The aim of this module is to enable students to devise, write and present a Theatre Documentary. It will study the scripting, rehearsal and staging techniques that lead to the performance of a Documentary Drama. The various roles and responsibilities of the script producer, director, performer, and specific technical or production team member will be studied and students will have the opportunity to undertake and put into practice, one or more of these roles during the rehearsal, preparation and presentation of the completed work.

The topic for the Drama Documentary, will be selected from research work carried out by students during the first semester. During an initial scripting period, the material will collated and a working rehearsal text created.. Once the first script has been developed (either by particular individuals or by group methods), the attention of the group will focus on rehearsals, production and staging. The effectiveness of the play will be tested in a formal presentation before an invited public audience. The students capacity to analyse and reflect on the creative process will be strengthened by a written assessment of the module.

Peter Cheeseman "The Knotty" (Methuen 1970)
Chris Martin, Who Killed Hilda Murrel? (unpub.)
Val Taylor, Stage Writing: A practical Guide. (Crowood Press 2002)
Alison Oddey, Devising Theatre: a practical and theoretical handbook (Routledge, 1994)
Gill Lamden, Devising: a handbook for Drama and Theatre Students (Hodder and Stoughten 2000)

Library
Rehearsal and Studio space.
Video and audio playback facilities
IT Software (e.g. word processing and internet access)
Slide projection

The group performance consists of a theatre production - Duration 1 hour 30 minutes

Presentation element relates to [lLearning Outcomes 1,4]
Essay element relates to [Learning Outcomes 2,3]