TECHNICAL SKILLS AND STAGECRAFT - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module allows students to gain an understanding of, and empathy for, the administration, practice and artistry of technical theatre disciplines other than stage and production management. These disciplines include lighting, video, sound, construction and stagecraft. This module will work closely with Introduction to Stage and Production Management to form the foundation of students' future practical development.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

BURGESS Mig (GSA)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

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

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

The module will consist of a series of seminars and practical classes with the ability to apply these skills through in-class exercises and/or on show roles within the GSA production calendar.

Indicative taught elements may include:

• Introduction to scenography


• Workshop induction


• Stagecraft


• Lighting


• Sound


• Video


• A formative technical exercise


• Module debrief and assessment guidance

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to empower students to demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcomes through a combination of practice and analytical thinking.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Continuous assessment of their practical work in the in-class exercise and/or on assigned production roles (learning outcomes 1 - 4)


• a scenographic analysis of one of the productions or in-class exercise they contributed to (learning outcomes 2, 4 and 5) 

Formative Assessment

Students will be set two formative assessment tasks. The first will consist of the basic setting up and operation of relevant technical theatre systems in a small group setting. The second will consist of writing a group scenographic analysis of an assigned text.

Feedback

Students will receive feedback through a number of channels. Students will be given feedback on both formative tasks from academic staff. Students are also expected to use their reflective skills and knowledge of production process to generate their own feedback. As they are working within problem-based learning activities (in-class exercises and/or assigned productions), the activities themselves will provide feedback in the form of completing tasks within the schedule, the morale of the group, quality of outcomes etc. All professional creatives and technicians assigned to the production and/or academics coordinating the in-class exercises will provide official feedback which will be discussed with the student in individual tutorials. At the completion of the module, the students will also be given, and have the opportunity to give, their peers feedback through the debrief seminar.

Module aims

• To shape a more sustainable future society
• To assume managerial roles in the global creative industries, or to pursue further academic study, by developing knowledge and skills, agility, resourcefulness and resilience
• Confidently, critically, and creatively use of a full range of digital technologies for information, communication, and problem-solving in creative contexts
• Create, lead, innovate, challenge and change the global creative industries for the better
• Utilise creativity to build innovative solutions to problems
• Become effective communicators and team players.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: offer students authentic experiences in which to apply their learning and analyse the contribution that technical theatre disciplines make to audience's experiences. This approach allows students to demonstrate the achievement of the learning outcomes through contributing to production-related activities that simulate professional 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: PROM015

Other information

Guildford School of Acting is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

Sustainability

Students will be expected to demonstrate commitment to sustainable production practices throughout their practical work. Specifically, contributing to the sustainable development goals of good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, and climate action will be directly relevant and assessable. Depending on the specific projects and roles students undertake other sustainable development goals may be appropriate.

Resourcefulness and Resilience

By placing students in supported real life production projects they are given the responsibility to demonstrate the resourcefulness and resilience required of independent proactive professionals. They will develop this resourcefulness and resilience by applying their skills and knowledge to find creative solutions to the problems posed by mounting projects within the creative industries. The students' ability to develop these skills will be facilitated and supported through the multiple channels of feedback and support offered.

Digital Capabilites

Students will be introduced to and be expected to use a wide range of digital tools as used within the global creative industry. These may include Computer Aided Design software, Digital Audio Workstations, digital and networked lighting, audio, and video playback equipment, and other digital systems suitable for the administration and coordination and artistic realization of theatrical productions.

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 2025/6 academic year.