Module: ACT5100-20 Theatre Directing and the Production Process

Level: 5

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 explores the practical and theoretical processes involved in theatre directing from the actor’s perspective. It examines the role of the director in the rehearsal process and explores approaches to working with the text and actors. Building on the Actor Interpreter and Actor Creator modules in the previous semester, this module provides you with the practical experience and theoretical knowledge to develop informed creative choices and further your understanding of the actor’s process.

The module aims are:

• To develop an understanding of the process of actors from the perspective of the director

• To develop individual knowledge, strategies and processes for realising text and devised performance

• To provide industry-focussed projects that extend your understanding and practical application of performing in and creating drama through your own directing exercises

2.Outline syllabus

This module introduces you to the core principles of directing text-based and devised performance to develop your unique creative voice. As a director, you research and prepare scripts for rehearsal. You lead and facilitate a working environment for actors to rehearse the script to performance level. Through the examination of these rehearsal processes, you explore how to develop your own ideas for scripts and how to realise and develop your own interpretation and vision.

You explore the role of the director in relation to the theatre production process: looking at the hierarchy of the roles and process of performance, as well as the technical possibilities for enhancing and realising your project.

3.Teaching and learning activities

This module uses a combination of tutor-led workshops, student-led practice, lectures, and research assignments. Formative assessment involves sharing developments in your directed scene for which you receive tutor feedback, and subsequently rehearsal notes. Summative assessment of practical work is through the performance of a studio-based directed scene.

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.

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: Critical reflection

• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Directed scene

• % Weighting: 80%