Module Identifier DR10320  
Module Title MODES OF PRACTICE: THEATRE  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Mr David J Blumfield  
Semester Semester 1  
Pre-Requisite Registration for single honours Drama or for joint honours Drama  
Co-Requisite DR10120 ,  
Course delivery Practical   10 X 2 HOURS  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Attendance and class work 60%
Semester Assessment Practical examination20%
Semester Assessment Working notebook / reflective journal.20%
Supplementary Assessment  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Recognise and employ a range of rehearsal methodologies within specified presentation practices

Demonstrate awareness and experience of these methodologies within the process of a practical investigation

Employ and develop collaborative skills and awareness within the processes of group practice

Reflect critically upon the process

Put into practice safely a series of simple body and voice exercises

Complete research within guidelines set by the tutor

Brief description

The module is an introduction to the development of physical and vocal skills and basic rehearsal methodologies. Practical classes will introduce physical and vocal training methods, improvisation, character development and approaches to text. This module will enable students to begin to create a rehearsal methodology which will be the basis of their work in more advanced acting modules. Exercises should be practised regularly outside class time. Students should begin to use the Reader provided to guide them in a more detailed discussion of the use of actor training.

Aims

The aims of the module are

Module Skills

Problem_solving Creative problem solving and outcome recognition are an integral feature of the module and are assessed and encouraged.  
Research skills Further research is an essential and necessary part of a student's training and education. The most successful students are those who read and look beyond the minimum requirements. A comprehensive reader is provided, with extracts from exemplary practitioners. Students are strongly advised to engage with detailed research.  
Communication The individual student's ability to articulate and communicate their ideas is developed and encouraged throughout the module.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Detailed self analysis and an understanding of the potential for change and development in physical and vocal skills is essential for making progress in actor training. This module places emphasis on the student's progression, development and achievement. Students are given constructive feedback throughout the module.  
Team work Group work is an essential part of the module: sharing ideas, trust, synergy, using time wisely are important features that teaching addresses and encourages.  
Information Technology This is not taught directly, but competence within this field is encouraged for the purposes of research.  
Personal Development and Career planning This is an introductory module, but it does form a point of departure for more advanced modules, which encourage the initial development of skills applicable to careers within the theatre/performance industries.  
Subject Specific Skills The module is an introduction to a range of rehearsal methodolgies, actor training and practical investigation.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Schechner, Richard (2002) Performance Studies - an introduction Routledge
Mirzoeff, Nicholas (1999) An introduction to visual culture Routledge
Barba, Eugenio (1991) A Dictionary of Theatre Anthropology - The Secret Arts of the Performer Routledge / CPR
Stafford - Clark, Max (1989) Letters to George Methuen
Barker, Clive (1989) Theatre Games Eyre Methuen
** Recommended Background
Rodenburg, Patsy (1997) The Actor Speaks Methuen
Berry, Cicely (1993) Voice and the Actor. 2nd edition London: Virgin Publishing
Hagen, Uta. (1991) A Challenge for the Actor New York: Macmillan
Callow, Simon (1991) Acting in Restoration Comedy New York: Applause Theatre Books
Berry, Cicely (2001) Text in Action. 2nd edition London: Virgin Publishing
Johnston, Keith (1999) Impro for Storytellers: Theatre Sports and Art of Making Things Happen Routledge
Linklater, Kristin Freeing the Natural Voice Drama Books

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4