EA603-7-SP-LO:
Shakespeare
2024/25
East 15 Acting School
East15 (Loughton) Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
30
01 March 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA W41212 Acting (International),
MA W412MO Acting (International),
MFA W41220 Acting (International),
MFA W412MO Acting (International)
This MA/MFA Acting (International) module introduces some of the most compelling, and challenging, theatrical material written in English. It focuses on the development of skills and techniques for understanding, speaking and communicating Renaissance text, with an emphasis on the handling of verse, rhythm, inflection and pace.
The module also allows students to gain confidence and techniques for understanding archaic and heightened text. The module also contains a study of the original performance context of Shakespeare's plays, and a critical review of experimental approaches to Shakespeare production.
The module aims to:
1. Enable students to develop their understanding of the meaning and mechanics of Shakespeare’s text
2. To introduce students to specific vocal techniques for the performance of Renaissance text
3. Consider how a range of archaic and contemporary performance settings influence the actor’s and director’s approaches to Shakespeare in performance
4. Study a range of analytical and experimental approaches to script useful to the actor
5. Develop students’ clarity, accuracy, and expressiveness in speaking Renaissance text
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
1. The ability to understand an early-modern theatrical text, including a familiarity with the main theatrical conventions inherent in the script
2. Clarity and control of the voice in speaking and acting Renaissance text
3. The ability to recognise and respond to distinctive features of Renaissance text such as verse/prose distinctions, use of metre and rhyme, aside, soliloquy or song
4. An understanding of, and ability to apply, appropriate vocal and physical techniques to the creation and performance of a Renaissance character.
5. The ability to handle complex dialogue in performance
Practical assessment of scenes in workshop production;
Individual reflective actor’s logbook (3000 words)
Practical classes, workshops and/or rehearsals
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Process |
|
40% |
| Coursework |
Performance |
|
60% |
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
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Ms Monica Wilson, email: wilsonm@essex.ac.uk.
Monique Wilson
email wilsonm
No
No
No
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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