FT1STA-Staging Texts: Production Skills, 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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Lisa Woynarski
Email: l.woynarski@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In a series of dynamic seminars and technical hands-on workshops, you will focus on a range of behind-the-scenes practices involved in production, performance and design ahead of an assessed final project. Over the course of the term, you will develop new understandings towards technical skills and scenography (including sound design) to broaden your perspectives and practical skill sets across theatre production. You will work collaboratively to conceptualise a final project that creatively and critically investigates the set texts and the assessment brief. You will also develop an understanding of the professional contexts and working conditions of theatre careers in these areas through you own application of skills to performance contexts.

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 analysing texts through audio and scenographic design projects which innovatively respond to the selected case study. 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:

• Analyse how meaning is produced in theatre texts and performance


• Apply the key production and design skills to a scene or performance environments  


• Analyse of the how the technical and design practices create meaning in performance and signification of creative choices 


• Evaluate the key production and design skills within critical contexts 


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

Additional outcomes:

• You will gain enhanced skills in collaboration across theatre performance that prepare you for future practice in the department and after you graduate. 


• You will gain enhanced practical skills across the theatre systems of design, sound, lighting that prepare you for future practice in the department and after you graduate. 


• Oral communication and argument in group situations.


• Deployment of research skills.


• Critical analysis and coherent argument.


• Undertaking self-directed, independent work.


• Effective presentation of written work.


• 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 production skills 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

Global context:

Diversity and Inclusion

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• 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 


• Fieldtrips to see specific production form a part of this module. 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
Project Supervision	10
Demonstration	9
Practicals classes and workshops	16
Supervised time in studio/workshop	10
External visits	4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	25
Wider reading (directed)	25
Advance preparation for classes	10
Preparation for performance	50
Completion of formative assessment tasks	5
Essay preparation	20
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Practical skills assessment	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be two summative assessments on the module: 

1. Development Blog Entries (40%) 


2. Practical Skills Assessment (60%)  

Formative assessment methods:

There will be formative practical assessments on the module in which you will have the opportunity to trial your emerging production and design skills.  

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:  £24-35

Last updated: 30 March 2023