Module: PM7035-30 The Role of the Producer

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Kerry Irvine

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.irvine@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

This module considers the artistic, financial, legislative, management and practicalities of creative producing for live performance. The module aims to:

• Examine a broad range of business and management skills and approaches
• Engender a detailed approach to the process of producing
• foster creative approaches to entrepreneurialism

2.Outline syllabus

The module identifies and explores the range of artistic, legal, management, financial and operational elements involved in the work of a producer. Together these elements provide you with a ‘tool kit’ of core skills that enable the creation, development, delivery and strategic planning of creative product. Indicative elements are financial planning and writing budgets, understanding contracts, audience development, curation, marketing strategies and fundraising, including bid writing.

You build these skills throughout the module and learn how they connect to facilitate artistic and managerial practice. You also understand how to use these principles and skills to communicate to relevant stakeholders, and how to plan strategic directions for a range of creative enterprises.

Indicative content is the exploration of social and financial systems and methods of evaluating the arts and projects. You will explore the commercial side of producing and approaches to raising investment through non-subsidised means. Reviewing organisations such as UK Theatre, BECTU, SOLT and with reference to Equity, SDUK, the DGGB and the financial regulatory context of investment.

3.Teaching and learning activities

The module is taught through a weekly lectures, workshops and seminars that focus on aspects of “business.” The seminars include exemplars for analysis and discussion, and where possible include visits from industry professionals to present current contexts. The learning and assessments are supported by tutorials to help develop a portfolio of work. Some of the activities may, where appropriate, be externally relevant, such as live funding applications to support projects and communications to industry professionals and organisations.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Professional Portfolio Project documentation
• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Pitch/Presentation
• % Weighting: 40%