REHEARSAL PROJECT 1: SHAKESPEARE - 2021/2

Module Overview

The project begins with a consideration of how each actor accesses the dynamic possibilities of the open stage, and an open approach to storytelling. The work on verse-speaking will encourage actors to use their own natural voice and physical expressivity to explore some common rhetorical schemes, to find embedded stage directions, and to explore the performance opportunities presented in these and other features of Shakespeare’s language. Developing exercises will investigate some of the possibilities inherent in the theatre conventions of Shakespeare’s time, such as universal lighting, continuous staging, and direct audience address. Some classes may or or may not be taught online.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

BESSELL Jaq (GSA)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Classes in verse speaking use short excerpts of text to familiarise the student with the performance opportunities embedded in the text. Rehearsals of scenes provide opportunities to synthesise skills acquired in this module and in other aspects of the course. Some sessions may or may not be taught online.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

1 Creative and imaginative approaches to Shakespeare’s plays in rehearsal and performance

2 The ability to evaluate the relationship between the performer, the narrative, and the performance conditions of Shakespeare’s plays

3 A sophisticated understanding of Shakespeare’s verse style and genre

4 Effective collaborative strategies in rehearsal.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Continuous assessment of the student’s engagement with classroom activities and rehearsal practice. This addresses 1, 2, 3 and 4, above.


Feedback 

Informal formative verbal feedback from tutors will be provided via class activities, email exchange, and personal tutorials.

Module aims

• Help students develop a systematic rehearsal practice in response to a classical text.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Masterclasses and rehearsals of scenes (120 hours)

• Daily journal entry, and independent research and study (30 hours)

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: ACTM039

Other information

Under the three term structure that commences from academic year 2019/0 – this module’s delivery falls in Semester 1 due to the teaching occurring in Teaching Block 1.

Programmes this module appears in

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 2021/2 academic year.