EA165-4-FY-LO:
Foundation Skills in Construction and Stage Craft

The details
2023/24
East 15 Acting School
East15 (Loughton) Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 28 June 2024
15
15 April 2021

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

EA198, EA199

Key module for

BA DKAS Stage and Production Management

Module description

The Foundation Skills – Construction & Stagecraft module will enable students to:
1. Understand the roles and responsibilities of the construction department.
2. Use hand and power tools and bench machinery safely.
3. Construct scenery using a range of materials.
4. Apply a range of techniques in the making of scenery. Fit up and secure scenery safely, including flown scenery.
5. Move and assemble scenic units safely.
6. Use appropriate theatre and workshop terminology.
7. Understand how to read and interpret designers plans and drawings.
8. Use further processes, following construction, required to finish scenery.
9. Understand the use of rehearsal notes.
10. React positively to changes communicated throughout the rehearsal process.
11. Interpret ground plans in relation to staging and rigging.
12. Work competently and safely at height.
13. Have an awareness and understanding of Manual Handling.
14. Understand the process for get-ins, fit-ups, strikes and get-outs.
15. Gain an understanding of health & Safety and the importance of risk assessment.

Module aims

1. Support the development of the stage and production management skills in the areas of scenic construction and stagecraft at introductory level.
2. Introduce students to the roles and responsibilities of the Construction department in the theatre production process.
3. Teach basic practical theory.
4. Introduce students to methods and processes that enable them to:
interpret texts and designs effectively
think analytically
research possible outcomes
communicate ideas, possible solutions, and technical information in relation to Set Construction
5. Teach basic core practical set construction skills for the safe construction and assembly of stage sets.
6. Develop methods of problem solving, negotiation, and personal management.
7. Develop abilities to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a Construction department.
8. Develop stagecraft skills
9. Introduce the students to the importance of Health & Safety and risk assessments.

Module learning outcomes

Understanding of:

1. The roles and responsibilities within the construction department and how construction skills can support the stage manager.
2. Methods used in fitting up and securing scenery safely.
3. Appropriate theatre/industry and workshop terminology.
4. Construction of different types of scenery.
5. How to apply a range of techniques in the making of scenery to a varying degree of complexity.
6. Working to deadlines and schedules.
7. How to interpret designs and plans.
8. Responding to the requirements of an artistic team throughout the production process.
9. Appropriate Health and Safety procedures.
10. How to work in and/or manage a team.
11. How to work independently.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

Small group practical classes, lectures, seminars, presentations, tutorials, independent study, supervised rehearsals, Production projects, a log book to support the learning experience through the module and a reflective evaluation.

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Reflective Evaluation    20% 
Practical   Portfolio & Continuous Assessment    80% 

Additional coursework information

Assessment is based on the ability to achieve the learning outcomes of the module related to the overall criteria contained in the Year One Assessment Form and Grading Descriptors. Formative assessment and feedback is given throughout the module and Summative assessment is undertaken at the end of the term in which the module is taken and marks issued to students on the Assessment Form together with written tutor comments. Students must pass both elements of the assessment to pass the module.

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Mr Alexander Purser, email: a.purser@essex.ac.uk.
Alex Purser and staff
abpurs@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Ms Emma Ruth Hansford
LAMDA
Lead Practitioner Stage Manager
Resources
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.

 

Further information
East 15 Acting School

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