(2016+) Version 1
Module Specification
Module Title: Contextual Studies 1 – Theatre Practice and Practitioners
Module code:
TBC
NQF level:
Level 4
Credit value:
20 credits
Semester of study:
1 and 2
Module type:
Compulsory
Pre-requisites:
None
Available to:
BA (Hons) Acting and BA (Hons) Actor Musician
Module overview
Within this module students will be introduced to a range of key/seminal theatre practitioners which represent
pivotal moments in the development of Actor training. These practitioners will span across theatre genres and will
reflect practices currently being explored by the students in their practical Acting classes. Including Voice,
Movement/Dance and Acting strands.
Aims
This module is designed to help you to develop research strategies and methodologies by looking at a range of
influential practitioners across theatre and the development of theatre and performance training.
These sessions are designed to reflect the scheme of work for Acting 1 – Fundamentals of Dramatic Techniques.
Students will also further interrogate these theories through practical complementary sessions where students, in
cohort groups, will explore practical exercises relating to the themes and content of the weekly lectures.
The module aims to:
1. Further develop students' academic and research skills essential to the understanding, appreciation of Actor
training.
2. Evaluate and analyse a range of theories and practices associated with specific practitioners.
3. Understand how Actor training has responded to developing trends, repertoire and technologies.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a broad-based knowledge related to Theatre. Knowledge is to include a detailed grasp of
appropriate practitioners and associated texts as appropriate.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between theoretical study and practice.
3. Present academic research which demonstrates the ability to develop lines of argument and make sound
judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of the subject.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the changing landscape of Actor training.
Learning and teaching methods
Lectures: concepts, principles and theories will be addressed in formal lectures.
Practical Seminars: Students will further interrogate lecture sessions through practical complementary sessions
where students, in cohort groups, will explore practical exercises relating to the themes and content of the weekly
lectures in relation to their own specialism. These sessions are also designed to allow for additional academic writing
support with the academic team.
