University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised October 2005)
Code: UATPG5-40-M Title: Directing a Production Version: 3
Level: M UWE credit rating: 40 ECTS credit rating: 20
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: FCA / BOVTS Field: Acting
Valid from: February 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Postgraduate Diploma in Drama Directing
MA Drama Directing
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
On satisfactory completion of this module students will be able to:
• Select or devise a performance of a text/piece appropriate to a specific venue and audience profile.
• Communicate succinctly and inspirationally with designers, costumiers, stage management, lighting, sound and all necessary departments prior to production.
• Select a suitable cast from the available pool of acting talent.
• Prepare or cause to be prepared suitable advance publicity and marketing material and ensure the efficient and appropriately targeted distribution of this material.
• Communicate succinctly and inspirationally with the cast in rehearsals.
• Communicate succinctly and inspirationally with all of the creative and technical talents involved in technical and dress rehearsals and lead the production forward to a successful public presentation.
Syllabus outline:
In consultation with the tutor, the student will select a text (or, in the case of devised work, a theme or topic) appropriate to the venue, the available resources and the anticipated audience profile. While allowed complete freedom in conception and method, the student will be able to draw upon tutorial expertise from all of the School’s tutors and Heads of Department throughout the process. The student will be responsible to the production manager for intelligent allocation of financial and human resources including demands on workshop and costume department time. The student will be encouraged to identify the appropriate audience for the piece and where and how this audience is best targeted with pre-production information.
It is expected that the student will continue to take full advantage of the ‘producing house’ environment in which all performance and technical skills are being taught and exercised to work closely with actors at all stages of their training and to strive to improve his/her knowledge, skill and understanding in all departments.
Teaching and learning methods:
Students have access to all specialist teaching staff for advice, guidance and tuition throughout all the processes involved in selecting, preparing and mounting the production.
As an aid to subsequently seeking employment and drawing the attention of potential employers to the production, students receive one-to-one guidance on C.V. production, self-promotion and market analysis. Each student may undertake a period of secondment to a producing theatre, radio or television company. These secondments are formally arranged by the School Principal.
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, annual)
Contacts (London: The Spotlight, annual)
The British Theatre Directory (London: Richmond House, annual)
The Stage and Television Today (weekly newspaper)
J. Jenner The Actor’s Handbook (Bloomsbury, London 1998)
S. Copley & P. Killner Stage Management, a practical guide (Crowood, Marlborough 2001)
P. Dean Production Management, making shows happen (Crowood, Marlborough 2002)
K. Johnstone Impro (Methuen, London 1981)
M. Delgado Directors Talk Theatre (Manchester University Press, 1996)
J.L. Styan The English Stage (Cambridge University Press, 1996)
E. Gordon Craig On The Art Of The Theatre (Theatre Arts, NY 1956)
A. Artaud The Theatre And Its Double (Calder, London 1970)
A Bogart A Director Prepares (Routledge, London 2001)
Assessment:
This is a Professional Practice Module.
Assessment outcome: Pass / Fail
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Directing a Production
Assessment of the process and execution of directing a public theatre production.
In assessing this module, judgements relate back to the learning outcomes; attention will be paid equally to the process and final result of the production. Aspects of the production including artistic flair and judgement, use of the space, ability to work with the cast, leadership ability and management of the creative process are all key features of this module.
Students take responsibility for their own production but will be allocated a Theatre School tutor as mentor for the production - normally the head of course.
Feedback from this mentor, combined with reports from key staff involved in the production (Production Manager, Head of Design etc) will feed into the assessment process.
Assessment Strategy
Conducted through tutorials at specific points in the process by the head of course or designated tutor. The results of these tutorials combined with feedback from other staff involved with the production will allow a cumulative judgement to be made at the end of the module.
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)