2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PECI5403M Writing for Theatre and Radio

30 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Adam Strickson
Email: a.j.strickson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Acceptance on to MA

Co-requisites

PECI5101M	Research Perspectives
PECI5402M	Story Workshop

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module gives a solid creative and practice-based experience of theatre and radio writing while encouraging peer group co-operation and criticism. It gives a practice-based insight into the structure of traditional theatre and radio scripts, while introducing and encouraging alternative and experimental approaches. The students are expected to read widely in theatre and radio scripts, to listen to radio plays and attend a range of live theatre so that they are familiar with the context in which they are writing. The students produce a critical commentary on their work (2,000 - 2,500 words) to demonstrate reflective practice.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to ...
To identify the distinctive characteristics of the major performance writing genres of theatre and radio - and write with competence in one or both of these forms
Research, plan and complete a performance script of approximately 30 minutes duration, together with a treatment and reflective commentary
Feel confident in using the basic craft skills essential to theatre and radio writing
Engage creatively and critically with the theory and practice of dramatic writing

Learning outcomes
An understanding of the technical and imaginative requirements for professional theatre and radio scriptwriting
An ability to analyse theatre and radio scripts
An awareness of contemporary work in these genres

Syllabus

The theory and practice of performance writing in relation to live theatre and radio
Styles, genres and conventions in writing for theatre and radio
Classical dramatic narratives and experimental alternatives for theatre and radio writing
Character, language and theme
Skills in editing and redrafting work in response to tutorial and peer criticism
Responding critically to live theatre and radio in a diverse range of styles as a stimulus for creative work
The professional approach to researching and planning a script
The dramatic text in production, including the devised production
The stage space: architecture and possibilities
The place of written drama in contemporary theatre and radio
Marketing possibilities for new theatre and radio scripts

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	1	2.00	2.00
Practical	1	3.00	3.00
Seminar	8	2.00	16.00
Tutorial	2	0.50	1.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

In addition to their writing, students are required to pursue their own reading of contemporary scripts. They are expected to experience live theatre performances, particularly those involving new writing, and to listen to radio drama. They are required to extend their knowledge of relevant critical studies and craft-based books, and to plan and write their own scripts.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Informal reading of treatments and first five minutes of scripts between weeks 6 and 7.
Group tutorials, where two other students and the tutor have read the above – weeks 7 & 8.
1st draft available for informal tutor advice and peer advice – week 10
Script drafts in action prior to final drafting - week 11
Final draft and commentary due in the second week of January.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	30 minute script for theatre or radio, approx 5000 - 5500 words	75.00
Critique	Critical commentary on script, 2000-2500 words	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 15/05/2017

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