Approaches to Directing and Design - TFT00014C
Module summary
This module offers a critical introduction to the theory and practice of directing and its intersections with design and scenography. Through seminar discussion and hands-on practical experience, you will be introduced to a range of theoretical and practical approaches to the conception, planning, rehearsal and production of theatre. Exploring key concepts and approaches to ideas of space, characterisation, mise-en-scène and more, the module will equip you with the tools and frameworks needed to begin work on plays from the perspectives of directing and design.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module aims:
- To learn about, and experiment with, key directorial preparation and rehearsal techniques
- To begin to develop skills fundamental to productive practice as a theatre-maker
- To explore the properties and possibilities of space and setting in the context of live performance
- To investigate the history of modern theatre directing and design, with a particular focus on certain key theoretical developments in practice in wider artistic and cultural contexts
- To support you in enhancing your possession of the collaborative, mutually supportive, proactive qualities indispensable to all successful theatrical practice
- To interweave theoretical study with workshop-based practical exploration
- To develop your ability to plan and deliver a coherent approach and scheme for delivering a specific project
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you are expected:
- to be able to work collaboratively, in a generous, inventive, and proactive manner, against firm deadlines
- to be able to think strategically and work out convincing rehearsal and performance strategies in relation to a given script and space
- to be able to absorb, and put successfully into practice, unfamiliar and challenging approaches
- to be able to produce logical and dynamic rationales supported by relevant evidence
- to be able to communicate complex ideas effectively and to a high standard using established models of documentation and presentation
- to be able to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
Module content
Teaching will be organised into relevant thematic blocks,
interweaving directing and design contexts, approaches, and practices.
Sessions may include:
seminar discussion, practical
experimentation with actors, space and text, detailed workshop-based
rehearsals, script analysis.
This module involves group practical work in a rehearsal room environment.
As such, attendance at workshop sessions is compulsory. In order to be able to work safely in practical, physical work, you are expected to equip yourself with the following:
-
trainers suitable for physical work – no heavy or slippy shoes. In some cases you may work barefoot if you are comfortable doing so.
-
loose-fitting exercise clothing – jogpants and/or yoga-appropriate clothes. No jeans or crop-tops
-
a water bottle
-
a paper notebook to record workshop outlines and reflections
During workshops, phones and laptops must be on silent/off and remain in your bags throughout the session. Long hair should be tied back and any large or dangling jewellery should be removed.
Workshops and rehearsals may involve any or all of the following: eye contact, physical activity, physical contact (support will be given for safe ways of engaging with touch in rehearsal environments), reflection on your own positionality in the group. You will be expected to challenge yourself to extend your comfort zone, while remaining safe through adjustments for injury or ability.
If you anticipate particular difficulties with any of the above expectations, you should begin a discussion with the module convenor before joining the module, and as soon as possible. Student Support Plans will be taken into account, and the module convenor will be happy to discuss these in advance on request.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Written feedback will be provided on formative work, plus oral feedback throughout the module.
Indicative reading
Donnellan, Declan. (2013). The actor and the mask.
Hope, Russ. (2012). Getting Directions.
Howard, Pamela. (2009). What is Scenography?
Marty, Paulette. (2019). Contemporary women stage directors.
Merlin, Bella. (2007). The Complete Stanislavsky Toolkit.
Mitchell, Katie. (2009). The Director’s Craft.
Radosavljevic, Duska. (2013). Theatre-making: interplay between text and performance in the 21st century.
Solga, Kim. (2019). Theory for Theatre Studies: Space.