Module: COM5005-20 Comedy Writing & Performance: Stand Up 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 this module you be introduced to the fundamental principles, concepts, structures and vocabulary of stand-up comedy writing and performance. You will develop an authentic comedic persona, drawing on your own self and life experience, and will write and perform a stand-up comedy routine for an internal university audience. In addition to your practical exploration you will be introduced to theoretical models for the critical analysis of stand-up comedy text and performance and a consideration of the existence of the genre as a means of artistic self- expression.

The module aims are:

• To introduce you to the techniques that underpin stand-up comedy writing and performance

• To develop a live performance of a natural, authentic kind with a live audience in a stand-up environment.

• To develop a theoretical understanding of modern stand-up comedic writing and the debates surrounding interpretation of text and performance

2.Outline syllabus

This module introduces you to the tools, processes and approaches to writing and performing stand-up comedy through practical exploration of your comedic voice and persona. This is underpinned by an interrogation of stand-up comedic practice in the UK and US from the 1950s to the present day.

You will utilise deconstruction strategies to identify the comedic structure and principles that underpin stand-up performances, considering them from a writing and performance perspective. You will be encouraged to apply these approaches to the raw materials of your own life in developing material and an authentic comedic persona.

In the light of this enhanced understanding you will be led through a process of writing and performing an original stand-up comedy routine for performance to a university audience. You will be encouraged to nurture and share your personal comedic voice and to express it through your evolving comedic practice. This practice will broaden to encompass confident use of pace, rhythm and timing, alongside fostering a conversational rapport with the audience and responsiveness to the live environment.

Your practical understanding of the genre will be accompanied by the development of a cognisance with selected theoretical frameworks that accommodate a critical analysis of the text and performance from a socio-political perspective.

3.Teaching and learning activities

This module uses a combination of tutor-led workshops, student-led practice, lectures, and research assignments to underpin contextual inquiry.

The formative assessment activity for this module will be a scratch showing of work-in-progress and tutor notes on rehearsals as you work towards your final assessed studio-based performance. Summative assessment is through the presentation of a prepared stand-up routine and one essay that will prepare you for the demands of the Acting Independent Study module at level 6.

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: Course Work

• Description: Writing and Performance of Stand-up Comedy Routine

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Essay (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%