Module: ACT4023-20 Form and Practice

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Kerry Irvine

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

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This 4-week module builds on the learning of semester 1 by developing your performance practice as an actor, but also continuing to extend your understanding of differing dramatic forms. This module aims to:

• Consider acting not only as a response to text but also as a means of generating work

• Explore the binary nature of improvisation, as both a means of generating work and giving greater depth to characterisation.

• Foster greater personal responsibility for the development and maintenance of your physical skills and acting processes

2.Outline syllabus

While continuing to develop your acting process, this module now asks you to consider how other forms of theatre and writing present you with challenges and opportunities as an actor. Your physical skills classes continue to examine how your movement and vocal technique need to develop to serve your intentions and actor, while improvisatory work asks you to consider the concept of the mask as a driver of character and story. In this way you will begin to explore improvisation as a source of devising theatre and story-telling. Contextual focus will be on the function of form in the way it informs the acting process and the creation of new work.

3.Teaching and learning activities

In all your level 4 modules, you will be taught across a series of discipline classes that underpin your development as an actor. These classes include (but are not exclusive to) Acting, Context, Improvisation, Movement, Singing, Voice, etc.

For this module you will engage with practical classes and focus on how you can create work without a predetermined form, and look at closely prescribed evaluation. 

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Short Devised Performance

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: 3-Slide Presentation

• % Weighting: 40%