University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised October 2005)
Code: UAMPF4-20-M Title: Introduction to Employment Version: 3
Level: M UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating:
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: FCA/ Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Field: Stage Management
Valid from: February 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Postgraduate Diploma – Professional Theatre Design
MA Professional Theatre Design
Pre-requisites: UAMPE8-50-M – Design For Performance Projects
Co-requisites: All other modules under the above awards
Excluded combinations: Modules included under Awards in Stage Management and Costume.
Learning outcomes:
On satisfactory completion of this module students will be able to:
• mount an exhibition of their work;
• produce a C.V. and portfolio for presentation to potential employers;
• evaluate, select and present their work in an appropriate context;
• demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of procedures for gaining work as a theatre designer;
• understand the applications of CAD for use in the theatre and have some practical experience of using the main tools.
Syllabus outline:
This module concentrates on equipping students with the skills and knowledge to effectively seek freelance employment.
The main components of this module are the mounting of two exhibitions, the first in Bristol, coinciding with the public performances of plays designed by the students and the second in London to ensure maximum attendance. Implicit in the exhibition process is the important task for each student of making profitable contacts within the profession and gaining confidence in interview technique.
The students will receive one-to-one guidance from staff and visiting professionals on selecting composing and presenting their work, on producing a programme biography, a C.V. and finally a full portfolio.
A cross section of practising professionals, including production managers, directors and established designers are brought in during the exhibitions. The students present their work individually in these mock interviews and receive feedback on their presentation technique, assessment of standards achieved and advice on particular companies and individuals to approach for work.
A selection of career advice seminars and lectures introduce them to business procedures and usually include sessions on keeping records for tax purposes, familiarity with standard freelance design contracts, the unions and professional organisations available in the UK and the role of design agents.
Also included are introductions to transferring theatre skills for use in T.V. and Film and using CAD for theatre design work.
The students are encouraged to enter any appropriate competitions for design bursaries and awards.
Teaching and learning methods:
Students have frequent tutorials with the Head of Design encouraging self-evaluation of their work and development of individual strategies for seeking design contracts.
Students also receive individual sessions with a range of visiting professionals who provide feedback on their presentation skills and the standards achieved in the exhibited design work. This range of mock-interviewers, which includes both artistic and technical specialists, ensures that the student gains experience in tailoring a presentation to the suit the interest of the interviewer.
Using the information and knowledge gained from the seminars, students are able to make informed decisions in seeking work and inviting key potential employers to view their work at the exhibitions. The two stages of the exhibition allow the student to modify work displayed at the second stage (in London) as a result of feedback from the first stage in Bristol.
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 in the course handbook. 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 Schools 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:
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.
British Performing Arts Yearbook, (London: Rhinegold, 2001).
Contacts, (London: The Spotlight, 2001).
The British Theatre Directory, (London: Richmond House, 2001).
The Stage and Television Today, (Weekly Newspaper).
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 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 (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. Preparing for Employment project 100%
The selection and modification of work for the exhibition progresses over 11 to 15 weeks and allows for a continuing process of assessment and evaluation culminating in an intense period of presentations during the exhibition.
The visiting professionals, acting as interviewers assess:
• quality and originality of the work;
• confidence and suitability for immediate employment;
• the student’s ability to explain their work in response to the interviewer’s field or particular background.
This assessment is delivered informally in group and individual sessions (with the Head of Design present)
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Preparing for Employment project 100%
The selection and modification of work for the exhibition progresses over 11 to 15 weeks and allows for a continuing process of assessment and evaluation culminating in an intense period of presentations during the exhibition.
The visiting professionals, acting as interviewers assess:
• quality and originality of the work;
• confidence and suitability for immediate employment;
• the student’s ability to explain their work in response to the interviewer’s field or particular background.
This assessment is delivered informally in group and individual sessions (with the Head of Design present)
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)