Module: COM6101-20 Production Project: Acting in a Directed Comedic Play

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:

This module asks you to produce work of a professional performance standard as a comedic actor engaged in a directed play. The production environment tests your ability to work collaboratively by connecting the work you do as an actor with those of design, technical, management, music and other production elements. Within this collaborative project you are expected to meet industry-standard expectations and work within professionally recognised timeframes. 

This module aims to:

• Provide a professional working environment appropriate for a directed play

• Foster a positive approach to collaborative working and practice

• Advance your ability to work to an industry standard

2.Outline syllabus:

This module recognises that by working together in a professional production scenario with students from associated disciplines, you develop your underlying skills and knowledge. Concurrently, you develop a broader appreciation of your own discipline and a different aspect of industry practice.

This module defines a directed play is any staged production of a script, be it with or without musical content. The production might consist of a single full-length play or a combination of one-act scripts. A professional theatre director (who might be assisted by a student director) is the artistic lead for the project, reflecting industry practice. 

Over the course of the module you rehearse and perform a play with a professional theatre director. Concurrently, design, technical and management teams prepare for the manufacture, installation and running of the production. This encompasses the visual and auditory landscape. The process relies entirely on collaboration, with each group of students depending upon their interaction with other practitioners to produce a high-quality product.

Each student group engages in the project at different stages of the process. To name each would be both limiting and repetitive, but in broad terms pre-production involves the design, management, and technical teams - composers might also join the team. Rehearsal/development and production stages connect production teams with the performers.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

This module mirrors professional rehearsal, production and performance processes.

Mirroring professional practice, you receive formative assessment feedback throughout the project. This culminates in director’s notes given in rehearsals, design and production meetings, as well as after technical and dress rehearsals.

The summative assessment is your contribution to the finished production. Be this (although not limited to this) a script or a performance.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Production (1 piece)

• % Weighting: 100