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Collaborative Theatre-Making - TFT00046I

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module will focus on practical collaborative rehearsal methods, exploring, in particular, ensemble theatre company approaches. This will be a practice-based module foregrounding rigorous dynamic rehearsal room processes. We’ll examine ways of working with text, the body, questions of space, the role of R&D, facilitation, and ensemble development.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims:

  • To develop an advanced physical and vocal practice as theatre-makers
  • To develop an understanding of a range of theatre companies and their working methods and ethoses
  • To develop the practical and organisational skills necessary for successful theatre practice in a professional studio setting

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you are expected to:

  • Work towards a professional standard in a rehearsal environment
  • Lead an independent R&D process
  • Conduct effective and disciplined rehearsal sessions, both individually and in groups
  • Write reflectively about your practice and the process of theatre-making
  • Respond creatively to performance prompts
  • Understand your practice in relation to the wider theatre making ecology

Module content

This module comprises both taught and independent studio-based sessions, and will equip you to deepen your practice in workshop and rehearsal settings. Taught sessions will introduce a variety of ensemble approaches to theatre practice, and will contextualise these methods in relation to key examples from professional practice. Examples may include ensemble theatre companies such as Rash Dash, The Paper Birds, Complicite, Frantic Assembly and Forced Entertainment. In these sessions, you will work across both practical exploration and discussion. In self-directed sessions, you will expand and extend your own personal practice in relation to these wider module learnings, developing a rigorous independent practice that advances work begun in your first year, and supports future work in creative settings.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 60
Groupwork 40

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Students will receive ongoing formative feedback in taught sessions.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 60
Practical 40

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Bogart, A and Landau, T. (2005). The Viewpoints Book.

Bonczek, R and Strock, D. (2013). Ensemble Theatre Making: A Practical Guide.

Barker, C. (2010). Theatre Games.

Lane, D. (2010). Contemporary British Drama.

Heddon, D and Milling, J. (2005.) Devising Performance: A Critical History.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.