Module Identifier DR39610  
Module Title THE PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Patricia A Rhodes  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mr Richard A D Cheshire, Dr Alison Forsyth  
Course delivery Lecture   10 x 1 hour Lectures (With DR30220 Production Analysis)  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Semester exam  50%
Semester Assessment2 Hours 2500 word essay  30%
Semester Assessment Review 2 x 500 word reviews Review work (equivalent to 2000 words)20%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit any failed elements. Resit exam to a new paper.  100%

Learning outcomes

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


Brief description

The module is designed to enable Joint Honours students to broaden their experience of theatrical productions. Opportunities to attend student and professional productions provide the starting point for the investigation and analysis of the way in which the different elements of a production come together to create the theatrical experience. These elements, which include the contribution of the directors, designers and performers, will be considered in isolation and in relation to each other, in so far as they contribute effectively to the realization of the text in the consciousness of the given audience. The module will look at aspects of the performance history and the critical evaluation of particular texts, and will also provide opportunities to discuss production choices and working methods with both directors and members of production teams.

Aims

Content

The lectures will focus on the texts chosen for performance and will run in conjunction with module DR30220 in semester 1. Some of these texts will be third-year productions of texts performed as part of the Department's English-medium practical semester and the others will be performances scheduled to be seen on the London theatre visit arranged for this module.
Students should bear in mind their own responsibility for acquiring experience of the relevant text and bringing it to bear on their analysis of separate production events. It is also the responsibility of students to ensure that they attend the productions studied on the course. The lectures and discussions arranged with theatre practitioners are designed to be generally helpful and informative, but they should not distract attention from the proper focus of the module which is firmly on the personal experience and analysis acquired and developed by the individual student.

Students should be aware that they will be required to meet the additional costs incurred by the theatre visits. These are subsidised by the Department who also benefit from reduced costs as a result of group bookings. The cost of the London trip will be £200.

The department has arranged tickets for all London productions, but students are reminded that it is their own responsibility to ensure that they attend all other productions. Acquaintance with textual material is essential but is no substitute for attending productions. Students are also encouraged to read the relevant reviews of productions where these are available.

Module Skills

Research skills Students will demonstrate the results of individual research in the form of essays, examinations and contribution in lectures and seminars.  
Communication Students will demonstrate oral communication skills in seminar sessions and gain experience in selecting and analysing material for written assessments.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will receive feedback on written assignments  
Information Technology IT and information handling skills will be demonstrated through students¿ individual web based and library research and through word processed essay presentation.  
Personal Development and Career planning Students will have the opportunity to explore specific areas which reflect and strengthen their individual career needs.  
Subject Specific Skills Students are encouraged to develop the use of a critical and analytical awareness and to expand their vocabulary in written and oral response to issues concerning theatrical texts in performance for modern audience.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
Bond, Edward We Come to the River
Frisch, Max The Arsonists
Hatcher The Compleat Female Stage Beauty
Kane, Sara Psychosis 4.48
Poe, Edgar A. Masque of the Red Death
Wycherley The Country Wife
** Recommended Text
Garebian, Keith The Making of Cabaret
Irving Wardle, (1992) Theatre Criticism (Routledge) This might be out of print but is available on Amazon)
Masteroff, Joe Cabaret: The Illustrated Book and Lyrics

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6