INTRODUCTION TO STAGE AND PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module is designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of stage management within the UK theatre and global live entertainment industry. Students will study all foundational aspects of stage management practice whilst being encouraged to consider the pivotal role of stage management as creative facilitators within the production process. They will then put this into practice in a time critical production environment. Students will work in support of both the assigned departmental work and explore the collaborative nature of production through the communication and delivery of a live performance. Working within their peer group, freelance and in-house production teams, students will be able to apply and evidence skill acquisition across pre-production, production and post-production roles and responsibilities.

During this module students will be introduced to the concept of sustainability in production as it relates to stage management.  This will be guided by the principles and guidance of the Theatre Green Book, particularly as it relates to stage management practices such as prop making/sourcing, rehearsal management and performance management. Students are equipped to apply this learning practically in GSA and external production projects.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

FRANKLIN Jo (GSA)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 30

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:  Production processes Facilitating the cast and creative team. Script analysis. Rehearsal management. Performance management. The propping process Introduction to score reading. Production role at an appropriate level within the stage management department. Students will work within a small team under the supervision of production staff, and contribute to the preparation, research and realisation of all or any components required for the performance. Students may work variously with freelance/professional teams, student peers, or in-house technicians on a range of GSA presentations, which may or may not be streamed and may or may not be performed to a live audience.

 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

NA

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for this module consists of:

Summative assessment: A production notebook, demonstrating understanding, reflection, evaluation and analysis of the stage management processes of theatre production.

Formative assessment A group presentation based on analysis of a given play text and creation of appropriate stage management documentation.

Feedback: Tutor and peer feedback for the formative assessment will be given immediately following the presentation. Informal verbal feedback will be given during practical sessions. Written feedback for the summative assessment will be provided within 3 weeks of the submission date.

Module aims

• Introduce students to all practical and organisational aspects of professional stage management
• Enable students to place stage management within the global context of live performance
• Advance students' understanding of the management of a production through practical experience of production processes from rehearsal to returns
• Develop transferable skills of professional presentation, self management, people management, communication and organisation

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

Taught seminars and practical sessions Group presentation Seminars Tutorials Practical production work Independent research/study

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: PROM011

Other information

GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

This module has a capped number and may not be available to ERASMUS and other international exchange students. Please check with the International Engagement Office email: ieo.incoming@surrey.ac.uk

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 2023/4 academic year.