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 2024-25
Module aims
This module aims to:
Learn about, and experiment with, key directorial preparation and rehearsal techniques
Begin to develop skills fundamental to productive practice as a theatre-maker
Explore the properties and possibilities of space and setting in the context of live performance
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
Support you in enhancing your possession of the collaborative, mutually supportive, proactive qualities indispensable to all successful theatrical practice
Interweave theoretical study with workshop-based practical exploration
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
think strategically and work out convincing rehearsal and performance strategies in relation to a given script and space
absorb, and put successfully into practice, unfamiliar and challenging approaches
produce logical and dynamic rationales supported by relevant evidence
communicate complex ideas effectively and to a high standard using established models of documentation and presentation
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.
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Directing and Design Portfolio
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Directing and Design Portfolio
N/A
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.