Assignment (100%)
A 2500 word fully referenced essay investigating one or more theoretical frameworks within the field of Performance Studies.
[Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4]

Formative assessment:
Contribution to discussion and critical review in class
Review of draft independent investigation in individually selected format

In this module you will consider a range of performing arts products in order to explore the way that they can be discussed in terms of style, performance intentions, target audiences and social and political context. You will be introduced to established theories that have been developed to allow discussions of performing arts productions, which in turn will help you express intentions when working in the industry. You will consider theories in the context of the changing situation that has arisen due to the introduction of new technologies and the increase in avenues and opportunities for reaching an audience.

The performing arts cover a wide range of disciplines that overlap and interrelate, and recent advances in technology have opened up new opportunities to reach audiences, such as through online platforms and through interactive or immersive approaches. Newer ways of reaching an audience cannot be evaluated without reference to the rich cultural history of performing arts, both in the UK and internationally. In this module you will explore different theories in relation to examples of performance and performance related media, in order to apply established theoretical concepts to discuss both traditional and contemporary performance. These theories may include representation, genre, semiotics, structure and narrative studies, post-modernism, ideology, gender studies and audience theory.

We live in a culture where we are exposed to performances through a range of media and in person from an early age, even before we have learned to speak: viewing and comprehension can become automatic and we do it without thinking. When you are employed as a performer you will need to be able to bring these thought processes to the fore in order to discuss your own work and that of others, and share your ideas using professional and industry recognised language.

In this module you will develop the skills and vocabulary to do this, through the investigation of established theoretical approaches to analysis, enabling you to have greater insight into performing arts products. This will lead to enriched readings of other people’s work, uncovering how meaning is created through a variety of creative and technical processes and evolving technical conventions. Through your greater understanding of other people’s work, and the theoretical frameworks used to describe them, you will be able to articulate your own ideas and intentions more clearly.

In developing your own knowledge of the theoretical approaches to evaluating the performing arts, you will gain wider insights into the influence of social context, and the way this has impacted on performance historically and in contemporary situations. Throughout the module you will achieve this by reviewing, developing through workshops and performing a range of different performance related pieces and evaluating them using the theoretical frameworks you are studying.

The relevance and value of the application of theory through practice is one that will allow an underpinned transition into industry. You may be fortunate enough to work in a musical such as ‘Wicked’ where Feminism is often discussed as a central theme, be asked to develop original music compositions in a specific musical genre for or work within a Brecht piece of theatre where ideology forms the basis of the material. With an understanding, appreciation and handle of the theories in question, the quality of implementation can be enriched.

You will explore Performance Studies through the following strategies:
• Initial briefing outlining the module requirements, including assessment explanations
• Viewing of performance products
• Lectures in theory
• Seminars discussing different frameworks for performing arts concepts
• Formative discussions
• Workshops and demonstrations
• Negotiation of a topic for personal investigation.
• Independent research and presentation of information
• 1:1 tutorials
To extend the learning that takes place in class your will be expected to engage in independent study outside of timetabled sessions.

Video projector
Wide range of clips
Seminar room
Performance space / studio

Carlson M. (2003) Performance: A Critical Introduction: Routledge
Counsell C. (2001) Performance Analysis: An Introductory Coursebook: Routledge
Fortier M. (2002) Theory/Theatre: An Introduction: Routledge
Schechner R. (2013) Performance Studies: An Introduction: Routledge
Storey J. (2012) Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction: Routledge
Strinati D. (2004) An Introduction to Theories of Popular Culture: Routledge

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNDERLYING CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF A RANGE OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS USED TO CONSIDER THE PERFORMING ARTS.
[Knowledge and understanding]

2. MAKE CRITICAL READINGS OF A RANGE OF PERFORMANCES AND ASSOCIATED TEXTUAL MATERIALS USING APPROPRIATE THEORETICAL APPROACHES.
[Analysis]

3. DEVELOP CLEAR AND COHERENT ARGUMENTS, USING APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE, TO DISCUSS A RANGE OF PERFORMANCE WORKS.
[Communication]

4. EVALUATE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DIFFERENT THEORETICAL APPROACHES IN ORDER TO MAKE MEANINGFUL CLOSE TEXTUAL READINGS OF PERFORMING ARTS MATERIAL.
[Problem Solving]