This course is a practical and critical exploration of professional theatre practices including the fields of dramaturgy, performance and producing. Via an appropriate placement, students will be encouraged to work with professional theatre makers to explore the various dimensions of contemporary practice, for example in respect of script development and/or in support of the rehearsal and production process.

Depending on nature of the placement

None

None

1 x 1500 word placement plan (20%)

1 X 3,500 word critical report based on placement (80%)

The course aims to:

■ introduce students to the practical world of professional theatre, with a view to informing subsequent career choices;

■ deepen students' understanding of the potential roles in contemporary theatre and performance practice;

■ deepen students' understanding of how theatre companies or related arts organisations, and specific practitioners within them (for example, dramaturgs, producers, literary mangers, directors), operate;

■ acquaint students with a specific professional role (for example, director, producer, dramaturg, administrator);

■ encourage students to test their theoretical/conceptual understanding of theatre practices and policies against the realities faced by companies and practitioners.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ understand the specific realities of an area of professional theatre practice;

■ develop and use skills towards effective working with theatre companies or related arts organisations;

■ critically analyse how specific aspects of professional theatre function in relation to theory and policy;

■ work collaboratively with professional practitioners on artistic projects and be more capable of contributing fully to such projects in future.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.