Module: COM4001-20 Introduction to Comedy Acting Processes

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Sarah Holden-Boyd

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.holden-boyd@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module offers an exploration of the interconnectivity between acting processes, rehearsal, and performance in comedy. The focus is on equipping you with a series of tools and strategies commensurate with a career in comedic performance. The module will also develop your ability to write analytically about the context and purpose of comedic performance.

The module aims are to:

Introduce you to a range of approaches and processes for text-based comedic performance.

Develop your creative, critical, analytical and interpersonal skills.

Develop your ability to conduct contextual research and construct analytic essays in appropriate academic format.

2.Outline syllabus

This module encourages you to establish a personal acting process that responds to a variety of professional working scenarios as a comedic actor. An initial focus on practical and effective exercises to facilitate a playful, creative, curious and responsive actor is followed by a post-Stanislavskian approach to acting. This approach is considered in light of the principles of comedic performance.

Object exercises provide a formative assessment point before progressing to the study and performance of comedic text. Contextual research, analysis, ‘uniting’ and ‘actioning’ are key areas of study. These tools are explored from an embodied perspective through summative scene-work assessment using texts by seminal comedic playwrights. You will receive instruction on and practice in academic writing and will be required to submit an analytic essay for summative assessment.

3.Teaching and learning activities

This module uses a combination of tutor-led workshops and lectures, student-led practice, and research assignments. During Semester 1, the formative assessment of practical work involves the showing of object exercises. Summative assessment of practical work is through the presentation of a prepared text-based comedic scene and an analytic essay. You will also receive notes in rehearsals as you work towards your final studio-based assessment. You will be expected to engage in self-directed study to help you to prepare for assessments.

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 PDP assignment that is accommodated within the skills modules.

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: CW

• Description: Comedic Scene

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Research Essay (1500 words)

• % Weighting: 40%