Module Identifier DR33930  
Module Title PRODUCTION IN PRACTICE 2  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Mr Richard A D Cheshire  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mrs Joan G Mills, Mr David W Kendell, Professor David I Rabey  
Pre-Requisite DR33830 , , Students wishing to act in this module will be selected by a panel of Departmental staff or have convinced the assessors of their aptitude and ability  
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 31 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 rehearsal35%
Semester Assessment The active manifestation and development of rehearsal work in public performance35%
Semester Assessment Oral Examination and Notebook30%
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  

Brief description

Students will work on an approved Departmental production of a dramatic text during a seven-week intensive period arranged during the second half of the first semester of the students' third year. They will work on a project significantly different from the one encountered in DR33830 as part of the performance and/or stage management/directing or production team under the guidance of an experienced staff director or approved guest practitioner. The production will be presented to the public as part of the Department's 'practical semester'. The rehearsals for this project will be designed to develop and enhance the skills, methodologies and techniques for interpreting text encountered during Level 2 pre-requisite modules offered to Drama students during their second year as well as those experienced in the pre-requisite module DR38830.

Students wishing to act in the project should normally have attained at least 60% in DR22620, Acting 2 or have convinced the assessors of their aptitude and ability to take this module.

Aims

Students will be allocated as either actors, members of the stage management or production 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 Department's Director of Learning and Teaching and Senior Production Manager. The project will be led by an experienced practitioner who will construct an appropriate rehearsal methodology specifically designed for the project.

Content

THIS MODULE IS AVAILABLE TO SINGLE HONOURS DRAMA STUDENTS ONLY

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 of interpreting text for performance and help them 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 performance/project 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.   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. Students will be required to keep a working notebook in which they will critically appraise the 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 the company and other people encountered during the 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 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.  
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