The emphasis in this compulsory second year FdA Community Theatre module is on developing design concepts and technical expertise for mounting small-scale community theatre, and developing technical skill in video documentary. You will explore case studies of design for performance in the community. You will be encouraged to make use of found materials and low-budget solutions suitable for small-scale touring and work in community settings.
You will gain an understanding of the technical, legal and health and safety issues of performance in a range of scales and settings. You will learn to carry out established risk assessment procedures and to propose appropriate solutions to health and safety issues.
Term One
You will begin the work of the module with a technical induction into the use of video recording equipment to prepare you for documentation of major projects. Toward the end of term one you will shoot material for a short documentary video with a group within the community. You will be encouraged to consider issues of design and realisation for your projects within specific 'givens' of space, text, budget, timescales and portability. Small-scale practical exercises will be undertaken in design, visualisation, presentation and realisation of costume, props and set, including design sketches.
Term Two
You will focus on costume design and making, and undertake an individual costume design project with a showing of the work. You will engage with managing, making and sourcing props, and mask and puppet making. Basic carpentry skills will be covered and applied to a relevant construction task.
Introduction to offline editing of video will lead to students editing a short scene.
You will have opportunities to consult with staff on designs for set, costumes and props for project work, applying skills as they are developed.
Term Three
You will consider the legal and licensing requirements for performances in community settings including working outdoors:
The definition and functions of key roles in production management
Insurance: public liability, performers and venue personnel
Licensing procedures, fire regulations
Health & safety issues, particularly for outdoor performance
Risk assessment
Project management - you will contribute to the production management and as production crew of your street theatre festival.
You will also execute a practical project in the form of research, design and construction of an appropriate costume/head-dress for an outdoor performance.
You will consider issues of scale, visibility, sightlines, audibility and accessibility in outdoor performance and explore approaches to capturing and sustaining an audience's attention outdoors. You will learn how to encourage participation through the design of outdoor performance.
You will gain an understanding of the technical, legal and health and safety issues of performance in a range of scales and settings. You will learn to carry out established risk assessment procedures and to propose appropriate solutions to health and safety issues.
Term One
You will begin the work of the module with a technical induction into the use of video recording equipment to prepare you for documentation of major projects. Toward the end of term one you will shoot material for a short documentary video with a group within the community. You will be encouraged to consider issues of design and realisation for your projects within specific 'givens' of space, text, budget, timescales and portability. Small-scale practical exercises will be undertaken in design, visualisation, presentation and realisation of costume, props and set, including design sketches.
Term Two
You will focus on costume design and making, and undertake an individual costume design project with a showing of the work. You will engage with managing, making and sourcing props, and mask and puppet making. Basic carpentry skills will be covered and applied to a relevant construction task.
Introduction to offline editing of video will lead to students editing a short scene.
You will have opportunities to consult with staff on designs for set, costumes and props for project work, applying skills as they are developed.
Term Three
You will consider the legal and licensing requirements for performances in community settings including working outdoors:
The definition and functions of key roles in production management
Insurance: public liability, performers and venue personnel
Licensing procedures, fire regulations
Health & safety issues, particularly for outdoor performance
Risk assessment
Project management - you will contribute to the production management and as production crew of your street theatre festival.
You will also execute a practical project in the form of research, design and construction of an appropriate costume/head-dress for an outdoor performance.
You will consider issues of scale, visibility, sightlines, audibility and accessibility in outdoor performance and explore approaches to capturing and sustaining an audience's attention outdoors. You will learn how to encourage participation through the design of outdoor performance.
- Module Supervisor: Ainslie Masterton