This module introduces skills, practices and competencies in one or more areas of theatre production and enables students to explore and demonstrate these in a studio/workshop context.  It will focus primarily on planning, scheduling and basic technical competencies and requirements (which may include set, lighting, sound and health and safety).  The module will prepare students to work in University spaces, to work safely with technical equipment and to be aware of the work that is required in planning for and implementing production processes.

• To provide an experience of a specific theatre production technique (one or more may be offered) (c)

   

• To educate students in a practical understanding of the skills, practices and competencies of the technique (c, e)

   

• To educate students in the technical and performance principles of one or more techniques and the ability to demonstrate or embody this understanding in a studio context (a,c)

   

On completion of this module students should be able to

• demonstrate informed practical understanding of one or more specific theatre techniques (A2, B1)

   

• Recognise the context  of individual skills in wider production processes (B3)

   

• Demonstrate techniques and awareness associated with recognised technical processes in the creation and realisation of performance (C3)

   

• Work to deadlines and produce clear, coherent responses to task briefs (D3, D4)

   

The emphasis is on the importance of embodying fundamental principles to provide a secure technical foundation for work throughout the degree.  The module introduces skills, practices and competencies in theatre production.  These may include:

·         Stage management

·         Analysis of scripts for production needs/ground plan, props

·         Pre-production/Rehearsal scheduling

·         Budgeting

·         Elements, stages and responsibilities of a production process

·         Lighting operation

·         Sound operation

·         Scenic construction/organisation

·         Prop/costume creation/acquisition

·         Health and Safety

Lecture / Seminars / Workshops / Practical classes

Core Reading

Berkun (2008) Making Things Happen: Mastering Project Management (Theory in Practice) O'Reilly Media

Reid (1998) Discovering Stage Lighting Focal Press

Godin, Seth (2005) The Big Moo: Stop Trying to be Perfect and Start Being Remarkable

 

Suggested Reading List

Baugh, Chris (2005) Theatre Performance and Technology Palgrave MacMillan

Cadena, R Automated Lighting Focal Press

Cole G.A. Cole Management: Thoery and Practice (complete Course Texts) Cengage Learning Cengage Learning

Fazio, Larry (2000) Stage-manager: the professional experience Focal Press

Kotler P and Bernstein J.S (1997) Standing Room Only: Strategies for Marketing the Performing Arts Harvard Business School Press

Maitland, Heather (2000) Marketing Manual, The: Making Sure the Message Gets Across

Morgan (1995) Stage Lighting for Theatre Designers A&C Black

O'Sullivan T, and O'Sullivan C (2000)Creative Arts Marketing, Second Edition by Elizabeth Hill,

Palmer (2000) Essential Guide to Stage Management Lighting & Sound Hodder Arnold

Pilbrow, R (1997) Stage Lighting Design NHB

Reid (1996) The Stage Lighting Handbook A&C Black

Ripley, R Autocad – A Handbook for Theatre Users

Scott, David Meerman (2010)The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use Social Media, Blogs, News Releases, Online Video, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly, 2nd Edition John Wiley & Sons

Staines , J Lighting Techniques for Theatre in the Round Entertainment Technology Press

Stern, Lawrence (2002) Stage Management Pearson Higher Education

Thomas, Kelly (1999) Backstage Guide to Stage-management Watson-Guptill