Foundation Degree in Theatre: Performance and Production

UCAS code: W401

Awarding Body: University of Plymouth

Mode Of Study

Full time over two years.

The Programme

This contemporary and challenging course encourages new ways of thinking about the theatre and at the same time develops practical awareness of all aspects of operating in a theatre company. Students study a wide range of units in the first year covering many different aspects of theatre production and performance. In the second year you will be able to concentrate on whichever aspect interests you most as well as continuing to explore and develop as a theatre practitioner. Alongside seminars and lectures, students will organise productions and be involved in performing, directing, technical support, design or management.

The Programme Content

The course covers all aspects of theatre including performance, theatre in education, production planning, directing and scenography. The first year of the course aims to give you a basic understanding in as many areas of theatre practise and production as possible. There is a combination of practical and theoretical units with the emphasis being on the practical. Students are encouraged and supported to develop their own projects outside of the confines of the College. Work with outside organisations, companies and groups is encouraged and can often be used to assess students in addition to work set by lecturers. In the second year you will study one of two optional modules in performance or production - this then becomes the focus of your work. The students form a theatre/events management company and undertake a role as part of the company. The only limits to which are their imaginations! Students are encouraged to set up their own events/performances in addition to those scheduled

Entry Requirements

Applicants will preferably hold a BTEC National Diploma or Certificate in Drama or alternatively two awards or two A Levels at grade E or above including a drama subject area. Mature students will be considered on an individual basis taking into account work experience and any qualifications that may not be listed above, however all students should have some kind of background in performing arts.

Costs

Students will be required to purchase their own USB memory stick and will need to purchase their own texts for the course. There will also be a fee of £40 per term to cover costs associated with scripts, costumes and set materials during the year.

Venue

Barnstaple Campus

Progression

Upon successful completion students will be able to progress to Stage 3 of the BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance at Plymouth University. Almost one quarter of performing arts graduates enter a media, literacy or creative field whilst a small percentage enter some form of teaching. There are also opportunities to join theatre companies as performers, designers, technicians, directors or producers. Past students have set up and run their own theatre companies locally and nationally. Some students choose to go into events management or workshop delivery. Other more diverse career opportunities are in health care, drama therapy, administration, publishing and retail.