HND media Performance Theatre Projects – level 1

Assignment Brief

You will take part in, and contribute to the creative production of a full-scale public performance. The projects are attempt to simulate professional theatre practice through a short and concentrated rehearsal process. 

You will be assigned to one of the three projects. Each project company will be responsible for all elements of the project process with staff support where necessary. Whilst it is hoped we can gainfully employ all students with acting roles, many students may wish to become more involved with other elements of the project, e.g. design (costume, lighting, sound), construction/production (set building, rigging) Publicity (posters, flyers, programmes), assistant direction, stage management. As such, your role may be a combination of responsibilities.

You will attend rehearsals as required but you must be prepared for long days and some evening/weekend rehearsal, particularly during production week.

Your aim is to present yourself as a professional – hungry, enthusiastic, punctual, polite, thoughtful, energetic, determined and focused. Pride in your work and respect for your co-workers/director are essential requirements for this module. You will perform your assigned roles(s) throughout the rehearsal process, meeting all deadlines (learning lines etc) that your director may give you.

Once you move into the performance space the ‘show’ becomes the responsibility of the production team. All calls will be given by your assigned company production manager.
You will be required to stay after the last performance is completed, until you are given clearance by your company production manager. The project is not completed until the performance space has been cleared, set struck, costumes and props returned etc. 

You will be assessed on your creative and practical/technical contribution to the process and your performance on the production nights. Your contributions and achievements during the rehearsal process will be evaluated by your director and will be used to moderate your performance grade. Your final assessment will be based on a combination of process and performance grades, balanced by the artistic director under the guidance of full-time academic staff who will assess your performance on the nights. 

Two absences = FAIL PROJECT Two late arrivals = one half absence
However, four late arrivals = FAIL PROJECT 

Where a student is likely to fail a module due to absences, they should nonetheless complete the project as the Exam Board may condone a pass if mitigating circumstances are presented

Upon completion of the project you will submit a critical report – 1000-1500 words, word processed/typed and double-spaced. Deadline – 2weeks after performance
The piece should, with the wisdom of hindsight, contain 3 sections: 
a) critical response to the project, 
b) reflective analysis detailing what positive contributions you made to the project
c) indication of any specific areas of weakness where you need to improve in the future.


Assessment criteria

• Commitment to the project:
- professionalism
- reliability 
- attendance
- punctuality
- effort.

• Group collaboration:
- response to the director and other members of the cast
- communication skills
- positive and constructive attitude. 

• Personal contribution to the creative demands of the piece:
- initiative
- imagination
- self–discipline
- management of personal roles and responsibilities.

• Performance skills:
– vocal (articulation, expression, projection)
- physical (clarity, control, body language, facial expression and gesture) 
- spatial awareness and creative contact with other performers
- concentration, energy, pace and timing. 
- performance intelligence (sight lines, finding the light etc.)

If appropriate, students who have other responsibilities (e.g. assisting with lighting/sound, publicity) will also be assessed on their organisational ability and technical aptitude.

Stage Management
Organisational ability
Personal initiative and self-discipline
Creative contribution to the project
Technical skills

Assistant Director
Organisational ability
Personal initiative and self-discipline
Creative contribution to the project
Response to the director and performers