Modern Drama Studies – (B.A.)

Contents

Drama at Brunel has a strong practical emphasis. Your theoretical and practical work will focus primarily on contemporary performance. You will be introduced to a diverse range of practices and you will be encouraged to develop an independent approach.

You will investigate the entire spectrum of live performance, including mainstream text-based work, popular theatre and experimental performance.
The key skill areas covered are: performing, directing/devising, and writing for performance; although this does not exclude other skills (lighting and sound design, the application of technology to performance practice, etc). All curriculum work is underpinned by theory.

Level 1

At Level 1 the core programme focuses on performing including character-based work (using improvisation and text) and work on ensemble approaches to performance. There is also a digital performance module as well as a weekly programme of training in voice and movement.

Level 2

This level concentrates on performance theory and practice, examining a range of radical approaches to rehearsal and contemporary performance. It leads to presentations by specially formed companies, in which you can select acting, devising or directing (or some combination of these) for assessment. There is also a digital performance module.

Level 3

In a year-long independent project, you select an aspect of performance for advanced practical and/or critical investigation. A series of options throughout the three levels supplements this core practical work. Currently these include, critical studies in several areas, such as: directing/devising; scriptwriting, community projects; and placements with a range of arts organisations.

Typical Modules

Level 1

* Academic Practice
* Introduction to Performance Practice
* Performance Elements
* Performance Production (core for single hons only)
* Writing and Devising 1
* Digital Performance and Technology 1

Level 2

* Contemporary Performance Theory (core)
* Directing
* Experimental Performance (practical)
* Writing and Devising 2
* Investigating Acting
* Community Project (practical)
* Digital Performance and Technology 2

Level 3

* Work Placement Option (practical)
* Current Issues in Performance Practice (part practical)
* Contexts of Performance Practice
* Professional Development
* Digital Performance and Technology 3
* Special Project (practical or written) (core)

Teaching and LearningProfessional Context

Our teaching team consists of a core of full-time and part-time tutors with professional experience and is supplemented by part-time specialist tutors. There is regular contact, through visits, classes and placements, with professional practice in and around London.

AssessmentLevel 1 does not count towards your final degree mark but you have to pass this level to continue with the course. Level 2 is worth a third - level 3 the rest. The final year project is worth a third of level 3 marks.

Although several assessment methods are employed and vary according to appropriateness, there is a predominance of continuous and/or practical assessment methods throughout the programme.