PAPER DESCRIPTION

During this paper, you will experience a range of workshops in creative and performance practices which develop your ability to create performance material individually and collaboratively, and from a range of starting points other than traditional play scripts.

Students will work alongside the Paper Convenor and guest practitioners to create a devised piece of theatre.

This final piece will include small group performances and solos that all interact to provide an exciting performance experience for our audiences.

The overall purpose of the paper is to create a practical performance project that is informed by the exploratory theoretical study and contemporary contextualisation of devised performance. Through the practice of making theatre your theoretical understanding of performance is enhanced and refined to a specialised and sophisticated level.

This is an intensive procedure within a constricted time frame. By its nature the paper requires a collective and coordinated effort, and students must be prepared to work in close collaboration in both small and large groups, in face to face settings and online.

Students will be expected to contribute to all aspects of the production process, including research, script-writing, group improvisation, costume and set design, procurement of stage and hand props, music performance, acting, publicity and marketing.

PAPER STRUCTURE

This paper will be taught through face-to-face workshops on campus and all students should anticipate workshop-based learning when enrolling in this paper. Should the need arise for an individual student or the class as a whole to move to online learning as a consequence of COVID-19, alternative learning and assessment will be provided.

Three public performances of the performances created throughout this paper will be staged in the Playhouse, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts.

Performance Dates: 12th/13th October 2023.

Students will need to be available for a Technical Rehearsals on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October 2023 (students should make sure they are available from 10am - 7pm), and available each evening the week beginning the 9th October 2023 for technical and dress rehearsals (4pm - 7pm). Keep this time free, as it is an important part of the process. You will need to arrange time off in advance from any part-time employment and/or family commitments during this time. If you cannot organise this time off, it will affect your ability to complete the paper.

There will be an expectation to engage in occasional extra rehearsals out of scheduled class times as we get nearer to production week. Please bear this in mind when committing to this paper.

Viva examinations will be conducted in study week, after the performances, so attendance at University to attend this examination will be required on the 16th October 2023.

The performance we create will also be designed to be able to be performed in an online setting, should alert levels change.

Practical Work:

Classes employ a mixture of discussion and practical exercises, as well as rehearsals when working to create the group’s performance. It is important to attend all classes, to come to class well prepared and be willing to participate fully in the practical work and discussions.

The practical workshops and rehearsals delivered as part of this paper will be physically active in nature, and it is therefore necessary to wear appropriate clothing that will allow freedom and ease of movement. Students will be required to work in bare feet.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Attendance is compulsory –

This paper involves practical training and group rehearsal towards a public performance. Students are expected to attend all practical and seminar sessions. As the paper involves group work, attendance is particularly important and non-attendance may impact upon others in the group.

Your performance in the workshop training period and the rehearsal period is also assessed throughout, therefore attendance is compulsory. Justifiable lateness or absence must be supported by EITHER a medical certificate for illness or injury OR evidence of any other circumstance causing lateness or absence.

Should a student arrive at a class (workshop or tutorial) late, s/he will be marked ‘late’ (L) in the attendance register. Two ‘late’ marks = one absence mark.

If a student receives 3 absent marks (without explanation or any certification provided), the student may have to withdraw from the practical component and undertake an alternative assessment.