University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised November 2002 )

Code: UAMPC4-20-1 Title: Propmaking- materials and process Version: 4

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: Professional Practice

Owning Faculty: Faculty of Creative Arts/ Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Field: Stage Management

Faculty Committee Approval: Q & S Committee Date: 7th October 2009

Valid from: Sept 2009 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: FdA Professional Stage Management, DPS - Professional Stage Management (W47017) and BA Hons - Professional Stage Management (W470).

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: Any Professional Acting modules.

Learning outcomes:

On satisfactory completion of this module the student will be able to:

    Knowledge and Understanding

    • Understand the role of the props department in the overall process of mounting a theatre production.

    • Understand the range of material and processes commonly used in propmaking.

    • Understand the particular aspects of Health and Safety relating to propmaking.

    Intellectual Skills

    • Problem solve – use play texts to identify the practical prop elements of a production.

    • Research the appropriate period and style identified from the play text to inform propmaking

    • Research suppliers of materials and artefacts

    Subject / Practical Skills

    • Demonstrate basic competence in a range of propmaking techniques.

    • Competently use the basic hand tools and power tools required for prop-making.

    • Produce a practical prop from a simple design brief.

    Transferable Skills

    • Present and communicate information clearly and effectively relating

    • Prioritise own workload and meet deadlines.

    • Knowledge and application of Health and Safety procedures

Syllabus outline:

The syllabus will cover the core areas of theatre propmaking; creative activity in areas such as clay modeling, plaster casting and preparing moulds, polystyrene carving and scrimming. Also the use of polyurethane foams, thermoformable plastics such as Varaform and Wonderflex, paints, glazes, stains, fire retardants, glues and solvernts, latex in its various forms, gelatins, traditional materials and natural alternatives.

Teaching and learning methods:

Demonstrations and supervised practical workshops in groups, gaining hands on experience of a range of techniques. The module culminates in the students’ individual creative project.

Reading Strategy

Students are encouraged to become familiar with the subject area, and texts specific to the module, through reading lists and reference material provided. Lists are updated annually to maintain currency and relevance. Each department holds texts and reference material, as well as the general access provided to the School’s library and access to the Internet. The specifically vocational nature of training and study, combined with the project based nature of learning on the course, may require that students are guided to reading and research material in the first instance by the module leader.

NB: BOVTS students do not have access to UWE Libraries and UWE OnLine

Indicative sources:

James T

The Theatre Props Handbook, (Betterway Publications, 1987).

Kenton W

Stage Properties and how to make them, (London: Pitman, 1978).

Motley

Theatre Props, (London: Studio Vista, 1975).

Assessment

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Description Element weighting

1. Propmaking skills/ Props Project 100%

Assessment of basic competencies in propmaking. Assessment of the students’ ability to work to a given design brief, research the item, select appropriate materials, cost and find materials supplier, produce working drawing, produce finished item which accurately interprets original brief.

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is required)

Description Element weighting

2. Propmaking skills/ Props Project 100%

Assessment of basic competencies in propmaking. Assessment of the students’ ability to work to a given design brief, research the item, select appropriate materials, cost and find materials supplier, produce working drawing, produce finished item which accurately interprets original brief.

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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