Module Identifier DR24710  
Module Title THEATRE SKILLS IN THE COMMUNITY  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Mr David J Blumfield  
Semester Semester 2  
Pre-Requisite Sucessful Completion of Part One Drama This module is a pre-requisite for DR33320; Stage and Production Management Practice  
Course delivery Lecture   10 x 1 hour  
  Practical   10 x 2 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Oral proposal and interview (20 minutes)60%
Semester Assessment Practical demonstration (15 minutes)30%
Semester Assessment Create a CV and covering letter pertinent to the skills of a community artist.10%
Supplementary Assessment As for semester assessments. Should it not be possible to participate in a group for the practical test and demonstration the department will devise alternative assignments in conjunction with the Director of Teaching and Learning and the Module Coordinator.100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:


Brief description

This is a vocational module which will offer an opportunity to gain basic competence in the primary theatre skills needed when working in a range of community environments. It will include an introduction to basic technical resources: the use of theatre sound and lighting equipment and use of video recording, editing and projecting. The use of basic acting, voice, movement and directing techniques, simple stage and costume design, publicity and marketing strategies will also be explored in the practical workshops and lecture demonstrations. General issues encountered when working in community environments, such as health and safety, equal opportunities, time and personnel management, group dynamics, and a sensitivity to the community environment in which the work is to be conducted will also be addressed. Teaching will be through a series of Lecture demonstrations and practical classes.

Content

Lecture Demonstrations and practical workshops will include:-

  1. The role of the community artist and the context of the work: expectations, the given circumstances, funding and resources, working with committees, making the work accessible, stimulating interest, advertising, publicity and marketing, health and safety issues, police checks, child and data protection.
  2. Leading the group: understanding group dynamics, rhythms of work, timing and scheduling of projects.
  3. Acting skills and techniques: working with voice, body and space
  4. Directing skills and techniques: improvisation, games and basic character exercises.
  5. The backstage environment: rehearsal and performance, strategies, procedures and common systems.
  6. Lighting for a simple rig: equipment and its use, identifying lanterns, rigging, focusing, plotting and board operation.
  7. Rigging and operating a basic sound system: recording and editing.
  8. Documenting the process: using video equipment and projection
  9. Designing: facilitating basic stage and costume design
  10. Appraising the event: the future?

Further lecture and practical material will be introduced during the module. This will include the project criteria for the oral proposal/interview.

Aims

Module Skills

Problem_solving Effective problem solving is an essential feature of the module - particularly for the practical demonstration element. The ability to deal effectively and patiently with any problems/ questions which may arise during the workshop is an important part of the assessment.  
Research skills Students are encouraged to research the role of the community artist and to examine the work and function of varous existing establishments within the Arts. Visiting lecturers provide students with a variety of resources for researching community arts organizations.  
Communication Teaching focuses closely on the development of communicaiton skills throughout the module. Emphasis is placed on articulate verbal responses to a given task. The oral examination requires the student to present a coherent and detailed verbal proposal. For the practical demonstration, students are encouraged to communicate with the participants clearly and sensitively.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Self assessment is an important feature of the module. During practical classes students are encouraged to function as observing participants. This will enable them to develop a deeper sense of self awareness. Engaging and observation are key elements of the module.  
Team work This is an integral feature of the module. Practical classes demand the ability to work effectively within a group. Collaborative skills are also required for the practical demonstration. Teaching focuses closely on the importance of effective team work.  
Information Technology This is not taught directly, but competence in this field is encouraged for the written element of the module and for research.  
Application of Number The module places emphasis on funding and resources. The oral proposal requires the student to account for all relevant costs of their project. The field of budget management is an integral feature of teaching.  
Personal Development and Career planning This is a vocational module. Students are provided with the opportunity to explore the possibility of embarking on a potential career within the community environment. Constructing a CV and an appropriately worded letter for a potential employer is addressed on the module.  
Subject Specific Skills Students are taught a range of essential issues. These include: health and safety, data protection, child safety and budgeting and marketing. As the practical demonstration requires the student to conduct a workshop, teaching will focus on enabling the student to gain good communication and leadership skills.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Barker, Clive (1977) Theatre games: A New Aproach to Drama Training Methuen
De Mallett Burgess, Thomas and Skillbeck, Nicholas (2000) The Singing and Acting handbook - games and exercises for the performenr Routledge
Bond, Daniel Stage Management - The Gentle Art A and C black
Palin, The Essential Handbook Macmillan
Hold, Michael Stage Design and Properties Schirmer Books Theatre Manuals
Taylor, Don 1996 (1996) Directing Plays A & C Black
Boal, Agusto (1992) Games for Actors and Non-Actors trans Adrian Jackson Routledge
Rodenberg, Patsy The Right to Speak Methuen
Linklater, Kirsten (1994) Freeing the Natural Voice Quite Specific Media Group
Jellicoe, Ann (1987) Community Plays - How to put them on Methuen
Fox, John Engineers of the Imagination Methuen
Johnstone, Chris (1998) House of Games: Making the Theatre for Everyday Life Nick Hern Books
Flemming, Michael (2003) Starting Drama Teaching David Fulton Publishers

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5