Studying at York
From Page to Stage: Directing and Design - TFT00014C
Module summary
This module offers a critical introduction to the theory and practice of directing and its intersections with design and scenography. Through seminar discussion and hands-on practical experience, you will be introduced to a range of theoretical and practical approaches to the conception, planning, rehearsal and production of theatre. Exploring key concepts and approaches to ideas of space, characterisation, mise-en-scène and more, the module will equip you with the tools and frameworks needed to move from page to stage.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2023-24 |
Module aims
This module aims:
- To learn about, and experiment with, key directorial preparation and rehearsal techniques
- To begin to develop skills fundamental to productive practice as a theatre-maker
- To explore the properties and possibilities of space and setting in the context of live performance
- To investigate the history of modern theatre directing and design, with a particular focus on certain key theoretical developments in practice in wider artistic and cultural contexts
- To support you in enhancing your possession of the collaborative, mutually supportive, proactive qualities indispensable to all successful theatrical practice
- To interweave theoretical study with workshop-based practical exploration
- To develop your ability to plan and deliver a coherent approach and scheme for delivering a specific project
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you are expected:
- to be able to work collaboratively, in a generous, inventive, and proactive manner, against firm deadlines
- to be able to think strategically and work out convincing rehearsal and performance strategies in relation to a given script and space
- to be able to absorb, and put successfully into practice, unfamiliar and challenging approaches
- to be able to produce logical and dynamic rationales supported by relevant evidence
- to be able to communicate complex ideas effectively and to a high standard using established models of documentation and presentation
- to be able to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
Module content
Teaching will be organised into relevant thematic blocks, interweaving directing and design contexts, approaches, and practices. Sessions may include:
seminar discussion, practical experimentation with actors, space and text, detailed workshop-based rehearsals, script analysis.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Written feedback will be provided on formative work, plus oral feedback throughout the module.
Indicative reading
Donnellan, Declan. (2013). The actor and the mask.
Hope, Russ. (2012). Getting Directions.
Howard, Pamela. (2009). What is Scenography?
Marty, Paulette. (2019). Contemporary women stage directors.
Merlin, Bella. (2007). The Complete Stanislavsky Toolkit.
Mitchell, Katie. (2009). The Director’s Craft.
Radosavljevic, Duska. (2013). Theatre-making: interplay between text and performance in the 21st century.
Solga, Kim. (2019). Theory for Theatre Studies: Space.