Creative Producing - MA

This module explores the interconnectedness between academic research and professional practice in theatre and performance. Students explore research questions through work-based learning or through an in-depth study of an individual or company operation This can take the form of either a work placement or a report that should draw on first hand generation of research material such as through interviews. Students will analyse an individual or company operation and observe how the skills and knowledge learned are applied and put into practice within the business.

Topics covered in class will typically include basic theatre industry knowledge for emerging artists, such as theatre funding structures, fundraising strategies, writing grant applications, casting mechanisms, CV/personal statement writing, basic marketing, basic budgeting.

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This team-taught module is intended to provide a basis of shared knowledge and understanding of theatre audiences to MA Drama students. The core subject of this module will be approached from various perspectives reflecting current available expertise in the Department. Lectures and seminar discussions on various theoretical and empirical approaches to audience research (including the study of audience responses as well as the identification of and marketing to an audience) will feature next to sessions about the histories of spectatorial practices and contemporary experimental theatre productions that engage audiences in particularly compelling ways (for example, participatory practices). Typically, there will be opportunities to discuss what audiences do, how they feel, and how their brain and body responds to theatre from various perspectives. Activities such as devising audience questionnaires to gather feedback from spectators in response to a specific production, and the reading of audience reviews in newspapers, blogs and social media will enable the cohort to question the supposed homogeneity of theatre audiences and to begin to think as theatre-makers about audiences in a nuanced, sophisticated way.

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The students will learn the skills needed to operate within the professional producing world of Theatre and Live Performance. They will work on real world projects and case studies, they will analyse and deconstruct contemporary productions, both individually and as a group. They will visit and analyse venues and understand the use of place and space in relation to production. The module runs at the beginning of the programme, through the Autumn term and will give the base from which they will develop their individual and group creative skills. The module will require them to show sound judgement, personal and group responsibility and initiative, sometimes in unpredictable professional circumstances.

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This module forms part of the MA Theatre Making. During the Spring term students conceive, develop and manage original practical and creative projects at an advanced level. This might involve them working for example as a director/performer and/or writer, on one project, for the duration of the term. Students will document the process, commenting and reflecting on their work as individual artists and on associated collaborations. Students are also expected to play a role within the whole student cohort, supporting the work of other students within the module. This might involve them performing in another student's show or taking responsibility within the company for publicity, stage management, technical support, Front-of House or budgeting. Teaching takes place through workshops and seminars led by members of staff, as well as workshops and mentoring with professional theatre-makers, rehearsal supervision and feedback on auto-cours.

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The creation of theatre is often seen from the perspective of the end product. However, to have an effect, Theatre needs to be attractive and robust enough to stand up to all the other offerings available in the "leisure pound" market. It requires a portfolio of components to be effective, such as: effective and stimulating content, an interesting interpretation, competent and suitable cast, evocative design, a suitable venue, pragmatic logistics to get the set, equipment, and cast into the venue and to and from it, an effective business plan and cashflow to enable it all to happen, and most importantly, an audience to play to. It is these components that make or break a professional theatre company. This module will look at the initial aspects needed to make theatre happen and give form to the creativity. This module is designed to allow the student to apply and demonstrate individual capability through working together as a group and proposing a business plan for the delivery of a creative idea. This will be assessed in the same way that a professional plan would be and the students will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of all aspects of pitching and developing an idea.

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Throughout their studies on a taught Masters-course, students will elect to develop and pursue an academic or creative project into a specific topic related to the field of study, thus increasing their potential as appropriate for a postgraduate degree. They will also develop their creative voice as a theatre practitioner, their ability to contextualise and analyse their own creative practice. Students will start shaping and preparing their project ideas supported by mandatory seminars in academic writing, research skills and resources, and practice as research (PaR). Students will present their work in progress in Summer Term at a Postgraduate Work in Progress Conference organised by the Department, and they will submit their final dissertation by 31st August.

While building on research and creative practice undertaken previously on their course, and the opportunity to extend any further aspects previously discussed, the topics and submission cannot duplicate material previously submitted for examination as part of the MA-programme.

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