Module Information

Students following this module will be introduced to examples of directing practice from a range of historical and critical perspectives. Students will also be given opportunities to practise such principles and methodologies, under supervision, in the context of a rehearsal environment.

Entry to the Module

Students should note that places on this module are restricted to those who convince the assessors of their aptitude and ability to take this module through a Departmental interview during Semester 1 of the second year. For the 2008/09 session this interview will take place during assignment week on Monday November 10th.

Entry will be based on the following criteria:

• Ability to choose a text appropriate for the guidelines and given circumstances set.

• Intelligent understanding of the potential challenges and difficulties of directing the text chosen.

• Ability to suggest initial ideas and strategies for exploring and rehearsing the text.

• Basic understanding of the directing process (Appropriate to study at level 1).

During the lectures/practicals for this module, students will encounter some of the rudimentary principles involved in directing theatre texts. These will include:

The director's analysis of the text: the 'world' of the play: the narrative line and through-line of action: the ground plan and stage picture: organic blocking: style, composition and image: the rehearsal process and environment: working with actors: warm ups: characterization: status, intentions and actions: improvisation, theatre games and exercises: negotiating and pursuing goals with others: problem solving, reflection and analysis.

Students will also be asked to select an extract from a published text for two or three actors. These actors will be allocated at random. The maximum playing time of the script should be seven minutes. Students will be expected to prepare an analysis of the chosen text and present their ideas for directing the extract to the Course Tutor during the end of the third week of the module.

Students will be required to devise an appropriate rehearsal strategy designed to realize the text in performance. They will be expected to organize and direct regular rehearsals with their allocated actors outside class time and to work responsibly, constructively, creatively and safely with fellow students on solving problems as they arise and on specific challenges set.

Each director will receive formative feedback from the Course Tutor after a work-in-progress presentation of the project. This will usually take place before the Easter vacation and will form 30% of the assessment for this module.

The projects will be performed at Gregynog, where the directors will be responsible for choosing a site specific location for their presentation, working to the audience-actor relationship they have rehearsed. The presentation will form 40% of the assessment for the module. Students will be given an opportunity to discuss their work with the Module Co-ordinator after their practical examination.

Students will be expected to contribute approximately 80 pounds towards the cost of accommodation and food at Gregynog 8th and 9th May 2009.


Criteria for Assessment - Practical project (Assignments 1 and 2)

In assessing the practical project the examiners will expect to see:

• Evidence of an intellectual, imaginative and creative engagemnt with the basic principles of directing practice as discussed and explored during the practical sessions for the module.
• The ability to test and apply these principles in practice.
• The ability to make appropriate directing choices for the text and space chosen, and work within the guidelines set.

Written Assignment (2000 words)

The written assignment should be an hones reflection and analysis of the experience encountered during the directing process. Students should discuss the ways in which their understanding of this process has been enhanced through their practical work and academic study. Evidence of reading and research which extends beyond the material presented on the module will be expected.


Criteria for Assessment - Written Assignment (40%)

In assessing this the examiners will expect to see:

• The ability to consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of directing choices made through constructive analysis of their own and other students' practical work.
• Intelligent understanding and awareness of the potential role of the stage director in contemporary theatre practice.
• Evidence of reading and research which extends beyond the material presented on the module.
• An appropriately presented piece of work, including references and bibliography where appropriate.

Good Practice

Involvement in Departmental practical work requires each student to learn and to apply consistently appropriate standards of personal conduct and self-discipline and to work as part of a creative team. As with all modules in TFTS, regular attendance and punctuality is important. The student who is frequently late or missing fails to make the most of his/her opportunity and wastes a place which might more profitably have been allocated to another student. He/she also substantially undermines the work of fellow students by demonstrating a lack of commitment, thereby disrupting the creative energy of the group, and becoming the kind of person with whom, eventually, no-one else wishes to work. Students are requested not to be late, or miss rehearsals, workshops or meetings without good cause. Students whose punctuality and attendance give cause for concern will be referred to Student Support and may be asked to withdraw from the allocation.

Entry to the Module

Students should note that places on this module are restricted to those who convince the assessors of their aptitude and ability to take this module through a Departmental interview during Semester 1 of the second year. For the 2008/09 session this interview will take place during assignment week on Monday November 10th.

Entry will be based on the following criteria:

• Ability to choose a text appropriate for the guidelines and given circumstances set.
• Intelligent understanding of the potential challenges and difficulties of directing the text chosen.
• Ability to suggest initial ideas and strategies for exploring and rehearsing the text.
• Basic understanding of the directing processes (appropriate to study at level 1).