Studying at York
Directing - TFT00014C
Module summary
This module is designed to introduce you to a number of helpful techniques in researching, planning and conducting rehearsals, to give you hands-on experience of putting those techniques into action, and to begin to explore certain key theoretical developments in theatre directing in their historical contexts. As with the Acting module, the aim is that historical study should inform workshop training, and vice versa. In the Spring term, we will work in detail on a pair of texts, and explore a range of supporting reading. In the Summer term, you will have the choice to focus on either a contemporary or a classic script for your assessment. Through the planning and exploration of the rehearsal of this script, you will take further the practical application and adaptation of the techniques you have been acquiring.
*Students will lose 3 marks per workshop, seminar or practical missed for this module.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Spring Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
To learn about, and experiment with, key directorial preparation and rehearsal techniques
To begin to develop the strategic skills fundamental to productive practice as a director
To enhance their possession of the collaborative, mutually supportive, pro-active, qualities indispensable to all successful theatrical practice
To investigate the history of modern theatre directing, with a particular focus on certain key theoretical developments in its practice in their historical contexts
To interweave the historical study of directing with students own workshop experience and progress
To develop students' ability to plot on paper a coherent and systematic rehearsal plan for a specific project
Module learning outcomes
Subject content:
The acquisition of key directorial techniques and skills, with a particular emphasis on pre-planning and research and on rehearsal strategies, via workshop practice and experiment
A more advanced experience of the collaborative and pro-active skills indispensable to productive workshop and rehearsal exploration
A knowledge of key aspects of the history and practice of directing across the last century
Experience in applying historical informedness to the task of handling practical challenges on the rehearsal floor
Ability to map in writing a cogent directorial plan
Academic and graduate skills
ability to work collaboratively, in a generous, inventive, and pro-active manner, against firm deadlines
ability to think strategically and work out convincing advance plans for the rehearsal process
ability to translate the words upon the page into a successful performance realisation of that blueprint
ability to absorb, and put successfully into practice, unfamiliar and challenging approaches
ability to produce logical and well-structured arguments supported by relevant evidence
ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and to a high standard in writing, orally and through IT
ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines in appropriate fashion
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 75 |
| Practical | 25 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Written feedback, plus oral feedback where requested or deemed necessary. Students are also given a procedural essay task, mid-term, so that the tutor may comment on the standard of written work, citation, argument and structure, in order to inform the writing of the summative essay. Our aim with formatives is to return feedback within two weeks of submission, while, with summative essays, we aim to provide feedback distinctly within the 20 working day return period specified by the university.
Indicative reading
Edward Braun, The Director and the Stage: From Naturalism to Grotowski (1982)
Jonathan Miller, Subsequent Performances (1986)
William Gaskill, Words into Action: Finding the Life of the Play (2010)
Katie Mitchell, The Director s Craft (2009)
John Caird, Theatre Craft: A Director s Practical Companion from A to Z (2010)
John Fernald, Sense of Direction: The Director and his Actors (1969)
Frank Hauser, Notes on Directing (2003)