Bristol UWE - Module specification: PUBLIC THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised October 2005)

Code: UATA93-40-2 Title: Public Theatre Productions Version: 2

Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 40 ECTS credit rating: 20

Module type: Project

Owning Faculty: Creative Arts / Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Field: Professional Acting

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

Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: FDa Professional Acting

Pre-requisites: All Level 1 modules relevant to the above award.

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

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

Knowledge and Understanding

• Demonstrate core subject specific skills relevant to the theatre production in which they are performing.

• Understand the overall process of mounting a theatre production, and the role of each department therein.

• Demonstrate a detailed and specific knowledge of the text, style and characters of each play in question

Intellectual Skills

• Undertake research into the period and social context of the production

• Problem solve – interpret the creative requirements of the production and translate these to a practical realisation.

• Understand the creative dynamics of working on a theatre production

Subject / Practical Skills

• Adapt performance and characterisation to a variety of performance venues

• Interpret the artistic vision of the director and writer to achieve a satisfactory performance

• Demonstrate professional competence in key performance skills

Transferable Skills

• Communicate and negotiate effectively with other members of the production.

• Work to deadlines and maintain concentration and punctuality

• Contribute as an individual to the work, well-being and success of the company

Syllabus outline:

Students are assigned a role in a show, to be directed by a professional director. The production standard, values and rehearsal and performance process reproduce professional practice in a work-based learning environment.

The focus of the learning will be the practical performance application of basic acting techniques that were acquired at level 1. These will include vocal skills, techniques and development, movement skills, techniques and development and text interpretation and character development.

Students learn through rehearsal, learning the text, researching and understanding the context in which the play is set, and through a run of performances in a theatre venue.

At level 2 there are a number of performance opportunities in which skills can be applied and developed during terms four and five of the course.

Students are assessed on their demonstration of a professional standard of work within the context of a live theatre production in a professional venue.

Teaching and learning methods:

Students will have the opportunity to learn through practical production work on a show that leads to public performance. Working with other acting students on an established theatre text, the student is directed in their performance by a member of staff (or external professional director), and supported by a production team. Students will learn, through close supervision and advice, how to develop their work in rehearsal, become familiar with theatre production conventions and terminology and learn to ‘perform as rehearsed’ for a run of performances – normally at least twelve over a two week period. The typical preparation and rehearsal time for any department would be four to six weeks, followed by the run of the show.

Students are under constant supervision during this period and are expected to play their part in creating a positive dynamic and offering a considered and engaged contribution to the process.

In assessing their work, tutors will focus on individual creative development, application of acting technique and performance skills in full-length public production, contribution to the work of the company and professional competence. Judgements on performance will include comments from the director of the production and others involved.

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 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 primary source for this module will be the text or script for the production concerned.

Background research material will depend entirely on the period, style and character involved in the play script.