FTMTF-Theatre Programming and Theatre Festivals

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Lucy Tyler
Email: l.s.tyler@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a team-taught module, drawing both on representatives from the industry and expertise in FTT. Through a dynamic combination of seminars, workshops and group projects, the module will equip students with advanced knowledge of modes of programming a range of film / theatre / arts venues at local and national level, as well as the organizational challenges of running such festivals. While the first section of the module covers a range of issues relating to film and to theatre and arts festivals, in collaboration with film colleagues [FTMFF] the second part of the module allows for specialisation, with students undertaking specific sessions and assessments in either film or theatre / arts festivals. The ‘festivalisation’ of theatre events is a significant feature of the contemporary theatre and performance landscape, and we will examine issues and models of the funding, programming, organisation and dissemination of such festivals in the theatre strand.

Aims:

The aims of this module are:

• To equip students advanced knowledge of programming a range of theatre / arts venues at local and national level,


• To equip students with in-depth knowledge of advertising strategies and the funding mechanisms and structures particular to theatre / arts festivals; ?


• To offer a critical insight into the kinds of theatre / performance that tends to be included and promoted at major international theatre festivals such as the annual Theatertreffen in Berlin


• Through practical projects, to equip students with fundamental skills for becoming theatre / festival programmers and / or organisers; 

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module, students will: ?

• Have an in-depth understanding of the programming structures of specific film / theatre / arts venues


• Have a critical understanding of the organisational challenges and skills needed to deliver a film / theatre / arts festival


• Have an in-depth knowledge of the funding structures and mechanisms of film / theatre / arts festivals?


• Have a comprehensive understanding of the kinds of theatre / performance that tends to be included and promoted at major international theatre festivals such as the annual Theatertreffen in Berlin


• Have a critical understanding of the historical contexts and development of theatre / arts festivalisation


• Be able to develop practical projects in theatre / arts festival programming; ?

Additional outcomes:

• The module will serve as a useful complement to other modules taught in the MA Creative Enterprise; ?


• It will provide students with critical view of the mainstream and alternative markets for theatre and performance that can be accessed via festivals; ?


• It will provide them with the necessary skills for finding employment in the sector. 

Outline content:

The module will reflect on the contemporary arts landscape in terms of the challenges facing theatre companies and festivals at local, national and international levels. With input from the professional theatre sector, through invited speakers or site visits, we will investigate a number of case studies in relation to festivals and in relation to programming and associated issues such as advertising and funding. 

Global context:

The module includes case studies from various international contexts, such as Germany or China. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This is a team-taught module drawing from academic and industry-based expertise. There will be a combination of theoretical, historical and practical seminars and workshops addressing the main issues in the history and development of theatre and arts festivals worldwide. Students will be active participants throughout, being the main drive in the conception and execution of the group project and written portfolio. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		14
Supervised time in studio/workshop		4
External visits		10
Guided independent study:		172
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Portfolio	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 x 2000  word Portfolio  addressing an aspect or aspects of the organisation, funding, programming and marketing of theatre / arts venues or festivals to be submitted at the end of term.

1 x 3000 word Case Study relating to theatre / arts programming or festivals to be submitted at the beginning of the next term. 

Formative assessment methods:

There will be an opportunity to  present aspects of the Portfolio orally in class before final submission and to receive oral feedback. 

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmissionPGflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Approx. £30-£40 for site visits

Last updated: 25 November 2021