University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised October 2005)

Code: UARPTH-30-3 Title: Staff-Led Performance Version: 3

Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Project

Owning Faculty: Faculty of Creative Arts Field: Drama Field Leader: S Fraser

Valid from: February 2008 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)

Pre-requisites: UARPDB-30-1 - Introduction to Theatre Studies or UARPDE-30-1 Theatre Practice.

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to demonstrate:

• Practical skills in learning and applying physical and vocal performance techniques, improvisational and/or devising techniques into performance. (Component A)

• Analytical skills relevant to the interrogation of different performance methods, which can be expressed both in practical and written forms. (Component A)

• Critical skills in reading and analysing both the traditional play text and/or in creating the devised piece specifically for the conditions of performance. (Component A)

• Creative ability to work both individually and in groups on relevant methodologies, improvisations or texts. (Component A)

• Imaginative response to the performance challenges of different styles/genres under facilitation of the tutor. (Component A)

• Practical knowledge of the ideas and techniques of key twentieth/twenty-first century performance practitioners/theoreticians relevant to the area of tutor-led investigation. (Component A)

Syllabus outline:

The module will explore some of the working methodologies and key developments in acting/voice/movement and text based/devised/applied theatre, and will incorporate detailed individual and ensemble practical work in realising a text based/devised piece into performance. Obviously, this will depend on the research interests/practical background of the tutor, but can be adapted to a number of teaching/research strengths. The assessed performances would run during Semester Two assessment period (from Wednesday to Saturday) either within one of our own studios, an off-site theatre or site-specific venue, with two performances being attended/assessed to reflect the development and growth that occurs during a (short) run.

Teaching and learning methods:

This module is composed entirely of a weekly two-hour practical class. Key texts, chosen by each tutor, will be the basis of each semester’s practical work. The tutor’s specialisms will inform the teaching, and ultimately the direction of the performance. The workshops will incorporate detailed practical work and problem-solving exercises on realising texts into performance.

Reading Strategy

A printed study pack will be available at the beginning of Semester One that will inform and encourage further research, study and practical exploration. Students are expected to identify all other specialised reading relevant to their chosen topic for themselves. They will be encouraged to read widely using the library catalogue, a variety of bibliographic and full text databases, and Internet resources. It will be expected that assignment bibliographies and reference lists will reflect the range of reading carried out. Additional support is available through UWEonline. This includes interactive tutorials on search skills and on the use of specific electronic library resources. Sign up workshops are also offered by the Library.

Indicative Reading List:

The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.

Adler, S. The Art of Acting, Applause, 2000

Auslander, P. From Acting to Performance, (London & New York: Routledge, 1997)

Clurman, H. The Fervent Years: The Group Theatre and the Thirties, DaCapo Press, 1988

Frome, S. The Actors Studio: A History, House of Collectables, 1985

Garner Jr, S. Bodied Spaces: Phenomenology and Performance in Contemporary Drama,

Cornell University Press, 1994

Hethmon, R, (ed). Strasberg at the Actors Studio, Theatre Group 1991

Hirsch, F. A Method to their Madness, DaCapo Press, 1994

Hodge, A. Twentieth Century Actor Training, (London & New York: Routledge, 2000)

Krasner, D. Method Acting Reconsidered: Theory, Practice, Future, St. Martin’s Press, 2000

Mamet, D. True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor (London & New York:

Faber 1997)

Meisner, S. Sanford Meisner on Acting, Vintage, 1987

Raynor, A. To Act, To Do, To Perform: Drama and the Phenomenology of Action, University of

Michigan Press, 1994

Rodenburg, P. The Actor Speaks: Voice and the Performer, Methuen Publishing, 1998

Sonenburg, J. Dreamwork for Actors (London: Routledge 2003)

Strasberg, L. A Dream of Passion, Routledge, 1987

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 100% B:

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Commentary and Evaluation (2000 words) 20%

2. Group Performance (Individual Mark) 50%

3. Portfolio on 2. (2000 words) 20%

4. Attendance 10%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Commentary and Evaluation (2000 words) 20%

2. Solo/Group Performance (Individual Mark) 60%

3. Portfolio on 2. (2000 words) 20%

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

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

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)