DTV3200 Introduction to Theatre Directing Course description

Directing is the study of the director’s work in a theatre production. Central to the course is the knowledge and understanding of all the practical and artistic options available to the director, with particular emphasis on staging and directing actors.

The main focus is on the director´s artistic work viewed in light of the professional, ethical, aesthetical, historical, cultural, and political considerations. Directing is an integral part of drama and theatre. The course gives a foundation for working with theatre and instruction in pedagogical/educational contexts.

Applicants may be able to take this course as an individual course if there are vacant places.

Passed DT1000 Drama and Theatrecommunication or equivalent and DT2000 Dramaturgy or equivalent for students in bachelorprogramme.

After completing this course, the student has achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has knowledge of theatre as an art form from the perspective of the actor and the director
• has knowledge of drama as a genre, theatre-oriented text analysis, and how to develop a directorial concept
• has knowledge of the instructor as a pedagogue, the instructor's role as a leader, problem identifying, and problem-solving.

Skills

The student

• can direct and guide children, youth, and adults in theatre work from both pedagogical and artistic perspectives
• can integrate acting techniques aids in instruction and directing work.
• can carry out various theatre processes from the planning of a production to the final performance
• is capable of leading theatre productions in educational and recreational contexts.
• can consciously apply visual and technical elements.

General competence

The student

• can plan, carry out, and evaluate various theatre processes with children, youth, and adults.
• can discuss artistic choices and contribute to the development of good practices.

The course is largely based on learning in collaboration with others. Such a learning process requires time spent together and cooperation. Therefore, it is expected that students are present and actively participate in classes and group work. The course is highly process-oriented and relies on independent activity from the students, regarding both practical and theoretical work.

Various work methods are used. The work will primarily take place in practical workshops, where discussions and testing of ideas will be accompanied by seminars and lectures. Students will have significant responsibility for their learning, organization, and completion of group work. Lectures, student-driven teaching, and guidance will be provided as needed.

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can sit the exam:

• Plan, present and evaluate individual and group performances, both as an actor and as director.

Compulsory attendance at teaching activities:

The students cannot be absent for more than 20% of teaching and supervision activities.

The exam is divided in two parts:

Exam part 1. Performance followed by an oral discussion

Evaluation is based on aesthetical, ethical, and pedagogical criteria. The theatrical form of expression, adjusting to the participants, the content of the piece, and various framework conditions must be upheld by the student. The student´s reflections and analysis of the performance, as well as the process leading up to the final performance, are also assessed.

Normally the examination takes place individually, but it can also be taken in small groups.

A performance followed by an oral hearing counts for 60 percent of the final passing grade.

The exam result cannot be appealed.

2. Exam part 2. Written assignment.

A written assignment that includes a professional research question related to the performance in part-examination 1, and relevant theory. Aesthetic, ethical, and pedagogical considerations related to framework conditions and choice of expression/form are included in the exam.

The scope of the assignment is between 3500-4000 words (not including table of content and bibliography).

The assignment counts for 40 percent of the final passing grade. The exam result can be appealed.

In some cases, the practical/oral group exams can be held as individual exams.

Both parts of the exam must be awarded the grade E or better in order for the student to pass the course.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

A to E for passed. F for failed.

Part-examination 1 and 2 is assessed by an internal and an external sensor. It is intended that the sensors are the same for both exams.

The plan is to have the same sensors for both parts.

Christine Helland

There is a 100% overlap with the course ZREGI05 Theatre Directing - Amateur Actors.