DR10320 - MODES OF PRACTICE: THEATRE

Module Identifier

DR10320

Module Title

MODES OF PRACTICE: THEATRE

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Mr David J Blumfield

Semester

Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Other staff

Mr Gareth Llyr Evans

Pre-Requisite

DR10120 and DR10220

Co-Requisite

, DR10120

Course delivery

Practical

16 X 2 HOUR WEEKLY CLASSES

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Attendance and class work	60%
Semester Assessment	Practical examination	20%
Semester Assessment	Working notebook / reflective journal.	20%
Supplementary Assessment	3000 word essay for one element missed. 5000 word essay for two elements missed.

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
Demonstrate the ability to analyse set texts from the point of view of a theatre practitioner and to demonstrate fundamental skills in developing characters
Reflect critically upon the process

Brief description

The module is an introduction to the development of physical and vocal skills and 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.
FOR A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION PLEASE REFER TO THE MODULE HANDBOOK

Aims

The aims of the module are

To introduce a range of rehearsal methodologies and to apply and test these within a presentation/performance environment
To provide students with the experience of undertaking a process of practical investigation
To encourage students to take responsibility for collaboration and group work within the context of workshops and presentation
To enable students to analyse their own experience of the practical processes investigated
To prepare students for more advanced acting modules in Part Two

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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4