Module: COM6005 - 20 Stand Up/Sketch Comedy Circuit Show

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Pat Welsh

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

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Stand-up comedians and sketch comedy performers develop and hone their craft on the stand-up comedy circuit. There is no substitute for stage time.  Newcomers are responsible for identifying opportunities to perform by booking unpaid slots in established venues, entering open mike competitions/festivals or producing and hosting their own stand-up comedy evenings.   This module provides you with the opportunity to develop your stand up or sketch routines established at level 5 into a longer sets for performance on the stand up circuit or alternative platforms.

This module aims to:

• Equip you with a cognisance of live comedy performance platforms and the ability to negotiate performance opportunities

• Provide you with an opportunity to develop your comedic practice in live performance venues

• Enhance your understanding of employment opportunities in the realm of comedic performance

2.Outline syllabus

The initial, formative stage will be to engage in guided research regarding comedy performance platforms and opportunities and to negotiate a performance portfolio brief with tutors. Tutorials test the nature of the portfolio and agree on a negotiated portfolio brief.

The final submission will be a 5,000-word or equivalent portfolio that incorporates recordings of an agreed number of live performances and a critical interrogation of comedic text and performance. The content of this file will vary from student to student and will be informed by the comedic form selected.

You can work individually on a solo portfolio, or you can choose to work collaboratively on a shared portfolio providing that appropriate competitions for collaboratively written submissions have been identified. Collaboration is encouraged as it reflects industry practice but a shared portfolio must be accompanied by a written articulation of your individual contribution and you will be invited to a viva voce to discuss this.

3.Teaching and learning activities

This study module focuses on independent learning, in line with the FHEQ level 6 descriptor. While there is some initial lecture delivery around research and planning, the main tutor contact is through advisory tutorials to support your competition choice and feedback on your initial ideas and draft scripts.

The formative assessment is though tutorials and a discussion of a draft project brief.

The summative assessment is the submission of the performance portfolio.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Portfolio (5,000 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 100