Year 2 (national level 5):
Core modules:
Focus on cabaret performance, examining the key ideas with which cabaret is associated, its origin and history, and its form and content. Learn about cabaret’s association with social critique and political satire, which is examined through practical workshops that address skit, slam, burlesque, neo-burlesque, music, song, drag and heels. Participate in a multi-disciplined performance and explore cabaret’s ambition to challenge social norms through an analytical essay.
- Approaches to Creative Practice (40 credits)
Explore the concepts, processes and people involved in the transferral of a play text to the stage working with professionals at Live Theatre in Newcastle. Gain an introduction to relevant practices through examination of selected key exponents, beginning in the studio and progressing to working in a site-specific context. Learn about the process of dance composition as a choreographer, with a focus upon the relationship between dance and music.
- Mid Showcase Performance (20 credits)
Further your awareness of the performance requirements of specific contexts whilst enhancing your skills in movement, character, voice, and related fields where appropriate. Focus on ‘authenticity’ including emphasis on projection and interpretive skills and issues related to the circumstances which form the setting for the event, for example social and cultural expectation. Undertake research to inform your practice and consider the transferable nature of your artistry. Realise your work within a pertinent context, for example Washington Old Hall, a studio / virtual environment, Beamish Museum and Sunderland Minster.
- Arts Identity and Industry (20 credits)
Gain an insight into selected current topics and issues in the industry, for example: Identity; Performing Bodies; Arts and Disability; Arts and Health; Arts and Education; Effective Preparation and Application; and Corporate Arts. Deepen knowledge and understanding of one of these areas via a project proposal for funding, informed by research into current initiatives.
- Musical Theatre Practice (20 credits)
Investigate the terminology ‘hit musical’ with reference to the implications this may have on the wider production. Research and explore two to three Musicals of your choice in order to understand why they might be considered a ‘hit’, for example ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975) – cult following, ‘The Lion King’ (1997) – financial success or ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (1988) – longevity. Become familiar with a range of musicals from both Broadway, West End and Film adaptations in order to interpret the relationship between the components of the genre, for example music, dance and drama. Participate in practical lectures that will further develop and challenge your performance skills within the primary discipline of musical theatre, including aspects such as characterisation, audition preparation, vocal and dance ability. Explore the synthesis of your own skillset through the realisation of a public performance in an ensemble context. Develop an understanding of key components of a Musical including subtext, use of fantasy, and contextual issues. Focus upon one or selected musical theatre extracts during directed rehearsals. Perform within a professional setting for an audience, working as an ensemble.
