizabethan Theatre: How did the Elizabethan theatre evolve, and what impact did it have on the works of Shakespeare?
4. The Role of the Absurdist Movement in Modern Theatre: How has the Absurdist movement challenged traditional narratives and perceptions in theatre?
5. The Harlem Renaissance and its Impact on American Theatre: How did the Harlem Renaissance contribute to the development of African American theatre?
6. Bertolt Brecht and the Development of Epic Theatre: How did Brecht’s theories and practices transform modern theatre?
7. The Influence of Japanese Noh Theatre on Western Performances: How has the traditional Japanese Noh theatre influenced Western theatre practitioners?
8. The Rise of Feminist Theatre: How has feminist theatre contributed to the discourse on gender and equality in contemporary society?
9. The Transition from Vaudeville to Modern Musical Theatre: How did Vaudeville set the stage for the evolution of modern musical theatre?
10. The Impact of the Russian Avant-Garde on Contemporary Theatre: How did the Russian Avant-Garde movement influence modern theatre practices?

2. Playwrights and Practitioners

11. The Social Commentary in the Plays of Arthur Miller: How did Arthur Miller use his plays to comment on social issues of his time?
12. The Role of Women in the Plays of Tennessee Williams: How does Tennessee Williams portray female characters, and what does this reveal about his view of society?
13. The Influence of Anton Chekhov on Modern Drama: How has Chekhov’s style and thematic focus influenced contemporary playwrights?
14. Samuel Beckett and the Theatre of the Absurd: How does Beckett’s work exemplify the principles of the Theatre of the Absurd?
15. The Innovative Stagecraft of Julie Taymor: How has Julie Taymor’s unique approach to stagecraft and direction influenced modern theatre productions?
16. The Political Theatre of Augusto Boal: How does Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed empower audiences and promote social change?
17. The Contribution of Lorraine Hansberry to African American Theatre: How did Lorraine Hansberry’s work contribute to the visibility and evolution of African American theatre?
18. The Dark Comedies of Martin McDonagh: How does Martin McDonagh use dark comedy to address serious themes in his plays?
19. The Surrealist Influence in the Works of Sarah Kane: How does Sarah Kane incorporate elements of Surrealism in her plays?
20. The Intercultural Theatre of Peter Brook: How has Peter Brook’s approach to intercultural theatre influenced global theatre practices?

3. Theatre Production and Design

21. The Evolution of Scenic Design in Theatre: How has scenic design evolved over the centuries, and what impact has it had on the audience’s experience?
22. The Role of Lighting in Creating Mood and Atmosphere on Stage: How do lighting designers use light to enhance the narrative and emotional impact of a play?
23. Costume Design and Character Development: How does costume design contribute to the portrayal and development of characters in theatre?
24. The Use of Sound and Music in Enhancing Theatrical Performances: How does the integration of sound and music influence the dynamics of a theatrical performance?
25. The Impact of Modern Technology on Theatre Production: How has the incorporation of modern technology (e.g., projections, digital sets) transformed theatre production?
26. Puppetry and its Role in Storytelling in Theatre: How is puppetry used as an effective storytelling tool in theatre?
27. The Art of Makeup and Prosthetics in Theatre: How do makeup and prosthetics enhance the visual storytelling of a theatrical performance?
28. The Challenges and Rewards of Outdoor Theatre Productions: What are the unique challenges and rewards of staging productions in outdoor theatre settings?
29. Stage Management and the Art of Coordinating a Live Performance: How does effective stage management contribute to the success of a live theatre performance?
30. The Use of Special Effects in Stage Illusions: How are special effects used to create illusions and enhance the magic of theatre?

4. Cultural and Societal Influence

31. Theatre as a Tool for Social Change: How has theatre been used as a medium to promote social change and address societal issues?
32. The Influence of Cultural Heritage on Traditional Theatre Forms: How do traditional theatre forms reflect and preserve cultural heritage?
33. Theatre in Education: Methods and Outcomes: How is theatre used in educational settings, and what are its impacts on learning and development?
34. The Role of Theatre in Community Building: How does community theatre contribute to social cohesion and community building?
35. Theatre and Therapy: The Role of Drama Therapy in Healing and Communication: How is drama therapy used to facilitate healing and communication among individuals with various needs?
36. The Representation of LGBTQ+ Themes in Contemporary Theatre: How does contemporary theatre address and represent LGBTQ+ themes and issues?
37. Theatre as a Reflection of Political and Social Realities: How does theatre reflect and critique the political and social realities of its time?
38. The Impact of Festivals on the Development of Theatre: How do theatre festivals contribute to the development and visibility of new works and emerging artists?
39. Theatre for Young Audiences: Approaches and Impact: How is theatre specifically tailored for young audiences, and what impact does it have on them?
40. The Preservation and Revival of Indigenous Theatre Forms: How are indigenous theatre forms being preserved and revived in the modern era?

5. Performance and Audience Interaction

41. The Role of the Audience in Interactive Theatre: How does interactive theatre blur the lines between performers and audience, and what is its impact?
42. The Use of Monologue in Character Development and Storytelling: How do monologues contribute to character development and the unfolding of narratives in theatre?
43. Physical Theatre and the Expression of Abstract Concepts: How does physical theatre convey complex, abstract concepts without relying heavily on dialogue?
44. The Art of Improvisation in Theatre Performance: How does improvisation influence the dynamics of a theatre performance?
45. Theatre in the Round: Engaging the Audience from All Angles: How does staging a performance in the round affect audience engagement and the overall experience?
46. The Use of Masks in Theatre and their Impact on Performance: How do masks influence the portrayal of characters and the dynamics of performance in theatre?
47. The Role of Mime in Communicating Stories and Emotions: How does mime contribute to storytelling and the expression of emotions in theatre?
48. The Influence of Dance and Movement in Theatrical Storytelling: How do dance and movement enhance storytelling in theatre?
49. The Use of Narration in Breaking the Fourth Wall: How does direct narration to the audience influence the viewer’s experience and engagement with the play?
50. The Impact of Minimalist Set Design on Audience Imagination: How does minimalist set design encourage the audience to use their imagination in theatre?

These topics cover a broad spectrum of theatre studies areas, offering diverse opportunities for in-depth research and analysis.

Wrapping Up

As we conclude our overview of Theatre Studies Extended Essay topics, I hope these suggestions have sparked your interest in delving into the rich and dynamic field of theater. Writing an Extended Essay in Theatre Studies offers a unique opportunity to combine analytical rigor with creative insight, enabling you to explore the complexities of theatrical art and its role in society.

As you refine your topic and conduct your research, consider this as an exceptional chance to deepen your understanding of theater as an art form and a cultural phenomenon. Your essay is an opportunity to showcase your ability to critically evaluate theatrical works, understand the intricacies of theatrical production, and articulate your findings in a coherent and engaging manner. Let your work be a reflection of your passion for theater and your commitment to exploring the depth and breadth of this vibrant art form.