Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU)
PhD in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre
Prague 1, Czech Republic
PhD
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Apr 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Oct 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 4,900 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre is a three-year full-time course designed for individuals holding a Master’s degree who seek to pursue advanced artistic and scholarly work in contemporary dance, nonverbal performance and related fields. This programme supports rigorous artistic creation alongside critical, theoretical and research-based inquiry. Students refine their practice within one of several specialisations — Choreography, Nonverbal Theatre, Choreology or Dance Pedagogy — while developing projects that integrate creative output with scholarly reflection. The structure emphasises independent study, artistic experimentation and research that contributes to the evolving discourse of movement, performance, theatre and embodied practice.
Graduates of the programme are prepared to make original contributions to artistic performance, pedagogical practice and academic research. The curriculum balances creation, analysis and documentation, enabling doctoral candidates to articulate both the artistic and conceptual dimensions of their work.
Programme Goals
The Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre aims to develop highly specialised creators and researchers who are capable of shaping the future of contemporary dance and nonverbal performance.
Its principal goals are:
- Artistic and scholarly integration: Encouraging candidates to synthesise creative practice with rigorous research, resulting in work that is both artistically compelling and intellectually grounded.
- Original contribution: Supporting the development of unique artistic projects, choreographies or theoretical frameworks that present new insights into the field of dance and nonverbal theatre.
- Theoretical depth: Providing grounding in historical, cultural, philosophical and scientific perspectives that inform movement, performance and nonverbal expression.
- Research competence: Equipping students with advanced methods of artistic research, critical analysis, scholarly writing and dissemination within academic and artistic communities.
- Professional readiness: Preparing graduates for leadership roles in artistic creation, pedagogy, cultural institutions, academic research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Across all specialisations, the programme cultivates a reflective, autonomous and culturally engaged approach to creative and scholarly work.
Why Choose This Programme?
The Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre offers distinct advantages:
- Integrated artistic–research environment: The programme is structured to support both high-level creative production and rigorous scholarly inquiry.
- Specialised focus areas: Candidates can pursue deep expertise in one of four established profiles — each combining artistic and research components.
- Individual mentorship: Close supervision and tailored guidance ensure that each doctoral candidate’s work is nurtured and contextualised.
- Interdisciplinary exposure: Students engage with diverse fields — choreography, performance studies, pedagogy, cultural studies — broadening both artistic and intellectual horizons.
- Professional development: The programme prepares students not only as artists and researchers but also as educators, leaders and cultural innovators.
This combination of creative freedom, academic depth and professional preparation makes the programme a compelling option for doctoral-level artists and thinkers.
Conclusion
The Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre at HAMU is a rigorous, creative and research-oriented path for students committed to advancing contemporary performance practice. Its integration of artistic production with scholarly inquiry, multiple specialisation options, and professional development opportunities enables graduates to contribute at the forefront of dance and nonverbal theatre — as creators, educators, researchers and cultural leaders in a global context.
Graduates of the Doctoral Programme in Art of Dance and Nonverbal Theatre possess:
- Creative leadership: The ability to conceive, produce and present substantial original artistic work that advances contemporary practice.
- Research excellence: Mastery of research tools and methods appropriate to artistic enquiry, performance studies and movement disciplines.
- Theoretical insight: Deep understanding of historical, social and conceptual frameworks that inform dance and nonverbal performance.
- Pedagogical capability: For Dance Pedagogy specialisation, competence in teaching, curriculum design, and research-based educational methods.
- Scholarly communication: Ability to publish, present at conferences, lead symposia or contribute to academic and artistic networks.
- Professional versatility: Preparation for careers that span academic research, artistic leadership, choreographic direction, pedagogical practice or cultural development.
Graduates are positioned to become influential voices in both artistic and intellectual communities worldwide.
Graduates of the programme are prepared for a diverse range of professional paths:
- Academic researcher or lecturer in universities, conservatories or interdisciplinary programmes.
- Artistic director or choreographer leading original performance work or ensembles.
- Pedagogue or curriculum developer in dance education, movement studies or creative arts pedagogy.
- Cultural organiser or project leader coordinating festivals, workshops, research clusters or collaborative art events.
- Interdisciplinary artist-researcher working at the intersection of dance, theatre, media and performance studies.
Graduates’ unique blend of artistic mastery and research expertise equips them to shape both artistic practice and critical discourse in their fields.
Here's why you should choose AMU:
1.Wide Portfolio of Diverse Programmes: Choose from a diverse range of programmes that suit your interests, whether it be theatre, film, music, dance, or multimedia arts. With a blend of theory and practical experience, you’ll be well-equipped for success in the global entertainment industry.
2.Heritage and Prestige: With a legacy spanning over 80 years, AMU is a beacon of excellence in performing arts education. Our esteemed faculty comprises industry professionals who foster a learning environment where tradition meets innovation.
3.Opportunities for Growth: Showcase your talent and build your professional network through many of AMU’s opportunities for real-world experience, from performances to industry collaborations.
4.Cultural Epicenter: Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as the perfect backdrop for any artistic journey. Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Prague and explore its vibrant arts scene to inspire the artist in you.
5.International Community: Join a diverse community of students and teachers from around the world, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. Our supportive environment encourages creativity and artistic exploration, enriching your learning experience.
6.Open, Friendly, and Inclusive Environment: We celebrate diversity and build an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. At AMU, everyone's voice is valued and we aim to create a harmonious atmosphere conducive to artistic growth and personal development.
Embark on your journey to artistic excellence at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
The doctoral curriculum spans six semesters and integrates artistic practice, research training, theoretical study and professional engagement:
- Artistic and creative production: Students conceive and develop substantial artistic works that demonstrate aesthetic innovation and engagement with contemporary movement practices. These projects may include choreographic performance pieces, nonverbal theatre productions, or other creative outputs that feature original expression and artistic inquiry.
- Research methodology and theory: The programme includes rigorous study in artistic research methods, performance theory, movement analysis, historical contexts, and interdisciplinary methodologies. Candidates learn to frame their creative work within broader scholarly conversations.
- Specialisation focus: Depending on the chosen profile — Choreography, Nonverbal Theatre, Choreology or Dance Pedagogy — students delve deeply into their specific area of expertise, whether that is artistic innovation, theoretical inquiry, scholarly research, or pedagogical practice.
- Documentation and reflection: Written work, process documentation and reflective texts form an integral part of the programme, demonstrating the conceptual and methodological foundations of the artistic output.
- Public presentation and defence: The doctoral journey culminates in a public presentation of the candidate’s artistic and research outcomes, accompanied by a formal defence assessing both creative and scholarly dimensions.
This blended approach ensures that graduates are both accomplished creators and informed researchers.