Course Catalogue

LJMU Partner Taught

The module aims to: Expand the use of academic skills to support informed research, thinking, construction of arguments, and communication of ideas, both original and established. Deepen experience of guided and independent research. Extend student’s knowledge of 20th and 21st Century performance and give them experience of creating work within identifiable forms and frameworks. Increase students understanding of the industry they could enter, outlining key roles, and current protocols and practices. Encourage the students to take responsibility for their career, to identify the work they want to do, and the tools to identify the key people within those locations.

Outline Syllabus:The module will cover the following areas: 1. Business - Introduction to the structure and professional practices within arts organisations. Through a comprehensive lecture and supporting seminar programme the students will be introduced to the commercial and professional practice structures, which underpin the contemporary entertainment and performing arts economies. This will include such things as: Funding structures (subsidized and commercial sectors). Performance Financial Structures (Production Budgets). Performing Arts Organizations (Unions, funding agencies and other professional organisations). Copyright and Ownership. Contracts and professional working practices (incl. issues with self-employment). Roles and Responsibilities of professional staff. Marketing and Promotion. Performing Arts Commercial Companies. Specific case studies Students will be asked to undertake individual research into, and create an analysis of, the creative output and agenda of a specific contemporary company or individual (i.e., working now). This will provide an opportunity to develop research, analysis, writing and presentation skills. 2. Practice – Further examining Contemporary Performance Practice Building on from Landscape in L4 the students will develop their knowledge and understanding of contemporary theatre practice by adding a historical and critical perspective. This will allow them to reflect upon their own learning and development and to gain an understanding of their potential role within the performing arts. For the historical overview on Contemporary theatre practice, the preferred strategy is creative writing (e.g., playwriting in this case for digital performance) and discussion, moving from the main topics subject of investigation (e.g., Absurd, Meta-Theatre, Post-dramatic, Political Theatre etc.). This investigation will also include classes dedicate to the evolution of acting and performing in other media such as cinema. Additionally, there will be professional guests for online Q&A on Business and Contemporary Performing Arts as well as the possibility of exploring practically the different areas of theatre in exam (e.g. via creative playwriting as an exercise). Examination of contemporary and historical theatre practitioners and an introduction to Teaching Pedagogy - lectures on work of key practitioners, highlighting the context from which they appeared, where they stand in relation to the development of performance practice, their output and influence. - This work forms the theoretical basis of supervised student led practitioners’ workshops and micro teaching exercises that will take place in the Movement 2 module. 3. Professional Preparation Part 1 Through a short series of lectures, seminars and Q&As, the students will be introduced to keys figures and their roles within the performing arts industry (Agent, Casting Director, Director, Producer.) Students will undertake research into the industry /territory they want to enter, be given tools to find and contact relevant industry figures, and to develop knowledge of the industry that want to enter. The weekly Year Group Tutorial will continue to be used to discuss elements of the programme, explore current trends within performance, highlight and discuss current debates within training and the industry. Students will be encouraged to have a voice in discussions and selection of discussion topics.

Additional Information:This module equips students with further development of their knowledge and understanding of contemporary theatre practice by adding a historical and critical perspective. It will give them a practical understanding of the business structures and how to create a business plan. It will introduce them to the industry from an actor’s point of view. It will give space for self-evaluation and help to develop their worldview. Assessment is via a presentation and an academic essay.