Modules

Module title: Fundamentals of Directing
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: CLP08115
Module leader: Iain Davie
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Humanities and Culture
Prerequisites

None
2019/0, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Iain Davie
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Teaching and learning will take place in the form of practical classes of all the students, working in groups, pairs and individually as appropriate (LOs 1,2,3). Opportunities to show work regularly in class and to see the work of other students, and to discuss work critically is a fundamental part of the learning. Full engagement in all classes is compulsory and students will be expected to contribute to the joint development of the group’s work as well as their individual learning. In addition a brief on 5 chosen directors and a director’s production notebook will underpin practical work (LOs 4, 5).
You will develop a number of transferable skills, including your ability to discuss critically and analytically, build approaches to creative problem solving, and to articulate arguments orally. You will develop skills in practical textual analysis. You will learn to lead groups with confidence, to plan and prepare work as a leader, to work effectively in groups and with discipline and initiative on your own.
Formative Assessment:
The intense, workshop nature of this module means that one-to-one feedback forms a significant part of your learning experience in each class. Discussions and immediate response to practical performance work/ exercises are at the heart of your artistic exploration of the material throughout this module. Formative assessment will be given on a day to day basis through the form of oral feedback. (LOs 1,2,3,4).

Summative Assessment:
Class participation is an assessed component in this module. Participation is assessed by the tutor. Your participation in workshops/ exercises is assessed in terms of how you progress within the specified learning outcomes, which are transparent from the first day (LOs 1-3). Your developing skills, knowledge and understanding and your ability to work with the rest of the group will be monitored Rehearsals will always involve performance before the rest of the class, which is assessed in situ and immediately through dialogue. This continual assessment will contribute to the end of year assessment. Summative assessment will be based on your research work in your 5 director’s briefs and director’s production notebook (Los 4,5), as well as a performance of your directed project in closed-audience which you will prepare for the last class session (LOs 1-5). The final assessment will rest on reports by teachers on the work of the year and this summative assessment.

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Groupwork (Scheduled) 48
Independent Learning Demonstration 60
Independent Learning Fieldwork 92
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Discussion/Participation 50 1-3 2 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 0
Reflective Log 25 4,5 14 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 0
Practical Skills Assessment 25 1-5 14 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

This module will introduce you to the fundamental skills of directing. Looking at all aspects of directing from stage composition to text interpretation and communicating complex ideas to actors, the aim of this module is to give you confidence in articulating your particular vision of a few chosen exercises.
Beginning with very simple staging challenges, such as to create the atmosphere for the opening of a play or to create short directorial exercises, you will examine all aspects of the challenges presented by directing. Exploring skills in stage composition, textual interpretation, finding creative solutions to performance problems and leading with confidence and clarity will form a major part of the exercises. You will be learning the fundamentals of stage management, stage lighting and design. Working with peers, you will gradually increase complexity and challenge in terms of set exercises and you will choose a final 2 minute project to direct for assessment. You will be reading about and considering the evolution of the role of the theatre director, from Saxe-Meinengen to the present day, and compiling a brief on 5 chosen directors. To accompany your final scene you’ll be developing a director’s notebook complete with production design elements.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1. Direct simple projects with confidence and clarity, creating a positive working environment in the rehearsal room.
LO2. Exercise autonomy and initiative as a director, demonstrating analytical skills to explore and express action and psychological choices.
LO3. Work with fellow students and on your own to understand, develop and respond to the complexities of a theatrical project.
LO4. Understand the specific demands of the role of the director and have a historical knowledge of how that role has evolved
LO5. Demonstrate an understanding of the interplay of all the elements of theatricality (visual, aural, psychophysical action) in the work of a director and the ability to approach your work with relevant research and creative solutions.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:

Recommended - ALFREDS, M. (2000) DIFFERENT EVERY NIGHT: NICK HERN, 1st ed.
Recommended - COLEMAN, P. (2003) BASICS - A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO STAGE LIGHTING: ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY PRESS, 1st ed.
Recommended - DEAN, P. (2002) PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT: CROWOOD PRESS, 1st ed.
Recommended - MCCAFFREY, M. (1998) DIRECTING A PLAY: PHAIDON, 1st ed.
Recommended - PALLIN, G. (2010) STAGE MANAGEMENT, THE ESSENTIAL HANDBOOK: NICK HERN BOOKS, 1st ed.
Recommended - CONVERSE,T. J. (1995) DIRECTING FOR THE STAGE: MERIWETHER PUBLISHING LTD, 1st ed.
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