University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised November 2002)
Code: UAMPG7-40-M Title: Production Management: Version: 2
practical theatre application
Level: M UWE credit rating: 40 ECTS credit rating: 20
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: FCA/ BOVTS Field: Stage Management
Valid from: February 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Postgraduate Diploma in Theatre Production Management
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
On satisfactory completion of this module students will be able to:
• Manage productions with the advanced discipline, leadership, skill, working practice, responsibility and creativity required by a professional theatre production manager.
• Engage creatively and critically with the skills and processes of production, design and rehearsal by which performance is created.
• Form positive group processes in the creation of original work and develop important relationships between creative teams and departments.
• Control project variables such as scheduling, staffing, budgeting, health and safety, and standards.
• Work under the pressure of long hours and deadlines with imagination and self-motivation.
• Understand written texts and how to effect transitions from page to stage.
Syllabus outline:
Supported by the Head of Theatre Production and the production staff each student production manages one Theatre In Education tour and one main theatre public production to professional standards.
This involves initial scheduling before working with the creative team in formulating ideas and designs for each production. Students assume full consultative responsibilities and are responsible for organising meetings and budget controls. They then prepare for the engagement of a full production team and cast, oversee the rehearsal and production process, and prepare and manage the technical installation, run, and project end. They also manage health and safety procedures and specimen union timesheets. Students reproduce the main productions ground-plan and elevation from paper onto AutoCAD.
Teaching and learning methods:
The student is given full responsibility as production manager within the support structure and environment provided by the theatre school. This allows the student to practice and refine skills and techniques acquired in the previous module and experience the production process at first-hand. They are expected to work independently, organising their time and initiating meetings as required.
The whole process is closely monitored and guided by the Head of Theatre Production and the production staff. At all stages the student is encouraged in frequent tutorials to develop their working practices.
Indicative sources:
Model National Standard Conditions For Places of Entertainment and associated guidance
The Association of British Theatre Technicians
The District Surveyors Association
The Local Government Licensing Forum
(ABTT, London 2002)
Technical Standard For Places Of Entertainment
The District Surveyors Association
The Association of British Theatre Technicians
(ABTT, London 2002)
J. Blurton Scenery: Draughting and Construction (A&C Black, London 2001)
R. Mulryne and M. Shewring Making Space for Theatre (Mulryne and Shewring, London 1995)
A. Todd and J-G. Lecat The Open Circle (Faber and Faber, London 2003)
C. Higgs Introduction to Rigging in the Entertainment Industry (Entertainment
Technology Press, London 2002)
M. van Beek Practical Guide to Health and Safety in the Entertainment Industry
(Entertainment Technology Press, London 2002)
J. Aveline Production Management (Entertainment Technology Press, London
2002)
P. Dean Production Management - making shows happen (Crowood, London
2002)
T. Ogawa Theatre Engineering and Stage Machinery (Entertainment Technology
Press, London 2002)
Assessment
This is a project module with only one component of assessment. This component has only one element of assessment.
In assessing Component A there will be meetings between the student and the Head of Theatre Production at formal assessment points over the course of the module to discuss and record the student’s progress judged against the learning outcomes for this module. The result of these assessment points (of which there are normally not more than three) are cumulative in nature and give rise to a final mark/grade at the end of the module.
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Production management and production process 100%
The student is assessed during each stage of the module in this way to ensure preparation for each subsequent stage of the production as it arises. These are:
a. Initial creative period in which most contact is with the director, designers and departmental heads of staff.
b. The engagement of the full production team, rehearsal and production process.
c. Constructing, planning and controlling the production
d. Installation, the run and deconstruction.
In assessing a student’s work, particular attention is paid to:
• The ability to respond to the practical requirements of the production whilst remaining faithful to the original creative concepts.
• The ability to inspire and inform the other members of the production team to achieve the highest standards of execution.
• The ability to organise their work and meet deadlines.
• The confidence and maturity the student demonstrates throughout the design process.
• The ability in using I.T. equipment to aid the process.
• The ability to plan, respond to and control schedules, staffing, budgets and health and safety.
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is required)
AS FOR FIRST ASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITY
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.
AS FOR FIRST ASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITY
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)