Performance Portfolio (100%)
An annotated portfolio of work comprising:
• Evidence of research, planning and rehearsal for a full-length classical theatre production
• Participation in a live full-length classical theatre production to an audience
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Formative Assessment
Observation of engagement in practical activity
Participation in discussions and progress reviews

Whilst the production of any live theatre work may require a skilful blending of acting, song and dance, it is fair to say that language based communication is a core characteristic of this medium. Performers have been experimenting with this as a form of artistic expression since ancient times, and though early theatre was seated on a rigid social base with emphasis placed on what had gone before rather than on the prospect of change, this art form, like many others, has evolved as a consequence of shifting social factors, audience expectations and advancements in technology. Whilst classical theatre (pre-twentieth century) may seem distant from today’s concerns, an appreciation of it and its artistic, social and political influences and debates may help you to evaluate reasons for trends in theatre today.

Not only this, but as an actor it is important to build a repertoire that demonstrates a diverse range of acting prowess and encompasses many genres. Classical theatre continues to be performed globally, making it an essential component of any emerging actor’s portfolio. Classical theatre provides a wealth of acting material to explore and for many professional performers, presenting classical theatre represents one of the greatest challenges to their abilities and creativity.

In this module, you will continue to develop the skills of the performer acquired within your level 4 modules, with a commitment to seamlessly developing them to a professional standard and presenting them to a live audience through a full length classical theatre production. You will explore a variety of traditional works, (from Greeks and Romans to the late-nineteenth century works of Ibsen, Chekov and Strindberg), considering background material and characters, and their relevance to audiences of their time and those of today. You will learn why the context of a play is imperative in making this style of theatre successful in a contemporary environment. This exploration will underpin your creative practical work. As part of a team you will audition and be cast a role in a classical play for the theatre and will develop that character through an appropriate balance of acting skills in accordance with the nature of that role. You will participate in rehearsal and group critique, collaboratively bringing the module to a climax through the performance of a full length classical theatre production.

It will be necessary to carry out a substantial amount of work in your own time, and you may draw upon a wide range of sources in order to bring the material and your character to life during workshops, rehearsals and eventual performance. Your ability to work in a conscientious, supportive, committed manner - embracing etiquette, dedication, focus, research and ability to take direction and advice - will all be considered at assessment, together with an ability to faithfully reproduce for the stage the performance role that has been created, explored and delivered in the rehearsal process.

Throughout the module you must document your research and planning, and development of your character(s) through rehearsal to final performance, as this will be presented in a portfolio to support you performance work for assessment.

Strategies in this module are active and practically focussed and will require a mix of individual and collaborative learning, both in and out of timetabled sessions. Activities will allow you to apply your existing theoretical knowledge, and creative and technical skills through a full-length classical theatre production, thus allowing you to make sense of your prior learning in a professional work related context. You will continue to learn from others by exploring existing work and by making connections with the tasks you have been set. These tasks will challenge you to combine and refine your abilities through practise, discovery and problem solving. The assignment will require you to engage in independent learning through research into the performance as a whole and the character that you are portraying, whether this is from primary and/or secondary sources and there will be an expectation throughout this module that you approach this requirement proactively in order that your progress is not hindered.

Learning will be facilitated through the following:
• In class research activities including an exploration of existing work via streaming services, DVD, internet, cable and satellite
• Independent research (primary and/or secondary as applicable) an including visits to the theatre
• Theory to practice workshops exploring the impact of artistic, social and political influences and debate on own work
• Technical workshops
• Rehearsals
• Auditions and castings
• Performance to audience
• Reflective practice
• Group critique
• 1:1 tutorials and progress review

Acting Studio
Theatre Venue
IPads
CD / USB / iPod Boom Box
Internet and IT Access
Licenced script / performance material
Assorted Costumes / Props

Barton, J. (2001) Playing Shakespeare: Methuen
Berry, C. (2001) Text in Action: A Definitive Guide to Exploring Text in Rehearsal for Actors and Directors: Virgin
Bradley, A.C. (2014) Shakespearean Tragedy: Hythloday Press
Callow, S (2004) Being an Actor: Vintage
Jan, Kott. (1967) Shakespeare: Our Contemporary: University Paperbacks
McKellen, I. (1996) Richard III Screenplay: Doubleday
Merlin, B. (2005) With the Rogue’s Company: ‘Henry IV’ at the National Theatre: Oberon Books
Olivier, L (1986) On Acting: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Sher, A. (2004) Year of the King: Nick Hern Books

1. UNDERSTAND THE PRINCIPLES AND CONTEXT OF CLASSICAL THEATRE AND KNOW HOW TO INTEGRATE YOUR OWN ACTING SKILLS IN ORDER TO APPROPRIATELY AND FAITHFULLY REPRODUCE CHARACTER AS PART OF A CLASSICAL PLAY, APPLYING PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE AND WORKING TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. EXAMINE CLASSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCES USING CONCEPTS AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS AND EXPLORE HOW THEY GENERATE MEANING FOR AN AUDIENCE.
[Analysis]

3. RECOGNISE PROBLEMS AND PRESENT CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS WHEN WORKING THROUGH THE PHASES OF PRODUCTION FOR A CLASSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE.
[Problem Solving]

4. MAKE CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL DECISION IN ORDER TO REPRODUCE CHARACTER FOR A CLASSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE, SO THAT THE NARRATIVE AND CONTEXT OF THE PLAY IS CONVEYED WITH RELEVANCE TO A CONTEMPORARY AUDIENCE
[Communicate]

5. DEMONSTRATE COMMITMENT AND FOCUS WHEN WORKING AS PART OF A TEAM, EMBRACING ETIQUETTE, AND DEMONSTRATING AN ABILITY TO TAKE DIRECTION AND ADVICE
[Working with Others]