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From Page to Stage: Directing and Design - TFT00014C

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Mark Love-Smith
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

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 move from page to stage.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

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.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
From Page to Stage: Directing and Design		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
From Page to Stage: Directing and Design		 N/A 100

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.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.