Module: ACT4001-20 Composition

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Mary Steadman

Module Tutor Contact Details: M.Steadman@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module lays the foundations for understanding the interconnectivity between composition, rehearsal and performance. The aim is to introduce you as an actor, to a series of tools and strategies for theatre-making and the importance of the relationship between research and practice. Theatre history from ancient Greek Tragedy to contemporary theatre is vital to an understanding of historical influences and how this informs your practice. The module introduces methods for approaching research including tools for presenting an academic argument and referencing.

The module aims are:

To introduce you to a range of approaches and processes at the forefront of devising practices

To provide an understanding of the need to develop creative, analytical and interpersonal skills as a theatre maker.

To introduce you to skills for presenting research and applying your knowledge in the interpretation of it.

2.Outline syllabus

This module introduces you to the tools, processes and approaches to making theatre (devising) and interrogates dramaturgy through theory and practice. Classes explore the fundamental elements of dramatic composition considering the relationship of the actor’s body to space, rhythm, musicality, movement, text, and character, through improvisation and play, which support the compositional strategies for making theatre. This module engages you in a psycho-physical approach to acting, with a strong emphasis on the expressivity of the actor’s body. An analysis of practitioners and theorists including, Jacques Lecoq and Anne Bogart, underpins this work. Lecture/workshops accompanying the practical sessions, introduce you to research academic writing skills.

3.Teaching and learning activities

This module uses a combination of tutor-led workshops, student-led practice, lectures, and research assignments. Formative assessment involves sharing developments in your devised work in a scratch showing, for which you receive tutor feedback, and subsequently rehearsal notes. Summative assessment of practical work is through a short piece of studio-based devised theatre and an academic essay. Self-directed study is essential in the preparation for assessment.

It is important to keep a journal or blog recording your development and to use this to evidence any required research along with annotated texts, character profiles, etc. This is not an assessed item, but you are expected to refer to this in class discussion and the Personal Development assignment in Skills 1.

The Bath Spa VLE, Minerva, provides information to help develop an appreciation of the broader technical and artistic aspects, which underpin this subject area, and develop skills in independent learning.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Essay (1,500 words)

• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Presentation of a group devised performance

• % Weighting: 60%