Technical Theatre (Production and Design)

Examines key texts and critical approaches central to live performance and media disciplines from the perspective of particular analytical and scenographic approaches, e.g., semiotics, ideological approaches and structuralism. The theories of key practitioners who influenced the development of particular disciplines will be examined in detail through seminars including bespoke seminars in scenography. 

This module introduces the fundamental practices of live and recorded sound for the stage, with a focus on theatrical performance.  With practical work and understanding enhanced by relevant theory, you will study approaches to sound via primarily digital platforms which will provide the core understanding required for future work. In addition, video for the stage will also be incorporated into studies where there is overlap with the sound specialism.

This module introduces the fundamental approaches and professional practices associated with the use of light for the stage, with a specific focus on theatrical performance. The module will develop knowledge through demonstration and practical project work enhanced by relevant theory where appropriate. You will study approaches to lighting design for the stage using specialist lighting and projection equipment and systems, including various digital platforms, which will provide the core understanding required for future work in this subject area on the programme. 

Students will learn the concepts behind spatial design for theatre, via lectures, practical tutorials and workshops.  Scripts will be studied from the perspective of technical and spatial design.  Upon assessment, students will pitch their ideas to industry-based tutors via oral presentation. This work will then be completed as a scale model and reflective document, produced using paper-based drawing, CAD, and the 3D design workshops of the New Adelphi building. 

This module is to introduce core concepts behind the development of stage management and technical production. Seminars will explore the structure and institutions of the UK theatre industry and the creative processes involved in producing and mounting a theatrical performance. Workshops will inform and develop practical skills of basic stage management skills for rehearsal and performance. Workshops will also provide "real-world" application of examples used in seminars.

This module focuses on key approaches to Scenography, the exploration of how "stage space can be used as a dynamic and ‘kinaesthetic contribution’ to the experience of performance" (McKinney, 2009). The module will compare and contrast historical and contemporary theatre and performance through a range of seminars and workshops. Students will explore action, architecture/space, and audience in relation to key theories and theorists. The materials and theories explored through this module will provide a strong foundation for all developing critical work on the programme.

This module will build upon previous design learning and will enable each student to identify an area of theatre design they wish to pursue. Learning will focus on these particular areas of study to advance your skills in these subjects Your supervised time will encourage and enable you to realise design thinking for live performance, through practical exploration. 

This focuses upon the development of the performance stage, and associated technical advances, from both a historical and a cultural perspective. The relationship between British/European staging models and non-Western models will be a key consideration. The module will comprise workshops, field trips and project supervision to facilitate small group project work.  You will work collaboratively to research and plan for a hypothetical event to a specified budget, which should be designed for a working venue or be site specific. 

You will work as an ensemble under the direction of professional artists/theatre companies and work intensively on a performance project, in a design, technical or stage management role. The outcomes will be performed in various spaces, which could include The Lowry theatre studio, a small scale tour or at the New Adelphi Theatre. 

This constantly evolving module will advance your knowledge of current performance technologies (rather than on historical perspectives), particularly as regards digital systems, lighting, sound, video graphics and digital performance.  Taught sessions will cover: 

• Training in a range of relevant software packages 

• Theory and practice re: web technology, audiences and inclusivity 

• Introduction to online/digital storytelling 

• Health and safety, and safe working practices regarding the use of new technologies 

• Practical application of technology to performance projects. 

Early seminars will outline the function of the production manager and will define the range of responsibilities that this role brings with it.

The second block of the module requires you to undertake work-based experience in the role of production stage manager, under the supervision of a project supervisor.

The module involves students working, for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of four weeks (equating to 60 hours), on an agreed workplace project within the University (e.g. assisting technical staff on theatre project or events), or at a theatre or other relevant cultural organisation. External workplace projects are not guaranteed but the programme team will support the student in identifying appropriate working contexts, and in ensuring that they manage their time effectively to meet other learning commitments. 

This module is designed to develop skills in and approaches to the making of multimedia performance, through practical workshops, which are underpinned by reference to key theories and practitioners in the field. You will focus on a number of different aspects of multimedia performance and in sessions, will develop skills in these areas, through practical experimentation and collaborative creative work. Sessions will also offer examples of practices and concepts relevant to each area, which will be discussed in relation to your developing work. 

In the first part of the module, a series of workshop and inputs will introduce you to the role of the director, using a small selection of play texts, all of which have different directorial challenges. We will explore how the director approaches a text, researches it, and develops a vision for their production.  

The second stage of the module looks at working with actors and text. They provide the director with a toolkit of techniques to use with actors. How does a director get actors to understand the play and their characters? How are scenes broken down? How do actors understand what the director wants them to do to change their performance?   

You will have the opportunity to lead small group work as a director exploring and experimenting with a range of directorial approaches to scripts.

Expanding upon the skills acquired in the first year, this module aims to explore the considerations needed when designing and constructing costumes for theatre. Working from a design brief, emphasis will be placed on visualising the script, set and lighting as well as collaborating with a production team, director and the actors. 

This module is designed to enable you to gain an understanding of the requirements and practices associated with the art department in the production of a film. The module will focus on developing a critical overview of the role and practices of the production designer, providing a range of opportunities for you to apply your knowledge of production design to practice within the film making process. 

This module will be the culmination of your design studies. The syllabus will be determined by the nature of your chosen project but will include: initial seminar/s on appropriate project interpretation and response; practice-based research techniques; budgets; health and safety; discipline specific sessions.

During the course of this module, you study more advanced and varied aspects of stage and production management, including  legal and ethical considerations, managing opera, ballet, dance and site-specific productions, working outdoors and in events, and advanced health and safety matters, such as armed/unarmed combat and intimacy.

You will work in groups to produce two theatre and/or event-based projects, the nature of which will be determined by the individual skills and interests of the project group as well as the role assumed by individuals within the group.

Project One work is student-led with staff supervision. Students meet with supervisors weekly and are guided through the stages of research, rehearsal and production. The development and rehearsal period extend through the trimester and public performances take place during an intensive performance “‘festival”’ immediately following the rehearsal period.

Project Two work may take a variety of forms, but will be agreed between student and supervisor, and will be relevant to the delivery of a live staged event. This may include collaborative work with external and/or international partners. 

The module enables students to identify, and to focus upon in depth, your their defined area of interest related to theatre/ performance/event production studies that will prepare them for the post-u University workplace/further study. Learning will take place through individual/collaborative investigation supported by tutorials and employability masterclasses/workshops by creative industry specialists/external academic speakers.