SOUND FOR PERFORMANCE - 2020/1
Module code: PRO1031
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2020/21.
These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2020/21. Detailed information on all changes is available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/coronavirus/course-changes. This webpage sets out information relating to general University changes, and will also direct you to consider additional specific information relating to your chosen programme.
Prior to registering online, you must read this general information and all relevant additional programme specific information. By completing online registration, you acknowledge that you have read such content, and accept all such changes.
Module Overview
The module provides an introduction to practical sound skills focusing on theatrical and live performance mediums.
Module provider
Guildford School of Acting
Module Leader
EVANS Gareth (GSA)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 4
JACs code: W453
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
Indicative content includes:
- Sound: a conceptual introduction, what is sound?
- Rigging and operating basic PA systems, which include a focus on the fundamental importance of the signal chain (multiple sources, mixer, amp and loudspeakers)
- Introduction to sound hardware.
- Basic tone control ( EQ and effects)
- Cabling and connectors: Common connectors: Jack, XLR, Phono/RCA, Speakon, bare end. Introducing the distinction between balanced and unbalanced connections. Introducing multicore signal cable, analogue and digital
- QLAB for theatre playback, using group cues, fade cues, editing and looping cues
- Theatrical sound department hierarchy, Sound designer, Production Sound Engineer, Sound NO.1, NO.2 NO.3 deputy.
Health and Safety: safe rigging practices, in particular hanging heavy objects (such as loudspeakers) at height, and the application of other legislation and codes of practice to sound. A brief introduction to The Noise at Work Regulations (2005)
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Practical based assessment | Practical assessment | 100 |
Alternative Assessment
Written reflective essay
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate practical skills and understanding.
The summative assessment is as follows:
Practical based task to be completed in small groups, and assessed individually.
Feedback
Summative, written feedback will be provided up to 3 weeks following assessment submission.
Module aims
- Introduce students to concepts, processes and equipment commonly found in sound reinforcement systems within a production context.
- Familiarise students with the technical vocabulary associated with sound and the importance of the signal chain and its constituent parts.
- Allow students to explore generic hardware and software underpinning complex sound systems found in the performance industry.
- Introduce students to theatrical sound disciplines.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
|---|---|---|
| 001 | Apply working practices learned in taught modules to the production process. | P |
| 002 | Demonstrate accurate application of practical skills. | P |
| 003 | Independently research to support their subject knowledge and practical skills. | C |
| 004 | Engage in the theatre production process adopting the procedures and methods at every stage of the process. | KP |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Overall student workload
Workshop Hours: 30
Independent Study Hours: 110
Seminar Hours: 10
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Provide students with the concepts and knowledge to fulfil the learning outcomes of this module and to provide time and resources for students to develop their skills in connecting and operating standard equipment and software culminating in an ability to apply and implement their skills in the delivery of a sound design porfolio.
The learning and teaching methods include:
Taught practical sessions either in studio or class environment.
Attendance at workshops, seminars, master-classes.
Site visits/industry field trips.
Practical exercises.
Tutorials.
Individual tutorial/viva voce.
This module attempts to facilitate key areas of the Programme learning and teaching strategy specifically those defining demonstration and review within workshops, rehearsals, productions, practical classes, laboratory/studio-based practice, screenings, lectures, seminars, tutorials and tutor and learner-directed practical projects evidencing core, elementary theory and practice.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PRO1031
Other information
This module’s delivery falls in Semester 1 due to the teaching occurring in Teaching Block 1.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theatre Production BA (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.