Digital Theatrecrafts
Module title | Digital Theatrecrafts |
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Module code | DRA2061B |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
Credits | 30 |
Module staff | Mr Jon Primrose (Convenor) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 18 |
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Module description
This module offers you an exploration of the technologies which support performance, focusing on lighting, sound, video and stage management. Its constant aim is to test your understanding of theory through practice.
Having completed the module you will be able to carry out a basic stage lighting design, understand the theatrical production process, and be able to use the sound studios to create a short radio play.
No previous experience is required, as this is a wide-ranging introduction to the crafts. International students and those from other disciplines are welcome, subject to availability and timetable.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to offer students an exploration of the technical crafts which support performance, focusing on lighting, sound, AV and stage management. Its constant aim is to test the student's understanding of theory through practice by demonstrating relevant techniques in practice, and by observing and discussing professional work which stretches the limits of entertainment technology.Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate the use of specialist sound technology to make a variety of kinds of recording, and the ability to edit and mix audio material from a range of sources to a high standard
- 2. Engage with a range of practitioners and discuss their role in technical theatre
- 3. Demonstrate understanding of the processes and technologies used in theatrical production and the ability to apply this knowledge to a hypothetical production
- 4. Demonstrate through practical work the ability to carry out a basic stage lighting design using appropriate industry-standard terminology and techniques, and to current health and safety standards
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Relate to others in theatrical processes and performances and to work effectively with others in small task-orientated groups and to initiate and sustain creative, analytic and interpretative work within strict time limits
- 6. Solve a number of specific technical problems and apply that understanding to performance work
- 7. Utilise research tools effectively and to translate theory into practice
- 8. Apply library and IT skills in independent additional research
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Collaborate in various groups and group sizes, to learn elements of teamwork and presentation, to negotiate and manage conflict when appropriate and to demonstrate leadership skills when appropriate
- 10. Think laterally and demonstrate originality in problem-solving, to express and communicate creative ideas and images, and the ability to initiate and sustain creative work, both group and solo
- 11. Develop advanced personal research skills using personal initiative
- 12. To set personal objectives that are linked to a sense of challenge and extending boundaries and to identify and evaluate personal learning strategies that are self-critical as much as self-reflective
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Introduction, Safety, Introduction to Sound, In-depth sound studio. Introduce radio play assignment
- Sound in practice, scripts, dramaturgy, work on radio play, submission of radio play
- Introduction to lighting, In-depth lighting, lighting design introduction
- Lighting design practice, London trip, Work on Research and Performance: Consolidation, video projection design, further research topics, preparation for final portfolio and lighting design
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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95 | 205 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 72 | 3 x 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks online lecture/seminar, workshops in specialist Drama studio space, along with an additional 6 x 2 hours online lecture on research topics to aid independent study |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 3 | Practical lighting design exercise |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 14 | Providing technical support to DRA1012 production projects |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 6 | London theatre trip and backstage tours (not compulsory) |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 0.5 | 2 x 15 minutes tutorials |
Guided independent study | 18 | Working alone on audio editing and mixing in recording studio |
Guided independent study | 87 | Reading/revision/preparation for practicals |
Guided independent study | 100 | Radio play research and writing, and portfolio research/writing |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Lighting design practical (group) | 4 hours | 2-6, 9-10 | Oral feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Practical radio play | 40 | 2 minutes 30 seconds radio play | 1,5-8,10,12 | Oral and written feedback |
Portfolio | 60 | 3,000 words | 2-4,6,7,10-12 | Written feedback |
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0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Practical radio play | Practical radio play | 1, 5-8, 10, 12 | Referral/Deferral period |
Portfolio | Lighting design task | 2-4,6,7,10-12 | Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Set texts:
- S.Palmer, Essential Guide to Stage Management, Lighting and Sound : Hodder & Stoughton, 2000
Recommended reading:
- R.Brown, Sound – A Reader in Theatre Practice, Palgrave, 2009
- D.Kaye & J.Lebrecht, Sound and Music for the Theatre, Routledge, 2015
- D.Bond, Stage Management, A Gentle Art , London: Routledge, 1998
- The Event Safety Guide: Health & Safety Executive , 1999
- C.Hannam, Health and safety management in the live music and events industry , London: Entertainment Technology Press, 2004
- F.Reid, The Stage Lighting Handbook , London: A & C Black, 1992
- J.Steinmeyer, Hiding the Elephant , London: William Heinemann Ltd, 2004
- G.Thompson, Safety in Live Performance , Boston: Focal Press, 1993
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- http://www.theatrecrafts.com contains links and online journal excerpts along with a wide variety of historical information and a glossary of technical terms
- ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11510
Credit value | 30 |
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Module ECTS | 15 |
Module pre-requisites | None |
Module co-requisites | None |
NQF level (module) | 5 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 2011 |
Last revision date | 07/05/2021 |