Module: COM5003-20 Comedy Writing & Performance: Online Sketch Comedy

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Pat Welsh

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

1. Brief description and aims of module:

In the module you will gain an understanding of extant approaches to the creation and promotion of contemporary, online comedy. You will work collaboratively with your peers to create original comedy material applicable to the web and to identify and implement an action plan for generating interest and building audience in the online environment.

This module aims to:

• Develop your digital literacy through the writing, performance, recording and online sharing of original comedy material

• Enhance your practical and critical understanding of the online digital environment as a means of self-promotion

• Engender a critical perspective on your work and the culture surrounding you

2.Outline syllabus

This module tests your ability to work collaboratively and to apply your comedic writing and performance skills in the development of original and marketable comedy sketch material. Alongside the pertinent skills and techniques for performing for camera and/or microphone you will be taught contemporary approaches to the recording, editing and sharing of content in the online digital environment and explore strategies for audience development.

The product outcome imperative environment tests your ability to work collaboratively and introduces you to technical considerations required to achieve appropriate production standards. The public facing platform requires you to engage you with questions of copyright, ethics, quality assurance and self-representation and these issues will be covered as integral elements of the syllabus.

3.Teaching and learning activities

A series of weekly lectures and workshops will cover acting for camera and/or microphone techniques and teach you about the necessary technical considerations for recording, editing and sharing your material in the online environment. Visiting lecturers from industry will introduce you to contemporary practice in audience development and engagement with reference to case studies of successful online comedy practitioners.

Material will be generated through devising and writing processes and developed through performance and critique in a studio environment.

Formative assessment will take place as an integrated element of the workshop structure utilising ensemble and individual director’s notes sessions and peer feedback

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Digital Submission to Online Platform

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Digital Submission to tutor (PDP)

• % Weighting: 30%