Case Study (100%)
An individually negotiated case study of a particular sector of the performing arts industry, presented to a professional standard in a format suitable for an identified target audience. Depending on your target audience this may be: an essay, report, presentation, blog, podcast, moving image with accompanying audio commentary, or an alternative negotiated with the module leader. Your submission must be representative of 3000 words or equivalent
[Learning Outcomes 1 & 2]

Formative Assessment:
Contribution to discussions, debates and critical reviews in class
Review of draft case study in individually selected format

The purpose of this module is to gain an understanding of the complex history of the performing arts industry and the ongoing social, political and technological developments that have shaped the industry into the contemporary sector we recognise today.

The performing arts sector encompasses a range of interlinked professional environments within which there are defined industry specialisms. Through this module you will study the many changes the industry has undergone in the last two decades, including new technology, governing legislation, working practices, and diversification in performance venues, including live and recorded. You will consider how these changes have enabled performers and producers to access audiences in emerging ways, such as through live streaming, pop-up shows and on-demand; and how these new opportunities have impacted on established consumer options, such as television, theatre and festivals. As a result of this evolution in the performing arts industry, audience demand is no longer only mass market but is diverse, calling for a wider range of products and niche content. Consumers are seeking specialist performance material that reflects their own interests.

You will examine how pattern changes are generating new and innovative ways of engaging with the sector as a performer. You are likely to have a portfolio career using mixed skills in serial and concurrent employment for example, balancing a role in a theatre production with facilitating workshops through your own business enterprise. You will explore the ways in which the performing arts sector has changed, resulting in shifts in employment patterns, such as a move to commissioning, contracting, self-employment and hourly paid work.

You will learn how to identify inter-dependencies between various industry sectors and their respective audiences, and how commerce and culture, business and creative ambition combine to produce cultural products that generate meaning and economic value.

The module will enable you to contextualise your specialist area as it stands today within a broad understanding of the development of the performing arts industry, as well as a sense in which your own creative work and career ambitions may fit into future developments. In this you will explore trends, ethics and the impact of new technologies on audiences and employment opportunities.

Focussing your attention a on particular aspect of this wider study, you will examine in detail a specific sector within the performing arts industry that is of personal interest to you and your anticipated future progression intentions and produce a case study that reflects this exploration and demonstrates a critical understanding of the current industry environment and its impact locally, nationally and globally as appropriate.

You will develop understanding of the Performing Arts sector through the following strategies:

• Initial briefing outlining the module requirements, including assessment explanations
• Viewing live and/or recorded performance
• Lectures in history, theory, key developments
• Seminars discussing organisational structures, business opportunity and audiences
• Formative written exercises, workshops, debates and discussions giving an opportunity for tutor feedback
• Library based independent study and research
• Group tutorials
• Individual tutorials
• Guest Speakers

Video projector / audio facilities
Wide range of clips / audio clips
Seminar room
Performance studio

Carlson, P. (2016) Breaking and Entering: Getting Caught in the Act: From Auditions to Agents to a Career: Opus Books
Dearman, L. & Evans, M. (2015) Secrets of Stage Success: Nick Hern Books
Emory, M. (2015) Ask an Agent: Everything Actors Need To Know About Agents: CreateSpace
Henshal,l R. & Bowling, D. (2012) So You Want To Be In Musicals?: Nick Hern Books
National Theatre (2015) National Theatre: All About Theatre: Walker Books
Nyman A. (2012) The Golden Rules of Acting: Nick Hern Books
Reischel J. (2000) So You Want to Tread the Boards: The Everything-you-need-to-know, Insider's Guide to a Career in the Performing Arts: JR Books Ltd
West End Producer. (2013) Everything You Wanted To Know About Acting (But Were Afraid To Ask, Dear): Nick Hern Books

1. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPLEX STRUCTURES OF AND INTER-RELATIONS BETWEEN THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE PERFORMING ARTS INDUSTRY, INCLUDING INDUSTRY EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT AND AUDIENCE BEHAVIOUR.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MAIN METHODS OF ENQUIRY WHEN EXPLORING THE PERFORMING ARTS INDUSTRY, IN HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY CONTEXTS. CARRY OUT DETAILED AND TARGETED EXAMINATIONS OF IDENTIFIED SECTOR TOPICS, CONVEYING EFFECTIVELY YOUR FINDINGS AND CRITICAL OPINIONS.
[Enquiry; Communication]