TH205-30 Theatre in the Community
Introductory description
N/A.
Module aims
Theatre in the Community provides an exploration of theoretical and practical strategies that are currently in evidence within contemporary community theatre practice, with a particular emphasis on work in criminal justice and social agency settings. The work will include an examination of the key political or social philosophies that have informed such practice as well as an exploration of the role drama process plays in the work. This stage of the module includes an examination of how theories of psychology have informed theatre work with offenders as well as an overview of professional companies and artists working in the criminal justice system. Related fields of psychodrama and dramatherapy are also discussed. It continues with an introduction to practical strategies which encompass games and exercises for use with community groups. Within this there is reference to group-based drama skills, community contexts, and the primary objectives achievable within practice of this kind. The module is designed to prepare students for a practical project. In the final part of the module, participants will get to plan, devise and perform a performance or series of workshops within a criminal justice or social agency context in the Coventry or Staffordshire area.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Term 1
- Introduction to the course
- Definitions of community - contexts/objectives/strategies
- Historical & political roots of theatre in forensic and social agency settings
- Government policy and the place of theatre in the community
- Criminology, psychology & theatre in prisons
- Workshops - Games & Exercises
- Introduction to facilitation – structuring the drama workshop
- Psychodrama
- Dramatherapy
- Assessed workshop
Term 2
- Devising – skills and methodologies
- Researching the context (preparation for performance project)
- Devising and Rehearsals
- Performances and Workshops
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- By the end of the module, students should be able to: 1)Lead a practice-based exploration of themes or ideas within a community context, working with, for example, young people, older people or offenders. 2)Lead a process of play or project devising appropriate for a community context. 3)Undertake independent research-based investigation to inform written and practical work. 4)Communicate what they have learnt orally and in writing.
Indicative reading list
Generic Reading lists can be found in Talis
Subject specific skills
Working with community groups
Devising
Group collaboration
Reflection on practice
Transferable skills
Critical thinking
Problem solving
Active lifelong learning
Communication (verbal and written)
Teamwork and working effectively with others
Citizenship (local and global)
Ethical values
Inter-cultural learning and diversity awareness
Professionalism
Organisational awareness
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Other activity | 108 hours (36%) |
| Private study | 192 hours (64%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
Rehearsal
Class preparation
Other activity description
14 x 4 hour workshops
9 x 4 hour rehearsal supervision
Total: 92 hours
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Practical Examination 1 (locally held) | 30% | No | |
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Initial practical assessment - facilitation of a workshop with peers |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Practical Examination 2 (locally held) | 70% | No | |
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Held in spring term. A performance and workshop realised in conjunction with a local prison. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Departmental Feedback Sheet
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 2 of UTHA-W422 Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies (with Intercalated Year)
This module is Optional for:
- Year 2 of UTHA-QW34 Undergraduate English and Theatre Studies
- Year 2 of UTHA-W421 Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies