Directing Theatre

DRAM30411 Directing Theatre 40 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 3 Andrew Smith Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Last part of a Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 20.0 <p>This professional practice module offers students the opportunity to explore and experience the activity of directing contemporary plays in theatre spaces and through doing so build the foundations of a working practice. The course will be taught through workshops, readings, discussion, group rehearsal and supervision.  <br/><br/>Assessment will focus on the sharing/showing of work-in-progress excerpts from plays in performance . A complementary written component called a working notebook will build on ideas presented by developing concepts further and reflecting on process and practice. </p> <p>This professional practice module offers students the opportunity to explore and experience the activity of directing contemporary plays in theatre spaces and through doing so build the foundations of a working practice. The course will be taught through workshops, readings, discussion, group rehearsal and supervision.  <br/><br/>Assessment will focus on the sharing/showing of work-in-progress excerpts from plays in performance . A complementary written component called a working notebook will build on ideas presented by developing concepts further and reflecting on process and practice. </p> <ul><li>To explore the role of the theatre director in the realisation of play and text-based performance</li><li>To prepare students for professional practice, fostering and noting skills important for theatre and related environments, including cooperative and collaborative working</li><li>To develop student’s abilities to investigate/approach practical methods and critical perspectives when undertaking the development, direction and production of plays/texts for theatre. </li></ul> <ul><li>Demonstrate an understanding of what it means to be a director in the current landscape of theatre practice </li><li>Work with a range of dramatic texts and approaches, with a focus on textual analysis and the process of taking a text from page to stage </li><li>Work in a team to produce and present short pieces/excerpts of work-in-progress, in collaboration with their peer group, the CUD and technical staff </li><li>Consider the relationship between the director, the actor, the text, the stage and the audience </li><li>Evaluate and apply a process of critical enquiry to their working process and final outcomes. </li></ul><p> </p> <ul><li>Demonstrate a critical understanding of some of the multiple possibilities that exist in the relationship between director, text, actor, backstage teams, theatrical space and spectator </li><li>Develop and demonstrate an understanding of your own developing directing practice through critical engagement with that of others.  </li><li>Explore the subject through distinct kinds of writing about directing, including writing by professional directors, researchers, reviewers, and actors as well as other critical and related sources. </li><li>Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of practical and intellectual approaches to directing and theatre production </li></ul><p> </p> <ul><li>Articulate an understanding and use of directing techniques in theatre production </li><li>Develop an extract of theatrical text towards a coherent work-in-progress performance </li><li>Demonstrate awareness and apply professional standards and industry practices in the act of directing theatre </li><li>Work collegially and productively with peers as well as staff to realise theatre production </li><li>Offer constructive feedback to peers and revise their own approach in response to feedback </li></ul><p> </p> <ul><li>Advanced interpersonal communication and team-working skills</li><li>Critical thinking skills and creative group-work practice skills (problem-solving, thinking innovatively, drawing on creative approaches of others, evaluating arguments, giving and receiving feedback, timekeeping)</li><li>Using effective leadership and group-work skills to solve complex problems</li><li>Performing with confidence and precision for specific audiences/contexts, making use of diverse creative approaches and media</li></ul><p> </p> Ability to develop informed critique of professional practice (own and others), drawing on understanding of high quality standards Group/team working Ability to work independently and as part of a group to conceive, plan, undertake and evaluate original, well-developed projects that involve complex and unpredictable scenarios Project management Advanced skills in group-work, leadership, reflexivity, planning and project management Other Understanding of and adherence to industry-level professional and ethical standards in practical work 0 Other 100% <figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Practical: Presentation of work in-progress performance of chosen play extract</td><td>   60%</td></tr><tr><td>Working notebook / Reflective writing </td><td>   40%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <figure class="table"><table style="width:662px;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="0"><tbody><tr><td style="width:322px;"><strong>Feedback method</strong></td><td style="width:340px;"><strong>Formative or Summative</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="width:322px;">Observed rehearsal - oral (peers and tutor)</td><td style="width:340px;">Formative</td></tr><tr><td style="width:322px;">Practical - written</td><td style="width:340px;">Summative</td></tr><tr><td style="width:322px;">Working notebook - written</td><td style="width:340px;">Summative</td></tr><tr><td style="height:7px;width:322px;">Formative feedback points throughout the process, via dedicated tutorial hours and in-class sessions</td><td style="height:7px;width:340px;"> </td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p> </p> <figure class="table"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="662"><tbody><tr><td style="width:168px;"><strong>Pre-requisite units</strong></td><td style="width:494px;"><p>Any L1 Drama Practical option (DRAM10101 or DRAM10102)</p><p>Any L2 Drama Study core option - Theatres of Modernity; Screen, Culture and Society</p><p>At least <strong>one</strong> 20 credit L2 Drama practical course unit</p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:168px;"><strong>Co-requisite units</strong></td><td style="width:494px;">None</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p> </p> BA(Hons) Drama BA (Hons) Drama Third Year Optional BA Hons Drama & Screen Stds BA Hons Drama & Screen Stds Third Year Optional BA(Hons) Music & Drama BA(Hons) Music & Drama Third Year Optional BA Hons Drama and English Lit BA Hons Drama and English Lit Third Year Optional N <p>Russ Hope, Getting Directions: <i>A Fly-on-the-Wall Guide for Emerging Theatre Directors</i> (NHB 2013)</p><p>Katie Mitchell <i>The Director’s Craft: A Handbook for the Theatre </i>(Routledge, 2008)</p><p>Avra Sidiropoulou, <i>Directions for Directing: Theatre and Method </i>(Routledge, 2019)</p><p>Rosemary Waugh <i>Running The Room: Conversations With Women Theatre Directors</i> (Nick Hern Books, 2024)</p><p>Mike Alfreds, <i>Different Every Night: Freeing the Actor</i> (Nick Hern Books, 2007) </p> Practical classes & workshops 220 0 180