This module focuses on traditional performance styles and develops core knowledge and understanding of theatrical contexts and concepts. Within the module you will consider traditional approaches in order to then apply these within a production context for a contemporary audience. You will be required to consider the implications of traditional approaches within the contemporary arena in order to further analyse and challenge historical theories and approaches. You will also demonstrate an awareness of safe practice in both rehearsal and performance contexts.

The module content will be determined by the chosen production.

You will be expected to:

Work with professionalism throughout rehearsal and performance
Attend all scheduled rehearsals (independent and tutor led)
Learn lines and performance content according to your role
Actively engage and contribute to discussion and problem solving with both peers and the creative team
Carry out independent research in order to inform your practice
Demonstrate respect and safe working practices within rehearsal and production context

1. Research Project (Learning outcomes 1 and 2). This will be a negotiated project on a key aspect of research relevant to your allocated role/s in the production. This will be agreed by the Course Tutor.

2. Performance (Learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4) normally 2 hours. Your overall creative achievement in performance will be assessed by at least two markers. This will include how you have responded to direction and feedback from the creative team and the way in which you responded to deadlines and self-managed time. Detailed assessment criteria will be available in the module handbook.

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 full-length traditional musical 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 be 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.

1. Plan and prepare an extended research project in a negotiated area of traditional musical theatre performance. Learning, Enquiry

2. Understand the possibilities for performance implied by the text, score, dance notation and other relevant elements. Analysis, Communication

3. Engage critically and creatively with the skills and processes of rehearsal and production, and have the ability to select, refine and present these in performance. Application

4. Have developed skills in self-management, demonstrating the ability to respond to feedback and direction, manage workloads, work under pressure and meet deadlines. Problem solving, Application, Reflection

Studio Space
Performance Space
Internet and IT Access
Online Library
VLE

Deer, J (2013) Directing in Musical Theatre: Routledge

Everett, W. A. (2008) The Cambridge Companion to the Musical: Cambridge
University Press

Ganzl, K. (2004) Musicals: Carlton Books

Green, K (2014) Broadway Musicals: Show by Show: New York Applause

Henshall, R. (2012) So you want to be in Musicals?: Nick Hern Books

Hughes, M (2014) The Pocket Guide to Musicals: Remember When

Mordden, E. (2015) Anything goes: A History of American Musicals: Oxford University Press USA

Ostwald, D. F. (2005) Acting for Singers: Creating Believable Singing Characters: Oxford University Press

Riddle, P. H. (2003) American Musical: History and Development: Mosaic Press

Sabo, L (2020) Musical Theatre Choreography: Farnham Academy Press

Taylor, M. & Symonds, D. (2014) Studying Musical Theatre: Theory and Practice: Palgrave Macmillan

Immerse yourself in the world of traditional performance. Working with a professional creative team you will rehearse and perform a traditional musical theatre performance.
Delving into the contextual and historical background of selected genres, you will be given the theoretical knowledge to analyse and discuss.