University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised November 2002)

Code: UAMPH5-40-M Title: Scenic Art Department Management Version: 2

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 Scenic Art

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

On satisfactory completion of this module students will be able to:

    • take responsibility for the painting of one of the theatre school’s public productions;

    • work in a safe and efficient manner being mindful of current health and safety legislation and practice

    • work closely with the designer, carpenters, props makers and production manager as part of a collaborative and creative team;

    • take responsibility for ordering paint and cloths and organise the necessary tools and the workshop in preparation for the job;

    • complete the production process in the leading role of Head Scenic Painter maintaining close contact with all the relevant production departments throughout the realisation of the design;

    • work closely with the designer as part of a collaborative and creative team;

    • engage confidently with all members of the production departments, motivating, making decisions, helping to solve problems and providing information and guidance as required;

    • overseeing the production of samples for the designer and question him/her effectively to achieve a successful end result;

    • make sure the team has got all the relevant information for the satisfactory completion of the job using sample process and relevant and detailed questioning during frequent meetings;

    • communicate effectively with every one involved in the production.

Syllabus outline:

Supported by the Head of Scenic Art and the production staff, the student will be responsible for the painting of one of the Theatre School’s public production, acting as a head of department for that show.

This involves working for the whole production period with the designer, carpenters, props makers, production manager and the other painters for the completion of the project. They will work to deadlines and be expected to organise the progress of the job following the other departments’ timetable. The students will order the necessary materials for the completion of the job in accordance with the production manager and ensure that the workshop and the necessary tools are in working order. They will prepare samples for the approval of the designer and meet frequently with him/her to show the progress of the job.

During the production week the student will answer the paint calls and will be available for touch up calls, if needed, during the run of the show.

Teaching and learning methods:

The student is given full responsibility as head painter 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 and the managing of a team at first-hand.

The whole process is closely monitored and guided by the Head of Scenic Art and the production staff.

At all stages the student is encouraged by the tutor in frequent individual and group tutorials to experiment and develop their creative skills and working practices. Regular meetings with the designer and the production department staff ensure that the student has enough information and guidance to make effective decisions regarding the realisation of the project.

Indicative sources:

E Troubridge & T Blaikie Scenic Art and Construction, a practical guide. (Crowood Press 2002)

S Crabtree & P Beudert Scenic Art for the Theatre, history, tools and techniques. (Focal Press 1998)

Assessment

This is a project module with one component of assessment. This component has one element of assessment.

In assessing component A there will be meetings between the student and the relevant tutor 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 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 element Element weighting

1 Assessment of – MANAGEMENT OF THE SCENIC ART DEPARTMENT 100%

The student will be assessed with regard to the following aspects:

1 Organisation of the job;

2 Execution of the job;

3 Management of human resources.

In assessing a student’s work, particular attention will be paid to:

    § the student’s ability to recognise the designer’s fundamental role in the process;

    § the quality of the drawing, painting, priming and glazing and the ability to use diverse painting styles as required;

    § the student’s ability, as head painter,

    § 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 process.

Assessment Strategy

Both formative (ongoing throughout the project) and summative (student presentation at the end of the project). This will include:

    § feedback to the Head of Scenic Art, Designer and visiting specialist tutors

    § group feedback with other scenic art students, Head of Scenic Art and visiting specialist tutors

    § individual self-assessment

Finally a written assessment from the head of department is discussed in conjunction with the student’s self-assessment and a student action plan is agreed and recorded in a tutorial.

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)

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