This module builds on the Performance Skills module in Level 4 of study.

You will engage with a series of practical technique classes developing your knowledge and ability across disciplines and engage in academic discourse with your tutors. You will then negotiate a proposed assessment task. The module offers an increased level of autonomy in your learning to allow for acknowledgement of independent strengths, awareness of challenges and refinement of your signature disciplines.

You will attend a series of technical sessions, contextual seminars, and tutorials as preparation for your negotiated project. The project allows you to focus on a specific area/s of your practice in the performing arts, to develop a deeper understanding of the theories and practices within your chosen discipline/s.
Assessment 1 allows for in-depth discussion with tutors that will help you to shape your idea for your negotiated project. You will then work independently and with your peers to complete your project.

Negotiated Projects could include:
Choreographic Project
Performance for Camera
Vocal Project
Research Project
Personal Performance Project

[Learning Outcomes 1 & 2] Assessment 1: – (40%) Reflective Conversations
You will engage in 4 x scheduled conversations (supported by personal research) with your tutors throughout the module:
Conversation 1: Personal Skills Audit & Targets
Conversation 2: Project Negotiation
Conversation 3: Reflection on progress
Conversation 4: Project reflection

[Learning Outcome 2] Assessment 2: – (60%) Negotiated Collaborative Practical Project
A negotiated project with supporting evidence that is appropriate to the context. (Length/word count to be negotiated, maximum performance time 30 minutes).

Learning in this module will be facilitated through a mix of theory and practice. You will draw from selected classes, lectures, and workshops to achieve aspects of your negotiated project, as well as planning and applying skills in independent rehearsals and learning sessions. Your learning will be supported by frequent discussion with and guidance from tutors and peers, as well as your own ongoing reflective practice. Activities throughout the module will typically include:

Dance Technique Classes in a range of styles such as: ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, commercial, musical theatre dance
Acting Classes
Singing Classes
Theory Lectures – including reflective practice theories
1:1 and group tutorials
Independent research, rehearsal, and creative design

1. Actively participate in and reflect upon practical and contextual discussions in relation to your personal progress and development. Learning, Reflection

2. Demonstrate self-management skills: including the ability to set goals, manage workloads, meet deadlines and targets, and work collaboratively towards a negotiated outputs. Application, Problem Solving

3. Negotiate and complete a collaborative research project relevant to your personal career development. Working with others. Application

4. Evaluate your personal practice through a final conversation that identifies future career plans and outcomes. Reflection, Analysis

Studio Spaces
Performance Space
CD / USB / iPod Speakers
Internet and IT Access
Licenced rehearsal material
VLE

Cramer, L. (2013) Creating Musical Theatre: Conversations with Broadway Directors and Choreographers (Performance Books). Methuen Drama.

Deer, J. and Dal Veer, R. (2021) Acting in Musical Theatre: A Comprehensive Course. Routledge.

Eyer, J. A. and Franklin Smith, L. (2015) Broadway Swings: Covering the Ensemble in Musical Theatre. Bloomsbury Academic.

Harvard, P. Acting Through Song: Techniques and Exercises for Musical-Theatre Actors. Nick Hern Books.

Huber, A. (2021) Knowing in Performing - Artistic Research in Music and the Performing Arts. Transcript Publishing.

Marshall, H. D. (2016) Strategies for Success in Musical Theatre: A Guide for Music Directors in School, College, and Community Theatre. Oxford University Press.

Palmer, C. (2019) Voice and Speech for Musical Theatre: A Practical Guide and Video (Performance Books). Bloomsbury Publishing Ltd.

Want to try your hand at choreography, or perform an excerpt from your favourite musical? This hyper-personalised module allows you to take the reins in your personal development through the completion of a bespoke research project that allows you to further develop your identity as a performing arts practitioner. You will engage in focused discussions with your tutors, peers and industry professionals and then apply skills learned in class to your research project.