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Literature and Theatre

COL @ The Lyceum: An Introduction to Theatre (10 credit points)

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

What does it take to be a civic theatre in 21st Century Scotland? This course offers the opportunity to explore the workings of one of Scotland's leading building-based producing theatres. Through a mixture of lectures, talks, tours and practical workshops, students will learn about modern theatre programming and production.

Please note, this course takes place at the Lyceum Theatre.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Content of Course

The aim of this course is simple: by the end of the course students will understand how Scotland’s leading building based producing theatre works and be able to discuss how it makes theatre – everything from why a particular play is chosen through to the taking of the words from page to a full-scale show.

Students will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of The Lyceum Theatre and discover what it takes to create a show for the stage.  Lectures topics will include:

  • Discussions on the different types of theatre and theatre production
  • Programming and planning a theatre season
  • Participation, engagement, and communications with audiences
  • A concept meeting session
  • There will be workshops on the role of a director, and the set and costume design process in addition to exclusive tours. 

Using this learning, students will be asked to consider the directors’ and designers’ approach to plays and review the impact that staging and creative decisions have on a production and what, if any, these changes make for the audiences in terms of the themes, metaphors and meaning of plays.

Teaching method(s)

Students will learn in a supportive, small group setting, and care will be taken to ensure all students are encouraged to participate actively. Students will be expected to take part in lectures, group activities and practical workshops throughout the course. Attainment of the learning outcomes will be evident through participation in the workshops and class discussions and, if working towards credit, will be evidenced in the final assessment. Lectures, talks, and practical workshops.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students should be bale to:

  • Demonstrate awareness of the considerations, decisions, and challenges associated with the artistic direction and programming of a working theatre;

  • Analyse and respond creatively to scripts, theatre practices and methodologies, constructing and communicating arguments using recognised terminology both orally and in writing;

  • Compare, contrast explore a range of production skills by considering aspects such as set design, costume, marketing, staging and casting when creating a show.

  • Collate and present ideas clearly and creatively.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

  • Bolton, G., 2014. Reflective Practice: writing and professional development. 4th ed. Los Angeles: SAGE.

  • Byrnes, W., 2015. Management and the Arts. 5th ed. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.

  • Brayshaw, T., Fenemore, A. & Witts, N. eds., 2019. The Twentieth Century Performance Reader. 1st edition ed. London: Routledge

  • Fortier, M., Fischlin. D., 2014.  Adaptations of Shakespeare: An Anthology of Plays from the 17th Century to the Present. Taylor and Francis, 2014.

  • Hill, E.  O’Sullivan, T., O’Sullivan, C., 2012. Creative Arts Marketing. Jordan Hill: Taylor and Francis.

  • Moon, J., 2006. Learning Journals: A Handbook for Reflective Practice and Professional Development. Oxford: Routledge.

  • Varbanova, L., 2013. Strategic Management in the Arts. New York ; Routledge

Recommended:

  • Booth, M., 2018. Shakespeare and Conceptual Blending: Cognition, Creativity, Criticism. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Breed, A. & Prentki, T., 2018. Performance and Civic Engagement. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Cox, P., 2000. Reading Adaptations : Novels and Verse Narratives on the Stage, 1790-1840. Manchester University Press.

  • Cummings, L. B., 2018. Empathy as Dialogue in Theatre and Performance. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Stevens, L., 2016. Anti-War Theatre After Brecht: Dialectical Aesthetics in the Twenty-First Century. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Woodson, S. E. & Underiner, T., 2018. Theatre, Performance and Change. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Journals:

  • International Journal of Arts Management. Montréal: Chair in Arts Management, École des hautes études commerciales, 1998.

  • The Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society. Washington, DC: Heldref Publications, 1992.

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.