Course Catalogue

LJMU Partner Taught

The module acts as a culmination of a student’s practical studies and aims to provide them with a sustained period of simulated professional practice within a specific Community Drama practice, reflecting the student’s employment/ career aspirations. The module enables the student to realise, in full, one project from conception to evaluation. Students will work individually on practical projects, which they will plan, execute and evaluate in a professional context. Projects will be approved, subject to resource constraints, timescales and scope of projects being realisable. Students are encouraged to engage in projects that challenge or push the parameters of their learning and reflect the highest standards of practice, with an emphasis on efficacy, rather than simply making performance for entertainment purposes. The Company is an option for students considering a project that, in professional practice, would require the employment of performers. As an alternative to relying on volunteers and/or friends The Company option groups together students who agree to perform in one another’s project but maintain responsibility as director of their own piece. This offers the student the benefits of a reliable cast whilst preserving control of an individual project.

Outline Syllabus:The first part of the module consists of a series of lectures and seminars designed to help each student plan their project. These sessions will focuses on: * Researching a potential project; * Producing a project initiation document, including aims and objectives; stakeholder assessment and strategy; financial forecasts; and resource and operational plan. Upon completion of the project implementation document students will be allocated a Supervisor who will work with them to draw up a learning contract to be submitted along with a budget bid. The contract and budget bid will be considered by the Programme team who will consider, amongst other factors, the following: * Does this project fall within the broad spectrum of Applied Theatre /Community Drama? * Are the aims/objectives commensurate with the type of activity? * Is it realistic within the timeframe? * If it is a touring project, will it perform at least four times? * If involving an existing group, does the project move significantly beyond the normal activity of that group? The programme team will also assess the aims and objectives of each Outline to ensure parity across the cohort. Finally, they will either agree the Outline or suggest amendments. The aims and objectives agreed in the Project Outline will play a significant in the assessment of the work and any significant change in these must be signed off by the Supervisor. The Programme Team will not be considering issues of licensing, health and safety, child protection or insurance. Such issues should be discussed with your Supervisor and other LIPA staff as appropriate. Once the Project Outline is agreed it becomes the student’s responsibility to arrange tutorials. These should include, in negotiation with the supervisor, an observed workshop or rehearsal which should be planned well in advance. A weekly project seminar will be held to encourage students to share experiences of their project with a view to learning from one another. It is anticipated that project performances will take place outside of LIPA in suitable community venues. Shortly after the project performances a viva voce examination will be held which will give the student the opportunity to contextualise aspects of the project not immediately apparent at the performance. The Company The Company is an option for students considering a project that, in professional practice, would require the employment of performers. As an alternative to relying on volunteers and/or friends The Company option offers the benefits of a reliable cast whilst maintaining control of an individual project. * 3-4 students who wish to develop a touring based project. * Each agree to perform in one another’s project BUT maintain responsibility as director of their own piece. * 2 tours co-ordinated jointly. * Space given for daily rehearsals… attendance mandatory. * Expectation of very high standard of performance and project management. * Expressions of interest by September/October. Draft scripts by January. Core Competencies: A series of weekly skills classes will run in parallel with the sessions above to enable students to maintain their performance and facilitation skills.

Additional Information:Brendon Burns is the Module Leader. (b.burns@lipa.ac.uk).