Module: COM4005-20 Comedy Writing and Performance: Character Duologues

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Pat Welsh

Module Tutor Contact Details: P.Welsh@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module is a progression of the Comedy Writing & Performance: Character Monologues module and focuses on embedding your understanding of comedic principles, concepts, structures and vocabulary in the writing and performance of character scenes involving a minimum of two performers.

You will develop your work on characterisation and apply it in dialogue scenes in a process that will provide you with a practical knowledge and understanding of developing, structuring, writing and performing sketch comedy.

The module aims are:

To introduce you to the structure and character dynamic of comedy sketches and to introduce dialogue writing.

To develop your observational and satirical viewpoint drawing on parody

To develop your practical understanding of comedy sketch performance in the western comedy tradition

2.Outline syllabus

This module introduces you to the tools, processes and approaches to writing and performing sketch comedy through an interrogation of classic satirical and observational comedic character duologues. A focus is placed on sketch comedic practice in the UK and US from the 1970s to the present day covering both situational sketches and parodies.

You will be exposed to strategies that allow you to deconstruct extant performed comedy sketches and identify the comedic structure and principles that underpin them from a writing and performance perspective. You will be encouraged to identify that which is being observed or satirised and consider its relevance from a historical and contemporary perspective. You will work collaboratively to bring shared observations to life and will make satirical and topical comment through sketch comedy.

You will explore the performance skills that you have developed in pursuit of credible and engaging comedic characterisation with an emphasis on vocal, physical attributes and motivating forces.

In the light of this enhanced understanding you will be led through a process of writing and performing comedy duologues. You will be encouraged to nurture your shared observational and satirical viewpoint and to express it through your evolving collaborative comedic practice.

3.Teaching and learning activities

This module embeds your practical understanding of the tools, processes and approaches to writing and performing sketch comedy through an interrogation of classic satirical and observational comedic character duologues. A focus is placed on sketch comedic practice in the UK and US from the 1970s to the present day covering both situational sketches and parodies.

Teaching and learning will be facilitated through lectures, seminars, practical workshops, live performance and video production informed by research and writing tasks completed in class and in independent study time.

You will be given the opportunity to complete formative tasks before presenting your summative work for assessment.

The first formative task relates to sketch writing and fosters your skills in structuring a sketch and writing dialogue with a clear game.

The first summative task relates to sketch writing and allows you to apply introductory skills in structure, dialogue, game and making a satirical point or social observation.

The second formative task relates to performance and introduces working in dialogue with other performers and an understanding of the dynamic between characters.

The second summative task relates to performance and allows you demonstrate a clear dynamic and effective dialogue work and to introduce the rhythm and timing between performers in the writing, rehearsal and performance of a comedic scene.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Sketch writing

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Rehearsal and performance of comedic sketch

• % Weighting: 50%