Dissertation
40 Credits
(Optional)
The dissertation provides an opportunity for a sustained and focused study on a particular area of Drama, Theatre, and Applied Performance. By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of concepts, theories, and methodologies. The dissertation must reflect critical reading and independent research. Wherever possible, and appropriate, the writing should relate theoretical studies to applied methodologies, and/or practice. The written work should establish clear lines of original inquiry in independent research. Academic conventions are essential – elegant and lucid writing desirable.
Practical Dissertation
40 Credits
(Optional)
In this module students, drawing on their previous experience will have the opportunity to develop a small-scale theatrical performance that engages with the ideas and practice of relevant theatre practitioners. This may be either a performance of an existing theatrical text or an original piece of work devised by the student. Performances may take the form of a solo piece but may also involve collaboration with other performers. Students, whether working on group or solo productions, will take directorial responsibility for all aspects of the production including issues relating to performance and technical, scenographic, and administrative requirements. Students will be expected to work independently in the planning, researching, and rehearsal processes but will be allocated a member of staff who will supervise the process. Students will be expected to keep documentary evidence of their process, as well as undertake independent research, which will form the basis of an accompanying reflective logbook
Negotiated Work-Based Research Project
40 Credits
(Optional)
This module offers students the opportunity to build on their level 5 work placement through the more developed application of a negotiated work-based research project. Students will agree with their placement tutor and workplace mentor a brief for a project which addresses a need within the organization. Learners should complete a minimum of 100 hours in the workplace. It is in the spirit of this module that wherever possible, the focus will be on social or community / sustainable development.
Writing for Theatre
20 Credits
(Compulsory)
This module will focus on developing the students’ understanding of the dramatic structure and their experience of the creative process in writing a piece of the original theatre. The teaching sessions will be a combination of the study of key theoretical ideas, dramatic structure, and creative writing linked to playwriting, with a close examination of how different playwrights have structured their work. There will be a mixture of practical and written work. Towards the end of the module, students will be increasingly encouraged to bring in examples of their own works-in-progress and work on them with the group, for example in rehearsed readings and/or by students directing their own work, with the aim of then redrafting before the final submission. The assessment is of a script plus a supporting account detailing and analyzing the thinking behind the script.
Theatre-in-Education
20 Credits
(Compulsory)
This module will be focused on Theatre-in-Education (TiE), a form of educational theatre that falls in the taxonomy of Applied Drama/Theatre. The students will learn, for example, the history, theoretical development, and research methodologies of TIE; investigate how TIE relates to both theatrical (alternative and political theatre) and educational contexts (teaching and learning); its aims and objectives; where possible observe it in practice or watch DVDs; apply its techniques and methods for themselves, and reflect critically on their learning.
Final Production Project
40 Credits
(Compulsory)
One of the key features of the Drama program at Newman is the Production strand. This module will develop students’ ability to use theories acquired regarding acting and directing, technical aspects of signing in theatre, analyzing text, and developing character. It will involve the production of a play, or part of a play, normally (but not exclusively) in the realist tradition. The module is practically-based but also encourages students to be reflective about their own practice. It utilizes a range of theatrical methodologies for example those of Stanislavski.