Semester 2.

Assessment Pattern

This module introduces students to techniques and practise of performing one or more specific texts under direction.  Work on this text will build upon the knowledges developed from the Character, Text and Culture module.  Students will become familiar with working practices in rehearsal, preparation and performance.  They will be required to be responsible for the interpretation of the text in performance and the craft of staging a work.  The module will provide one model of working under direction to inform future performance projects.

• To create a theatre performance (or performances) in which students develop character and situation in response to individual creative exploration, direction and production constraints (c, e, f, g)

   

• To enable students to develop and demonstrate knowledge of text, character, performance style and the requirements of and imperatives in staging a text (b,e)

   

• To prepare students for public performance that is informed by rehearsal and production processes (c, g, h)

   

On completion of this module students should be able to

• Demonstrate personal responsibility and adaptability to facilitate directorial requirements of staging a dramatic text (D2, D3, D4)

   

• Present a character in a dramatic context that shows retention of informed understanding through research and a rehearsal period (A1, A2, D1)

   

• Inhabit and bring to life the text through individual work on character and understanding of situation in performance (C1, C2, C3)

   

• Demonstrate awareness of performance and production requirements in a performance (A2).

   

• In this module a staff member or professional practitioner will direct a performance of one or more playtexts.  This will require students to be familiar with the text and its contexts (which may be multiple); and to be familiar with and engage in the style of the performance and the approach of the project.

   

• The module will involve students identifying their character within the whole text and revealing informed understandings of their character through performance

   

• The module will enable students to become familiar with processes of working effectively in performance and with awareness of technical/production processes

   

• Sessions may involve the following:

   

• Supervised and unsupervised rehearsals

   

• Director’s notes to both class and individual

   

• Workshops

   

• Presentations

   

• Specialist masterclasses

   

Workshop and rehearsal sessions.

Required Reading :

Bogart, A. 2007. And then, you act : Making art in an unpredictable world. Abingdon, [] ; New York : Routledge.

Recommended Reading : (Bartow, 2006; Bogart, 2001, 2007; Elsam, 2006; Rafael, 2008; Shepherd, 2005)

Bartow, A, Training of the American actor. New York: Theatre Communications Group, 2006.

Bogart, A, A director prepares : seven essays on art and theatre. London ; New York: Routledge, 2001.

Bogart, A, And then, you act : making art in an unpredictable world. Abingdon, [England] ; New York: Routledge, 2007.

Elsam, P, Acting characters : 20 simple steps from rehearsal to performance. London: A & C Black, 2006.

Mudford, P, Making theatre : from text to performance. London ; New Brunswick, NJ: Athlone Press, 2000.

Rafael, M, Telling stories : a grand unifying theory of acting techniques. Hanover, NH: Smith and Kraus, 2008.

Shepherd, S, Theatre, Body and Pleasure. Abingdon: Routledge, 2005.