School of Theatre, Performance and Cultural Policy Studies

TH205 Theatre in the Community

2011-2012

Module Convenor: Tutor: Saul Hewish

Technical support: Rob Batterbee

Module Description:

The Theatre in the Community module provides an exploration of theoretical and practical strategies that are currently in evidence within contemporary community theatre practice. The work ranges through theoretical studies of the key political or social philosophies that have informed community theatre practice. This stage of the module includes a particular emphasis on how theories of criminology have informed theatre work with offenders. It continues through an examination of practical strategies which encompass games and exercises for use with community groups. Within this there is reference to group dynamics, community contexts and the primary objectives achievable within practice of this kind. The module leads towards the devising of a project which will take place in a community context. In the final part of the module, the students get to plan, devise and perform a performance or series of workshops within a community context in the Coventry or Staffordshire area.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Lead a practice-based exploration of themes or ideas within a community context, working with, for example, young people, older people or offenders.
• Lead a process of play or project devising appropriate for a community context.
• Undertake independent research-based investigation to inform written and practical work.
• Communicate what they have learnt orally and in writing.

Assessment:

The assessment for this module is 50% Performance Exam (within a criminal justice or social agency setting)/25% Practical Workshop Assignment/25% Critical Review.

Generic Assessment Criteria for Practice within the School of Theatre Studies:

Practice is assessed in an evaluation of processes and projects. The underlying principle, as with all assessment of theatre practice within the school, is that you are assessed on the demonstration of your understanding through practice. Key criteria of assessment are:

• Good practice. Your response to the basic principles and demands of project-based, group work: attendance, punctuality, commitment and willingness to share responsibility with other members of the group.
• The initiation, negotiation and realisation of ideas in a collaborative group process. In this context there may also be an assessment of the execution of specific responsibilities allocated by the tutor or agreed between the tutor and the group.
• Your demonstration, through your practice, of an understanding of the specific concepts, issues and/or practices towards which the module directs and focuses your attention.

The above assessment criteria apply alongside:

Specific Theatre in the Community Assessment Criteria:

• Your ability to identify and execute the appropriate practical skills, techniques, performance vocabularies and working methods needed to conceive and realise a piece of creative practice for an identified target audience existing within a community context.
• Your understanding of and engagement with key political or social philosophies that have informed community theatre practice.
• Your ability to identify and discuss the theoretical and practical strategies that are currently in evidence within contemporary community theatre practice.