Year 1
Core modules
Introduction to Stagecraft
This module will serve as an engaging and primarily practical way of introducing fundamental design concepts for theatre, which traditionally fall under the banner of stagecraft.
Perspectives on Performance 1
The first part of the module will be dedicated to the theory of performance studies taking Richard Schechner’s seminal text as the core work; you will apply its central concepts to examples ranging from canonical dramatic text to everyday life. The second part will focus on exploring ways of reading text and performance with reference to theories relating to space (Pavis, Balme) and the framing of performance (Goffman), and to semiotics and reception theory (Esslin and Bennett).
Interdisciplinary Devising
This module focuses on interdisciplinary working and the devising processes.
Major Performance in Dance, Drama or Vocal Studies
Including areas such as choreography, jazz, contemporary Limon and African technique for Dance; introduction to text in performance and studying the actor and character for Drama; and contemporary music theatre and legit comic song for Vocal studies.
Optional modules
Minor Performance in Dance, Acting or Vocal Studies
As with Major Performance, but you choose a different discipline for your minor performance module.
Theatre Design 1
You will begin to understand the use of scale and how to communicate ideas in two and three dimensions; and learn how to choose the appropriate materials for model-making and construction. You will also develop your appreciation of the importance of historical research; and explore the conceptual basis of the work of contemporary artists and designers.
Year 2
Core modules
Perspectives on Performance 2
You will explore the politics of identity through feminist theory and psychoanalysis and then reception theory and postmodern performances, placing the emphasis on issues of space and the body.
Major Performance in Dance, Drama or Vocal Studies
Including areas such as choreography and other techniques for Dance; the actor and verse and the actor and object for Drama; and sacred song and early art-song for Vocal studies.
Optional modules
This is an illustrative sample of some of the options we offer. Please note that not all optional modules will run each year.
Stage Combat
You will consider the nature of historical combat scenarios, including appropriate physical movement and props and weaponry that would be suitable for the time period. You will also be introduced to the notion of site specific combat choreography and the limitations and/ or opportunities that can be afforded by the nature of the physical space.
Theatre Design 2
There will be a focus on the design and creation of costumes and props, with particular emphasis on structures, body extensions, and fantasy (for example animal costumes, armour and pantomime). You will look at the development and fusion of costume- and prop-making techniques applied to and around the human form, including mask- and headdress-making.
Approaches to Applied Performance
The module will primarily focus on the application of drama techniques for intervention in educational settings and/or with young audiences. The first weeks will be dedicated to the study and practical exploration of relevant theories and methodologies from applied theatre practice and arts management, covering a range of contexts including Theatre in Education (TIE) and Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA).
Contemporary Sound and Lighting Design
The module aims to develop and consolidate the work completed in the Lighting and Sound modules at Level 4. This module will focus on extending the awareness of design methodologies and the practical implications of providing lighting provision for a variety of performance genres beyond those of basic theatrical drama.
Stage Management 1a and 1b
This module is designed to introduce you to the concepts and processes relating to stage-managing live performance events. You will explore the very specific roles relating to managing performance for large-scale events together with examples of how those roles conflate to a more all-encompassing single management role for small performance companies.
Interdisciplinary module - Arts and Politics
You examine the incorporation of political agendas into theatre, music, and dance.
Interdisciplinary module - Arts and the Individual
This module considers key influences from individual artists and practitioners across the arts.
Year 3
Core modules
Practice as Research or Dissertation
You can choose to engage more practically or in the written form as you explore an area of interest in greater depth.
Major Performance in Dance, Drama or Vocal Studies
Including areas such as choreography and repertoire for Dance; actor and production and professional practice for Drama; and character song and opera and music theatre for Vocal studies.
Optional modules
This is an illustrative sample of some of the options we offer. Please note that not all optional modules will run each year. You take two optional modules chosen from:
Post-Dramatic Devising
The module will primarily focus on post-dramatic techniques of characterisation and storytelling including the use of persona, autobiographical performance, collage and adaptation. It will be drawing on existing practice by theatre collectives and practitioners such as The Wooster Group, Stan’s Cafe, Reckless Sleepers, Bobby Baker and Forced Entertainment.
Practicing Applied Performance
The module will primarily focus on broadening your understanding of applied performance by introducing you to the broad area of practice, such as the application of performance in the context of heritage, healthcare, social inclusion, environment, and management. In the first weeks, you will explore theories and practices related to applied performance within these contexts and their social, political, ethical and environmental implications.
British Theatre
The module will be focusing on the study of post-war and contemporary theatre examples by an array of British playwrights such as John Osborne, Harold Pinter, Sarah Kane, debbie tucker green, Martin Crimp and theatre companies such as Stan’s Cafe and Joint Stock. It will be covering a range of theoretical approaches and themes including identity politics and stylistic innovation.
Stage Management 2
You will focus on company stage management and the logistics of stage management in a professional context. Emphasis will be placed on professional development and employability, and you will build a portfolio of practical experience to evidence engagement with the professional process.
Theatre Design 3
The module acts as a natural extension to the design input at levels 4 and 5. It aims to broaden your awareness of design methods that move beyond the physically representative to explore the relationship between performance space, audience and the place of the object as a devising catalyst.
Interdisciplinary module: Community Arts Project
You will work as interdisciplinary teams and create a community based arts project, sharing and applying skills, knowledge and understanding of arts to the context and the practicalities of project development, management and delivering a project.
Interdisciplinary module: Multimedia Performance
This module is designed to explore the rapidly emerging and diversifying field of multimedia performance and interactive performance installation. Multimedia performance embraces a new technology as means of extending both the self and place.