module specification

This module aims to contextualise the content of the Theatre Practice degree towards professional application by introducing the fundamentals of business practice as applied to the leading of performance-based projects. During the module students will be introduced to planning strategies, financial management and fundraising and business models towards the creation of a project plan. The module addresses the social entrepreneurship movement and embraces technology in these business practices and has an emphasis on collaborative learning.

This module provides an introduction to the business aspects of successfully leading a theatre project or company and aims to acquaint students with the skills and understandings relevant to setting up a theatre/performance project or company and to explore and engage with a range of business models within the contemporary cultural industries environment. Students will be encouraged to apply methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding in initiating and carrying out projects. These projects will enable students to gain awareness of, and engagement with, technology and digital media in business practice in the arts.

Students will be led through taught and research-based activities towards the creation of a project plan that will be presented for final assessment.

The assessment portfolio is intended as a useful working template for future business practice and will draw on new skills and understandings taught during the module. LO1,LO3,LO4

These will be contextualised towards student-led plans for a new activity or venture in the theatre arts and will address the following areas: summary of your organisation, activity or new venture in theatre; consideration of selected business model; illustration of how web presence and social media could be utilised; funding and income generation strategy outline; project budget for your venture or activity; consideration of potential avenues for the distribution of your work. LO1,LO2,LO4

The main body of the module will involve independent student led work during which times students will be supported and mentored through their own individual process. This work will be supported by regular group discussion to share progress and process.

Scheduled teaching ensures that independent study is effective and addresses the learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Students are expected to, and have the opportunity to, continue with their studies outside of scheduled classes. There will be a range of learning strategies deployed and individual learning styles will be accommodated. The module’s learning outcomes, its contents and delivery, have been scrutinised and will be regularly reviewed to ensure an inclusive approach to pedagogic practice.

The module and course utilise the University’s blended learning platform to support and reinforce learning, to foster peer-to-peer communication and to facilitate tutorial support for students. Reflective learning is promoted through assessment items and interim formative feedback points that ask students to reflect on their progress, seek help where they identify the opportunity for improvement in learning strategies and outcomes, and make recommendations to themselves for future development. Throughout the module, students build a body of work, including reflections on progress and achievement.

The School’s programme of employability events and embedded work-related learning within the curriculum supports students’ personal development planning. Through these initiatives, students are increasingly able, as they progress from year to year, to understand the professional environment of their disciplines, the various opportunities available to them, and how to shape their learning according to their ambitions.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

LO 1 demonstrate knowledge of the basics involved with the setting up and running of an arts enterprise.
LO 2 employ a range of different approaches in building a business project plan.
LO 3 use a range of methods in the planning and presentation of a project plan.
LO 4 demonstrate ability in harnessing on-line facilities and digital media in the management and communication of business for the arts.

The assessment for this module has two interrelated parts.
1. Students will draw on module content and research to prepare a preliminary group seminar presentation for a proposed new project (15 minutes) 50%

2. Students will go on to develop a project portfolio with on-line presence for a proposed activity or new venture in the (performing) arts sector.
(1,500-2,000 words) 50%

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On-line
Coleman R., Getting Started with Social Networking for Artists and Arts Organizations (www.rebeccacoleman.ca/services/guide-to-getting-started-in-social-media)
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