Assessment 1: Journal (40%) [LO 1, 2, 3]
A substantial illustrated Reflective Learning Journal, containing key performance milestones that have occurred over a significant period of time - typically from the 19th century through to the 21st century - with reference to national and international social, cultural and political context. The Journal should include influential examples relating in particular to acting.

Assessment 2: Performance (60%) [4, 5, 6]
Rehearse and interpret a section of a play within the time period of 1890-1956 (the modern era) which reflects the techniques of the playwright. Produce a devised contrasting contemporary theatre production which draws influences directly from a contemporary theatre practitioner (post 1960) each running to a suggested duration of 15 minutes, to be performed in a workshop setting.

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

You will be able to explore the artistic, social and political influences on performance over a significant period, in order to evaluate reasons for current trends, particularly in drama. You will gain insights into the impact of context on sector trends so that you can plan your practical work with a better understanding of the cultural expectations of the audience you are aiming for. By recording your findings in your Reflective Learning Journal you will be able to develop your analytical and evaluative skills through discussing the ideas and influences relating to your work.

This module will help you to deepen your experience of the application of skills, and you will be able to relate the theory and context that you are exploring in your Reflective Learning Journal with the application of your skills in rehearsal and performance. The fundamentals of the most relevant practitioner styles within contemporary theatre will be explored, and you will learn the principles and techniques of modern and contemporary practitioners influencing theatre and performance.

You will seek to experiment with character and performer 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.

1. Recognise key performance movements and influences. Relate your learning gained in practice and in taught sessions to the challenges encountered when responding to a work-based brief that relates to the performance industry.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Use a range of research and study skills to support your discussion of the performance industry through its development to current times.
Enquiry

3. Understand the relationship between cultural inheritance and current sector activities.
Analysis

4. Demonstrate your assimilation of various techniques through your ability to show contrasting acting skills in rehearsal and workshop performance to a professional standard
Application

5. Work as part of a team to identify common goals and associated needs requiring solutions. Suggest creative ways of resolving problems, and organise and implement realistic, achievable solutions.
Problem Solving
Working with Others

6. Develop and deliver performances that use a range of communication techniques. Be able to justify your own work in relation to the contexts in which your performance is placed.
Communication

Learning in this module will be facilitated through a mix of theory and practice. Activities will be both tutor-led, and managed by you and your peers in individual and group work.

Your Module Handbook will include a week-by-week summary of activities including, but not limited to:

Lectures, visits and seminars relating to performance history and context
Workshops developing journal content with studio tutorials
Problem solving exercises
Performance skills development
Research workshops
Practical studio workshops
Participation in the rehearsal and performance of selected plays.
Methods of evaluation
Group discussions and critiques with formative feedback
Individual tutorials

Lecture/seminar space
Library and IT access
VLE
Rehearsal & Performance Space
Licensed performance material (as appropriate - scripts, scores, libretti and lyrics)
Ancillary costume, props and set equipment (as appropriate)
Performance recording equipment, to support critique and assessment

Boal, A (2000) Theatre of the Oppressed: Pluto Press
Brecht B. & Willett J. (1978) Brecht On Theatre: Methuen Drama
Brook P. (2008) The Empty Space: Penguin Classics
Drain, R (2001) Twentieth Century Theatre: Routledge
Graham, S and Hoggett, S (2009) The Frantic Assembly book of devising theatre: Routledge
Grotowski, J (1991) Jerzy Grotowski Towards a Poor Theatre: Methuen Drama
Huxley, M and Witts, N (2002) The Twentieth Century Performance Reader: Routledge, 2nd ed
Quick, A (2007) The Wooster Group Work Book: Routledge
Roose-Evans, J (1989) Experimental Theatre from Stanislavsky to Peter Brook: Routledge 2nd ed