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A REHEARSED READING weighted at 20% [Learning Outcomes 2,3]
This will take the format of a Scratch Night where you will facilitate a performed reading of a representative 5 minute extract of your piece in front of an invited audience and assessors.

A PERFORMANCE weighted at 80% [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3 ]
The performance will have a running time of 20-30 minutes for a solo performer, based on the material developed in the rehearsed reading. The script of the performance will be submitted as part of the assessment process.

This module enables you to undertake a sustained piece of creative work in the form of an original monologue for a solo performer. Initially, you will be asked to present a 'treatment' and then you will develop a first draft under the supervision of the module tutor, from which a short extract will be presented at the Scratch Night. The feedback you will receive as a result of your work being performed in front of an audience will allow you to further develop your monologue. This will result in your final assessed performance, accompanied by your submission of the final script.

The first part of the module will involve you in tutorials and workshops on the theory and practice of theatrical monologues and writing for a solo performer. You will examine and explore notions of action, dialogue, character, structure, genre and dramatic devices through the study of published texts and practical exercises. You will also be required to undertake research in relation to the subject or theme of your monologue. You will then have a number of supervisory tutorials (either personally or via distance learning), which will help you develop your ideas and writing skills.

Along with the other students on the module, you will be responsible for the planning, presentation and delivery of a Scratch Night, when a rehearsed reading of your work will take place. After the scratch-night and feedback from your tutors and student peers, you will be expected to critically reflect upon your text and work independently to further develop or revise your monologue, taking into account any criticism and advice that you may have received. You will then develop, write and perform the finished monologue for assessment.

Ayckbourn, A. (2004). The Crafty Art of Playmaking. London: Faber and Faber
Bennett, A (2007). Talking Heads London: BBC Books
Edgar, D. (2009). How Plays Work. London: Nick Hern Books
Ensler, E (2001). The Vagina Monologues. London: Virago
Fountain, T. (2007). So You Want to be a Playwright? London: Nick Hern Books
Gooch, S. (2004). Writing a Play. London: A&C Black.
Rame, F (1991). A Woman Alone and other Plays. London: Methuen
Waters, S (2010) The Secret Life of Plays. London: Nick Hern Books
Wood, D. (2007). Theatre for Children: A guide to Writing, Adapting, Directing and Acting. London: Faber and Faber.