Module: ACT5001-20 Actor Creator

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Rew Lowe

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.lowe@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module is designed to develop the devising skills and techniques introduced at Level 4 with industry-focused devised projects of increasing complexity and professional demand. This includes opportunities to extend acting processes into diverse forms and mediums, as well as text analysis and dramaturgy. Performance theory makes reference to semiotics, it encourages you to explore the range sign systems available to you as a theatre-maker and the different ways in which audiences may respond to them.

The module aims are:

• To provide you with industry-focussed projects in order to extend your understanding and application of performing in, as well as creating drama.

• To highlight the interconnection between critical thinking skills and the production process

• To develop your collaborative working skills in response to a given brief

2.Outline syllabus

This team-taught module explores the key aspects of developing an individual artistic voice through the process of devising a performance text. You explore in a range of approaches, techniques, and theories of contemporary theatre practice and dramaturgy to enable you to create your own theatre work that both reflects and realises your ideas. You explore how form, style and structure affect content, meaning and audience engagement in a theatrical event in preparation for the Performance Project – Making Performance Module at level 6.

The module encourages you to explore contrasting approaches to analytical thinking and thereby link your understanding of critical theories to your personal performance practice. An interrogation of the relationship between practice and research prepares you for the level 6 Independent Study module and/or Acting Research Project module, and also develops a wider academic framework for those who wish to progress to postgraduate study.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Through a series of weekly workshop sessions with tutors and invited practitioners, you engage with a variety of approaches, techniques, and theories of contemporary theatre practice. The practical element of this module involves individual and group devised theatre work that reflects and realises your ideas. Regular sharing of in-class progress develops a deeper understanding of interdisciplinary and collaborative practices and the importance of critical feedback.

A series of lectures examines the ways in which meaning is made in performance, as well as the relationship between the performer and the audience and the key concepts of Marxism, feminism, postcolonial theory and other critical theories which influence how and why artists make the work they do. The module requires you to interrogate how you might respond to these ideas in your own practice.

During the module, you will be invited to pitch your idea in written form, which will then be considered for selection by tutors. Projects are selected in line with the assessment criteria and are developed, rehearsed and performed in groups. Tutors guide the development process through a series of feedback sessions, with a formative ‘scratch’ performance part-way through the module. Self-directed study is essential in the preparation for assessment.

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: Coursework

• Description: Practical project Presentation (1 piece)

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Essay on taught content (2000-2500 words)

• % Weighting: 40%