Assessment One: Performance 60%
A performance that is assessed via your individual input into the audition and rehearsal process through to the large-scale final production, demonstrating your ability to faithfully reproduce strong characterisation for the stage, created throughout the rehearsal process.
[LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Assessment Two: Reflective Journal 40%
A substantial well-presented journal documenting extensive research, development and promotion of a large-scale Musical Theatre production for a professional theatre. Your journal will evidence an ability to critically reflect, analyse and evaluate your journey through the production process. Typically 4000 words. [LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Formative Assessment:
Contribution to group discussion and rehearsal process. Professional approach and engagement with industry professionals and theatrical agents.

In this module, the culmination of all previous performance education and training, you will take part in a large scale Musical Theatre production in a professional theatre to the general paying public and potentially theatre critics, theatrical agents and industry practitioners. The module creates opportunities for you to work with peers across courses for example, through the photographing and recording of performances, the development of publicity materials, and the design or sourcing of costumes and stage props.

In line with industry practice and expectations, you will respond to casting calls, auditions, professional rehearsal practice across all Musical Theatre disciplines [Acting, Singing and Dance], responding to critical feedback from the Creative Team [i.e. Director, Choreographer and Musical Director] leading up to the run of performances themselves. You will be expected to recall previous experience, education and training, as well as peer and lecturer feedback, consistently seeking to improve and enhance your performance capability as would be expected within the profession itself. With lecturer support you will be encouraged to invite theatrical agents to the production run, to increase potential for future employment within the performing arts sector.

To back up the practical aspect of this module, you will critically reflect, analyse and evaluate your entire personal journey from audition preparation through to performance in the form of a substantial reflective journal. The journal should contain extensive research relating to the production itself and industry expectations in respect of mounting a large scale theatrical production. It should discuss the challenges you have faced as an actor in respect of the chosen performance material. It will include a written justification of character development, acknowledging the need to critically debate the creative choices of the production team whilst drawing on your own personal nuances and preferences based on previous accumulated knowledge and research. Your journal, which may be supported visually, will typically amount to 4000 words.

You should demonstrate an awareness of current commercial practice from a local, national and international perspective and make clear how this knowledge has informed your response to the module. At all times, you will be expected to apply professional standards reflective of an entry level performer into the Musical Theatre industry, demonstrating performance qualities consistent with those expected from a large-scale professional production.

1. DEPLOY RESEARCH TECHNIQUES AND PROCESSES TO EXAMINE THE REQUIREMENTS OF MOUNTING A LARGE-SCALE THEATRICAL PRODUCTION WITH REFERENCE TO CURRENT INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS, LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.
Enquiry
2. IDENTIFY PROBLEMS AND PRESENT SOLUTIONS WHEN DEVELOPING AND PRESENTING A LARGE-SCALE THEATRICAL PRODUCTION FOR A PROFESSIONAL THEATRE. MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS THROUGHOUT THE CREATIVE PROCESS TO MOVE A PROJECT TOWARDS ITS INTENDED OUTCOME.
Problem Solving

3. DEMONSTRATE A SYSTEMATIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF MOUNTING A LARGE-SCALE THEATRICAL PRODUCTION. DRAW ON YOUR OWN ACTING, VOCAL AND DANCE ABILITY IN ORDER TO FAITHFULLY REPRODUCE STRONG CHARACTERISATION FOR THE STAGE.
Knowledge and Understanding
Application

4. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE COMPLEX REQUIREMENTS OF MOUNTING A LARGE SCALE THEATRICAL PRODUCTION. APPRAISE OWN PROGRESS IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY PERSONAL STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS LEADING TO A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND OUTCOME. Analysis

Reflection

5. ARTICULATE IDEAS AND INFORMED CHOICES TO A PROFESSIONAL STANDARD, TO DIFFERENT AUDIENCES AND FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES, IN WRITING, IN TEAM DISCUSSION AND THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF MUSICAL THEATRE. Communication

Learning strategies in this module are intended to support a holistic approach to mounting a full-scale production and take into account the level of independence and maturity that students are expected to demonstrate at this final stage in the course. Whilst timetabled sessions will be an opportunity for planning, negotiation and decision making, learning strategies will empower students to be influential and to take responsibility for their own active contribution to a collaborative project. You will be encouraged to be forward thinking and plan for learning so that timetabled sessions and group work have maximum output and there will be an expectation that you engage in a significant amount of independent study and practical development. The teaching approach will reflect a real working environment and assessment will take into account your ability to respond professionally and show commitment. The module will be facilitated through the following in-class and independent activities:
• recap workshops on the requirements of mounting a full-scale performance
• group work including planning, negotiation, problem solving, decision making
• live auditions and casting
• live rehearsals (integrated acting, singing and dancing both independent and collaborative)
• cast and crew meetings
• 1:1 and group tutorials
• performances of a large-scale musical production in a professional venue
• recap on reflective practice and journal writing

Black Box Rehearsal & Dance Studio [On Campus, Lichfield]
Lichfield Garrick Theatre
VLE
Piano
Ancillary costume, prop and set equipment
Internet and IT Access
Performance materials [libretto and vocal score]
External professional theatre to be confirmed annually dependent on cohort requirements.

Hischak T. [2008] The Oxford Companion To The American Musical: Theatre, Film And Television: Oxford University Press USA
Moon J. [2000] Reflection in Learning and Professional Development: Theory and Practice: Routledge Falmer
Rutherford N. [2012] Musical Theatre Auditions and Casting: Methuen Drama
Spotlight [2016] Contacts: Stage, Film, Television, Radio 2016: Spotlight
Stein M. [1998] Broadway Babies Say Goodnight: Musicals Then and Now: Faber & Faber

Online Resources
BlueGobo – www.bluegobo.com
CastingCallPro – www.castingcallpro.com
Castweb – www.castweb.co.uk
Spotlight Podcast – www.spotlight.com / iTunes