This module concentrates on the core dramaturgical activity of production research and development, investigating input in the planning and rehearsal process, both within text-based theatre and devised performance (including dance and other theatre genres). The module will begin with a practical element allowing Dramaturgy students to work closely and collaboratively with the Directing students on a number of tasks culminating in the Autumn Showcase performances. This will be complemented by a study of current productions from a range of genres, facilitating discussion, investigation and critique from a dramaturgical perspective. You will also examine how these productions are accompanied by publicity material, such as programme notes, and educational material and activities, in order to communicate their artistic ideas. Accordingly, you will learn to frame, understand, and support creative ideas and concepts and to translate and communicate these appropriately to a variety of targeted audiences by creating and developing informative and competent publication texts, brochures, education material, as well as audience events. Throughout the module, you may have contact with professionals, guest lectures and specialist workshops; you may also have the opportunity to meet artists and lead post-performance discussions. Or you may have an opportunity to run workshops for Playwriting students. Your acquired skills-set will then be tested by working on and contributing to a student-lead project with students from other M-Level specialisms, which will culminate in public performance at the end of spring term, where you will take on the role of the production dramaturg.

Participating fully and with commitment, you will develop:

·     comprehensive understanding of the working methods and practices of dramaturgy,

·     enhanced creativity and proficient research skills in order to develop innovative and original ideas as part of the creation of new theatre performance, aided by familiarity with the repertory of texts for theatre and other stimulus material,

·     sophisticated ability to analyse, evaluate and assess dramaturgical concepts, both your own and those of others, and to implement and supervise their realisation,

·     advanced competence in communicating creative artistic ideas and performance contexts both to collaborators in rehearsal, and to an audience by means of production publicity, research packs, educational events and activities, and in other appropriate formats, anticipating and evaluating problems, and inviting feedback and response, and

·     ability to apply effectively dramaturgical skills within a production process to professional level. 

In addition to these specialist skills, you will also gain the following generic skills:

·     creative and imaginative thinking, displaying artistic originality and critical sensitivity,

·     team-working skills and the ability to contribute to common targets in a professional context,

·     proficiency in the autonomous development and efficient self-management within an extended project phase,

·     critical reflective skills aiding the competent evaluation and assessment of work practices and improving problem solving and constructive engagement,

·     skills in information retrieval, synthesis, evaluation, and application supported by an efficient use of information technology and other knowledge resources, and

·     an advanced efficiency in communicating complex issues effectively and in appropriate styles towards target audiences in a variety of oral, written, and practical ways. 

Assessment & Deadlines 

This module is assessed 100% on continuous assessment by coursework:           

20 % Project Management and contribution to any group tasks    

40 % 30-minute Presentation/Workshop outlining concept, rationale, working methodology leading towards Dramaturgical Project        

40 % Dramaturgical Project (including 2000 words reflective analysis), totalling 4,500-5,000 words. 

The Dramaturgy Presentation/ Workshop

Your task is to create a workshop for your peers which will present, but also experiment with the ideas associated with issues of production dramaturgy (topic to be discussed and confirmed with the tutor beforehand).You may utilise your Autumn Term practical project as a means of reflecting on the working practices you have tried out and/or work in anticipation of your Dramaturgical Project. The quality of your presentation will be enhanced by a clear and focused Research Question that you might be trying to address through both theory and practice.

This workshop will take place between weeks 15 -19 and will last for 30 minutes including Q and A. 

Dramaturgical Project: Documentation and Analysis 

It is advisable that you get involved in two different practical projects - one as part of the Autumn Showcase, and the second as part of the Spring Festival. It is possible that a Spring Festival project might be dramaturg-initiated if you follow pitching procedures that will be advertised early in the Spring Term (this may include creating a new play, an adaptation or an installation).

Although there will not be a submission following your first project, you should record and use this first experience as a systematic learning experience (in terms of what did and did not work for you in the process, or in your relationship with the members of the creative team you were involved with). We will meet following the autumn showcase for a debrief in order to set some parameters for your second project which will be assessed through a submission.

Your submission following the Spring Festival should consist of a Project Portfolio. This will include a selection of various materials, such as a Production Concept; Script/Edit; Research Summaries or other material created for the director/designer/actors…; Press Releases; Programme Booklets; Educational Material, etc.In addition to this material, you will offer an evaluative and analytical critical essay (approx. 2000 words) on an aspect of your creative process.

The full submission should total approx. 4,500-5,000 words.

This course takes place across both the Autumn and the Spring Terms and you should put the following dates in your diary:

Week 2 - pre-meeting Designers, Dramaturgs, Directors (time and place to be confirmed)

Week 3 - 'The Tin Ring' and Performance and Memory ETRN panel, 14^thOctober  

Week 3 - 'A Celebration of Dramaturgy', Southwark Playhouse, 16th October

Week tbc - workshop with Ian Rickson on Hamlet  

Week 7 - 'Jerusalem' at Apollo Theatre London, 9th November 

Weeks tbc - your Autumn showcase rehearsals

Week 10 - 'I, Malvolio' by Tim Crouch in the Gulbenkian, 29^thNovember

Week 11 - workshop with Natalie Abrahami on Lorca's Yerma, Gate Theatre (7 December)

Please liaise with Peter Boenisch about your collaboration and shared opportunities with the Directors in the Autumn Term.

Weeks 13-19 (please note that some sessions are shared with, replaced by or take place in the DR837 slot - see below):

                                                   DR862 Prod. Dramaturgy               DR837 Placement

                   (3-6PM, Thu, Aphra)                  (Various times)

*Each student is entitled to three 15-minute one to one sessions throughout the term including surgeries in week 14