Barkworth P. (1998) About Acting: Methuen Drama
Brecht B. & Willett J. (1978) Brecht On Theatre: Methuen Drama
Brook P. (2008) The Empty Space: Penguin Classics
Hyde Pierce D., Hagen U. & Frankel H. (2008) Respect For Acting: Jossey Bass
Merlin B. (2007) The Complete Stanislavski Toolkit: Nick Hern Books
Stanislavski C. (2013) An Actor Prepares: Bloomsbury Academic
Unwin S. (2014) The Complete Brecht Toolkit: Nick Hern Books

The fundamentals of the most relevant acting styles within contemporary theatre are covered in this module in a series of tutorials, workshop rehearsals and assessment workshop performances. The module breaks down the principles and techniques of realism and surrealism acting (relating for example to Stanislavski and Brecht) in detail for the stage and its contextual implications for the Musical Theatre genre and actor.

Practical application features heavily within this module and you will seek to experiment with your character development through research and rehearsal with a view to creating a role(s) that stretches your creative potential - responding in a positive proactive manner to the challenges of a workshop performance, integrating praxis in relation to the `company', comprising a team of, for example, supporting students and peers, the director, lecturer and miscellaneous associated staff.

You will learn about reflective theory and how to apply it in order to reflect on your own creative journey. You will also carry out research and be expected to show you understand how previous and contemporary acting techniques sit within the Musical Theatre genre / canon, both within musical libretti and through song as an extension of the spoken voice.

ASSESSMENT ONE: Rehearse and faithfully reproduce a section of a classical play and a section of a contrasting contemporary (written post 1980) play, each running to a suggested duration of 15 minutes, to be performed in a workshop setting. (LO 1 and 2. 60%)

ASSESSMENT TWO: Research and analysis Journal. Your journal will reflect your journey through the creative process and must address the practical and technical considerations you faced in preparing yourself for the application and commitment to the practical assessments and their contrasting performance styles, as well as the challenges of working on the selected production material (theory into practice). Typically 2000 words (LO 3 and 4. 40%)

Formative Assessment:
Participation in discussions considering past and contemporary performance techniques.

Black Box Rehearsal & Performance Space
Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio Performance Space)
STEPS / Blackboard
DV Cameras
Ancillary costume, prop and set equipment
Internet and IT Access
Various Stage Scripts / Stage Libretti

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including lectures, blended learning, practical sessions, student centred learning activities, directed but independent student learning and small group tutorials.