Module Identifier DR24710  
Module Title THEATRE SKILLS IN THE COMMUNITY  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Mr David J Blumfield  
Semester Semester 2  
Pre-Requisite Sucessful Completion of Part One Drama  
Course delivery Lecture   10 Hours  
  Practical   20 Hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Oral proposal and interview (20 minutes)50%
Semester Assessment Practical test (15 minutes)25%
Semester Assessment Practical demonstration (15 minutes)25%
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 module 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?

Reading Lists

Books
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
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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5