This module introduces skills, practices and competencies when managing a production and Front of House environment.   The module 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/or health and safety) for touring and small scale production.  The module will prepare students to work in University and other production 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)

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:

·        Production Management

·        Stage Management

·        Scheduling

·        Pre-production/Rehearsal scheduling

·        Budgeting

·        Elements, stages and responsibilities of a production process

·        Managing a Team

·        Team communication

·        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:

Suggested Reading List

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

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

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

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

 

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

Pilbrow, R (1997) Stage Lighting Design NHB

Ripley, R Autocad – A Handbook for Theatre Users

Stern, Lawrence (2002) Stage Management Pearson Higher Education

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