Studying at York
Current Trends in Theatre: New Writing, New Practices, New Contexts (BCI 2) - TFT00039I
Module summary
The module will allow you to engage with current trends in theatre by exploring a range of recent issues, new works and approaches to theatre-making, and by pursuing a short independent research project.
The module will be taught by department tutors, and include talks from special guests, each offering an exploration of a topic relating to their particular research interests. These could include, for example:
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a particular writer or director, such as Polly Stenham, Simon Stephens, Laura Wade, Katie Mitchell, Simon McBurney or Declan Donnellan;
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the practices of particular companies, such as Frantic Assembly, Forced Entertainment, Kneehigh, Shunt.;
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artistic management and policies of a particular theatre building, such as York Theatre Royal, Northern Stage, West Yorkshire Playhouse or the Stephen Joseph Theatre;
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approaches to developing new writing, such as The Royal Court Young Writers Programme, Old Vic New Voices, Bruntwood Playwriting Competition, Bush Green;
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debates about Government subsidy for the arts, philanthropy, audience development and new funding structures.
Central to this module will be its sense of topicality. The teaching will react to events and examine their implications. You will be expected to be equally flexible, and the module will seek to encourage a keen awareness of the development of the contemporary theatre as it happens.
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Professional requirements
N/A
Related modules
BCI students will have a short additional reading list and an additional seminar to bridge between Y1 BCI Study and this optional module.(whenever taken)
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 |
Module aims
To acquaint students with immediately contemporary. trends in theatre, and the tools for analysing latest theatrical developments.
To develop an understanding and awareness of new writing (processes of script development, new writing initiatives) new practices (such as rehearsal techniques, training methodologies, devising processes, technological interventions) and new contexts (such as the development of new audiences, theatre spaces, funding models, artistic policies and employment practices).
To investigate the relationship between these emerging trends and the contemporary political, cultural, social and artistic contexts in which these works are developed.
To develop the research skills to examine and pursue the implications of current and emerging debates within theatre.
Module learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Deploy some of the skills needed to critique, historicise and evaluate current and emerging trends in theatre-making
Understand and analyse some of the key current debates that surround the making of theatre
Demonstrate an ability to undertake a short independent research project into one of the key areas taught in the module and then present your results
Relate a theoretical engagement with contemporary theatre to basic performance and audience strategies.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 70 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 30 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Students will have regular opportunities during the term to give formative presentations, either to the whole group or in smaller units, for both staff and peer feedback.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 70 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 30 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written feedback on all assessments and reassessments, in line with the University's 20 working day marking policy.
Indicative reading
The reading list will vary annually on the basis of the particular topics explored in the module. It should be emphasised that students will be expected to undertake active research using a variety of methods. This might include theatre going, conducting interviews, consulting press and online critical responses, or even practical explorations where appropriate, in addition to the library's print and digital resources.