Devising: making contemporary performance level 2

Are you more interested in what theatre can be than in what has been? Do you want to create your own work rather than interpret a script? Do you want to question what form performance can take in the twenty first century? Then this course is for you. Providing practical tools for making work and encouraging you to think outside of the box.

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Key course information

Dates
09/01/12 - 26/03/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
12 weeks

Time
18:40 - 21:25

Fees
Full fee: £196
Senior fee: £196
Concession: £94

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DA044*

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2542

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course is about rethinking what theatre is. That doesn’t mean it wants to reject the past, it simply wants to question what works - now. The one thing we can be sure of is that there is a performer and an audience and the performer has to engage that audience; everything else is up for grabs. The course is about taking risks and having the space to fail, about enabling your creativity and exploring the new. Since the 90’s European theatre has changed tremendously, moving away from scripts towards devised work, away from stages towards interaction and installation, away from drama towards the shaping of an experience.

What topics will we cover?

Presence
Task-based acting.
Creating performance installations.
Non-narrative form
Transforming personal material into performance.
Interacting with the audience.
This course focuses on practical work though reflecting on the outcomes of the process.
Note: This term is a follow on from Level One and develops some of the methods encountered during that course however new students are also able to join the course since the work does not depend on having completed Level One.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Develop fresh perspectives on the nature of theatre
Apply a range of practical devising tools
Develop a sense of personal creativity
Construct a performance installation
Demonstrate an awareness of reflective language appropriate to devised work.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You should have some practical knowledge of acting, directing or performing as well as a sense of the difference between scripted and devised work. But the most important thing you can bring is a passion to make work, to touch an audience and to test the boundaries of performance.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Listen and respond to instructions and feedback.
• Communicate clearly in discussion and drama practice.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Work within groups and pairs safely.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The focus of the work is practical – on the floor producing material and then testing it in front of your
fellow students. The feedback provided is developmental and not judgemental, emphasising student growth. The work will vary between solo, small group and ensemble work. Sometimes you will be the lead artist, sometimes someone else will have that opportunity but mostly the work will emphasise collaborative creation. Contextual or reflective discussion will follow on from the practical work.
There is no set work outside of class although you may wish to develop your ideas and/or attend performances that the tutor suggests as related to the course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

This course will look at those trends in the UK and Europe and give you the practical tools used to create. There are no additional costs although the tutor will recommend performances that relate to the course or this style of work and books you may wish to read. Loose clothing should be worn for the practical work.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2542

drama@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in advice During term-time: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 17.30 - 18.30 Non term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.