FT1STP-Staging Texts: Playwriting, Design and Performance

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FT1ATP Analysing Theatre and Performance
Modules excluded: FT1ES Exploring the Studio
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Sarah Bartley
Email: s.e.bartley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module, you will explore how a selection of historical and contemporary theatre and performance texts are staged. Through a series of workshops and small group practical projects, you will be introduced to the principles of critical practice and focus on approaches to playwriting and design ahead of an assessed final  project. Over the course of the term, you will develop new understandings towards playwriting, dramaturgy, and scenography (including sound design and model box making) to broaden your perspectives and practical skill sets across theatre production. You are expected to work collaboratively to conceptualise a final project that creatively and critically investigates the set texts and the assessment brief.

Aims:

The module offers a practical introduction to how texts are realised in production and the critical relationship between making meaning and creative decision-making in these forms. Students will have the experience of playwriting and/or analysing texts through audio and scenographic design projects which innovatively respond to the selected case studies. Through diligent research and critically engaged theatre practice, students will cultivate an understanding of the practices and critical processes that come together in the planning, production and documentation of such pieces. Students will study the work of leading practitioners and will have the opportunity to develop their practical skills through a series of workshops, which will in turn support their final projects. Furthermore, it aims to introduce students to specialist equipment and some of the basic technical skills necessary for production and performance work.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• demonstrate skills of close analysis appropriate to the study of theatre and performance;


• analyse how meaning is produced in theatre texts and performance


• engage with central conventions of theatre, and their interrelationship, in order to make informed comparative judgements and to develop clearly argued and systematic interpretations


• develop a broader understanding of theatre and audio production through the module’s emphasis on playwriting and design


• investigate theatre practice collaboratively and communicate effectively and critically with fellow team members in the delivery of a final practical project


• evaluate and examine through written work relevant critical debates and contexts of theatre and performance from the late nineteenth century to the present.

Additional outcomes:

The module plays a significant role in the continuing development of other skills and competencies which are central to the course. It is expected that the level of skills and competencies achieved in the following will be appropriate to the level of study: oral communication and argument in group situations; deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument; undertaking self-directed, independent work; presentation of written work using IT; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis of theatre.

Outline content:

The module provides an introduction to methods of staging theatre texts for performance. Working closely on playwriting and design, the module focuses on practical approaches in these areas and offers a broader introduction to some of the key technical elements that will be pivotal throughout the course. The module introduces a critical vocabulary for theatre practice, as well as more specific terms and approaches to the medium.

• lectures, workshops, seminars


• reviewing a specific production, analysing the creative choices made in: space, scenography, costume, performance, text, audio drama, etc.


• May include guest speakers and visiting practitioners 

Global context:

The module introduces students to core practical skills and allows students the opportunity to explore a number of case studies from world drama from the end of the nineteenth century to the present, as well as writers and designers from diverse theatre cultures and contexts.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module employs a wide variety of teaching and learning methods: lectures, workshops, seminars, essays of different lengths, set readings, assessed presentations, one-to-one tutorials, screenings, and field trips. There is a charge for theatre trips. These are compulsory and will take place throughout the module as a necessary part of the teaching. The majority of these trips will take place in London, but trips in the past have involved visits to Oxford and Bristol.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	6
Seminars	16
Project Supervision	10
Demonstration	9
Supervised time in studio/workshop	10
External visits	4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	25
Wider reading (directed)	25
Preparation for presentations	15
Preparation for performance	50
Essay preparation	20
Reflection	10
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Project output other than dissertation	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students complete a practical project/portfolio (60%) and Developmental Blog (40%).

Formative assessment methods:

Oral feedback will be provided in class. Students will also receive formative feedback on Developmental Blog.

Penalties for late submission:

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

A mark of 40% overall.

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: £25

Last updated: 21 November 2022