Module: COM4004-20 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 and is intended to expand your repertoire of acting processes in the analysis of text, rehearsal, and performance of comedic work. The module develops your knowledge and understanding of embodying a comedic role using a variety of acting methodologies.

The module aims are:

To extend knowledge and application of a range of approaches and processes at the forefront of actor training including research around the social, political and cultural of the role being interpreted

To introduce you to the essential creative and research processes for interpreting a comedic role

To continue to develop your ability to conduct contextual research and construct analytic essays in appropriate academic format

2.Outline syllabus

Text work involves a more detailed level of analysis and research to interrogate the complexities of more challenging comedic roles. In addition to the fundamental key principles of text analysis, research involves understanding the significance of the historical, cultural and political contexts of a comedic play in the development and interpretation of a role from a psycho-physical perspective. Studio-based individual and group exercises are rooted in post-Stanislavskian approaches and their application to comedic performance. You will continue to receive instruction on and practice in academic writing and 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. Formative assessment involves feedback on independent scene study and character development, before progressing to the rehearsal and performance of studio-based comedic scenes. Self-directed study is essential in the preparation for assessment. Summative assessment of practical work is through the performance of a text-based scene including consideration of costume and setting; and through submission of an essay reflecting contextual analysis. 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 PDP assignment.

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: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (1500 words)

• % Weighting: 30%