module specification

Directing 2 is a 15 credit module that advances previously acquired skills in Directing.  It allows students the opportunity to explore their own directorial vision and apply skills learnt in practice. In this case directing refers to text based work. The practical work is placed within the context of critical theory, as previously explored in Performance, Art and Film Ideas 1 and 2.

This module will develop and apply directorial skills and facilitate the acquisition of new ones specifically related to production and organisation. It will give students the opportunity to apply skills and knowledges to a fully produced extract from a play text and provide them with the opportunity to imagine a vision for a production of a play. It will encourage students to pursue individual research into theatre practitioners and cultural theory in the context of their own directed extract, to examine critically the process of directing and to encourage self-evaluation. The final showing of work will test leadership, facilitation, imaginative and creative skills and inspire self-motivation and responsibility in the students.

The work undertaken on this module will be orientated around several selected play texts from which the students may choose extracts to direct.

Initially workshops will explore theory based research and practical work based on the methodologies of selected directors/practitioners in relation to each of these texts.  Students will then examine and critical evaluate the role of the director as ‘author’ in dealing with text based work and place their own ideas in this context (1 and 3).  LO1,LO3

Students will focus on their relationship with the performer, designer, lighting designer, sound designer, technicians, stage management etc. (2, 7 and 8). LO2,LO7,LO8

With guidance, students will take full responsibility for directing and producing a short extract from one of the set play texts to full production.  They will draw on cultural and critical theories to support their vision and their rehearsal process(2, 4, 5 and 6). LO2,LO4,LO5,LO6

The course will comprise of:
Practical workshops,
Seminars,
Mini lectures,
Student presentations
Field work (theatre visits)
Independent research and rehearsal 

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.

At the end of this module students will be able to:
1) communicate information and ideas to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
2) demonstrate, through the ability to direct a short extract, a practical understanding of the role and function of the director, in a cultural and historical context;
3) devise and sustain arguments and solve problems;
4) apply theatre workshop skills in rehearsal processes and to a wide and diverse community;
5) evaluate critically and analyse the role and function of the director and, in particular, their own work;
6) critically evaluate arguments and abstract concepts and work through problems to make creative and purposeful change and adaptation;
7) work through an organic process integrating actors, stage technologies, and technicians whilst working to a strict deadline;
8) demonstrate an awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses in dealing with actors and technicians and develop career management tools to deal with anticipated and unexpected challenges.

Assessment will be in two parts:

1) An essay which investigates the student’s directorial process and product in the context of performance, cultural or critical theory.

2) The directorial process of directing an extract from a set play text and producing it in performance .

Please note as set texts for this module will change this bibliography is only indicative.
Alfreds, M. 2009.  Different Every Night: Rehearsal and Performance Techniques for Actors and Directors:   Routledge
Aston and Reinelt. 2000.  Modern British Women Playwrights, Cambridge Press,
Caird, J. 2010.  Theatre Craft: A Director's Practical Companion from A to Z. Faber and Faber
Cousin, G. 1999. Women in Dramatic Place and Time: Contemporary Female Characters on Stage Routledge
Delgado & Rebellato eds. 2010.  Contemporary European Directors Routledge
Donnellan, D. 2005.  The Actor and the Target Nick Hern Books
Langridge, N. 1997.   Rage and Reason   Methuen
Luckhurst, M. & Giannachi, G. 1999. On Directing Faber and Faber
Marowitz and Langella. 1999.  The Other Way: Alternative Approach to Acting and Directing Applause Theatre Book Publishers
Mitter, S. & Shevtsova, M. eds., 2005. Fifty Key Theatre Directors   Routledge   
Shepherd, S. 2012. Direction: Readings in Theatre Practice   Palgrave Macmillan
Swain, R. 2011. Directing - a Handbook for Emerging Theatre Directors  Methuen