Module Identifier DR33830  
Module Title PRODUCTION IN PRACTICE: INTERPRETING THEATRE TEXTS 1  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Mr Richard A D Cheshire  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mr David J Blumfield, Professor David I Rabey, Mr David W Kendell, Mrs Joan G Mills  
Pre-Requisite Students wishing to act in this module must have attained at least 55% in DR23610 or DR22620, At least one of the following: DR22620, DR22910, DR24310, DR23610.  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   7 x 1 hour seminars weekly during the rehearsal process to reflect on practice. 2 x 15 minute individual tutorials during the rehearsal/performance process. 1 x 2.5 hour post-production discussion.  
  Practical   7-week intensive rehearsals, research and background reading for the production/project - Normally 34 hours per week  
  Other   5 public performances - 20 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment The rehearsal process: development and progress throughout the period of preparation and rehearsal40%
Semester Assessment The active manifestation and development of rehearsal work in public performance40%
Semester Assessment Oral Examination20%
Supplementary Assessment As with most of the level 3 modules of this kind offered in the Department, it is not possible for the students to completely re-sit any components missed. However, in accordance with established Departmental practice, if a student is unable to complete their participation in the production and the workshops for accepted medical or other valid reasons, then an essay requiring reflection upon those components of work which were not completed may be set in lieu of those components. The scale of this essay will be determined by the Director of Teaching according to the percentage of incomplete work (to a maximum of 6000 words). In the case of any problems, then the Director of Teaching will consult with the Dean.  

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Use, develop and enhance the key skills introduced in the Departmental Level 2 practical Drama modules, in the creation of role(s) in the context of a major Departmental production;
2. Learn how to respond to direction from both the staff director and his/her assistant directors, work constructively, both 'inside' and 'outside' the rehearsal space, within the guidelines and given circumstances, and show the ability to work towards the collective presentation of the text in performance;
3. Apply and sustain the skills required for the execution of specific roles during successive live performances;
4. Reflect critically on their contribution to both the preparatory rehearsal and performance processes.

Brief description

Students will work on an approved Departmental production of a dramatic text during a seven-week intensive period arranged during the first semester of the students' third year. They will be allocated specific roles integral to the performance and/or production team. The production will be directed by an experienced staff director or an approved guest practitioner. The production will be presented to the public as part of the Department's 'practical semester'. The production will be designed to develop and enhance the skills, methodologies and rehearsal techniques encountered during Level 2 pre-requisite modules offered to Drama students during their second year. Students who wish to act in the project must have attained at least 55% in the relevant pre-requisite acting modules.

Content

The production to which students will be allocated will be led by an experienced practitioner who will construct an appropriate rehearsal methodology specifically designed for the project. During rehearsals students will encounter and experience appropriate theatre games, improvisations, exercises and workshops, which will be specifically designed to aid each student's understanding and ability to fulfill the requirements specified by his/her allocation.   

These projects will be performed either in the Aberystwyth Arts Centre or in one of the Departmental performance venues or an appropriate site-specific location. There will be a total of five public performances of the production which will give an opportunity for parents, friends and members of the public to view the practical work of the Department.   

During the rehearsal process, students will be advised to keep a working notebook documenting significant developments and challenges they have encountered (non-assessed).   At the end of the project, students will participate in an oral examination during which they will analyse and appraise their experiences of the module. During this examination process, students may refer to their working notebooks if they wish.

Aims

Students will be allocated as either actors, members of the stage management or design team and/or assistants to the staff director or combination of the above and work intensively for seven weeks on an approved Departmental project. These allocations will be chosen and agreed through a formal interview with the Module Co-ordinator and Senior Production Manager during the Spring term of the student's second year as part of the APPR process.   

Module Skills

Problem_solving These skills are developed as the students respond to the different challenges that emerge during the rehearsal and performance process for the project.  
Research skills These skills are developed through preparation for rehearsals and the workshops, although these skills are not directly assessed.  
Communication The development of communication skills is intrinsic to all aspects of performance. The ability to interact effectively with members of the company and other people encountered during preparation process.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Progress throughout the rehearsal process and the ability to reflect critically on individual achievement attained.  
Team work The development of team working skills is intrinsic to all group performance situations. Team leadership skills also form an important part in the assessment.  
Information Technology Students may choose to make use of on-line materials to locate data and documentation relevant to their research, but this skill will not be separately assessed.  
Application of Number N/A  
Personal Development and Career planning Personal development and career planning will not be explicitly developed through this module. However, many of the generic skills developed through the practical work of this module will have significant transferability to a wide range of contexts.  
Subject Specific Skills The module will enhance and develop the student¿s understanding of the potential of theatre as a means of communicating with specific audiences.  

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6