MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (QCF)

2014 2015

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS 2014 2015 BRIEF IVD: CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI (29/10/2014)

Qualification Unit Number And Title

Pearson BTEC HND Diploma In Performing Arts

Unit 68: Theatre Directing

Actor Name Assessor Name

Alex ONeill Carleigh-Ann Portelli

Date Issued Completion Date Submitted On

03/11/2014 03/12/2014 02/12/2014

LO Learning Outcomes (LO) AC Assessment Criteria For A Pass Task Evidence

LO1 Understand how theatre directing has developed into its contemporary form and range.

1.1 Critically evaluate significant practitioners and movements in the development of theatre directing.

1 Logbook, Blog, Observation

1.2 Explain the way in which theatre directing can respond to a cultural and social context.

1 Observation, Blog, Logbook

1.3 Critically assess the work of contemporary theatre directors, defining their work in detail.

1 Observation, Blog, Logbook, Scrapbook

LO2 Understand the role, skills and methods of a theatre director.

2.1 Explain the role of a theatre director. 2 Observation, Blog

2.2 Evaluate the skills that a theatre director needs.

2 Observation, Blog

2.3 Justify methods used in theatre directing.

2 Observation, Blog

LO3 Be able to work with an ensemble in the rehearsal and realisation of a performance.

3.1 Create and sustain a productive working relationship with performers.

3 Observation, Video, Blog

3.2 Select and justify rehearsal methods that prepare performers for a particular performance style or text.

3 Observation, Video, Blog

LO4 Be able to realise and evaluate a performance.

4.1 Direct a production within given constraints.

4 Logbook, Observation, Scrapbook

4.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of the process and performance and produce strategies for development.

4 Logbook, Observation, Blog

Assignment Title Newspaper Project

Actor Declaration

I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged.

Actors Signature: AO Date: 02/12/2014

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (QCF)

2014 2015

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS 2014 2015 BRIEF IVD: CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI (29/10/2014)

In Addition To The Above PASS Criteria, This Assignment Gives You The Opportunity To Submit Evidence In Order To Achieve The Following MERIT and DISTINCTION Grades

Grade Descriptor Indicative Characteristic/s Contextualisation

M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions.

An effective approach to study and research has been applied.

Detailed and elaborate research from a mixture of primary and secondary sources has been conducted and reflected within the work.

M2 Select/design and apply appropriate methods and techniques.

Relevant theories and techniques have been applied.

A range of techniques, styles, practices, have been applied to workshops and have contributed to the generation and evolution of material.

M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings.

The communication is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences and appropriate media have been used.

Communication is altered to suit the needs of all actors and information is delivered effectively so that all intended outcomes are met.

D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions.

Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success.

Developments and changes to the work have been made by the director and all improvements have been fully justified.

D2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities.

Substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organised.

Workshops and rehearsals have been fully planned, managed and organised without aid.

D3 Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative thinking.

Receptiveness to new ideas is evident. Material has been generated and evolved through collaboration and compromise.

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (QCF)

2014 2015

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS 2014 2015 BRIEF IVD: CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI (29/10/2014)

Assignment Brief

Unit Number And Title Unit 68: Theatre Directing

Qualification Pearson BTEC HND Diploma In Performing Arts

Start Date 3rd November 2014

Performance Date 25th 27th November 2014

Logbook/Scrapbook Deadline 2nd December 2014

Tutorial Dates 3rd December 2014

Assessor Carleigh-Ann Portelli

Assignment Title Newspaper Project

Purpose Of This Assignment The aim of this project is to enable actors to understand the role of the theatre director in the realisation of performance and to explore the history of directing as well as contemporary methods and approaches.

Scenario You must direct groups of actors to create material based on newspaper headlines. Working under the guidance of your directors (Carleigh-Ann Portelli and Gavin Brocker) you will construct a coherent piece of theatre that will be performed to an audience.

Task 1: (LO1: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3) (M1) You are required to understand how theatre directing has developed into its contemporary form and range. You will be assessed on the evidence you provide for the following tasks.

Research Jerzy Grotowski, Vsevolod Meyerhold and Peter Brook. Use your research to write a 1000 word document comparing and contrasting the impact they have had on the industry. (1.1)

Choose a theatre director currently working within the industry. Research their theories, methods and recent work. Explain in detail how their work is having an impact on society today. (1.3)

Read and research an article in the news that youre particularly passionate about. Decide how you, as a theatre director, would respond to the issues raised in the article. Present your idea to your fellow company members in a creative way indicating how your response will: 1. Address, challenge and affect the issues raised in the article.

2. Impact target groups and provoke a social response. (1.2)

To achieve M1, detailed and elaborate research from a mixture of primary and secondary sources will have been conducted and discoveries will be reflected within the work.

Task 2: (LO2: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) You will need to understand the role, skills and methods of a theatre director. You will be assessed on the evidence you provide for the following tasks.

Engage in a company discussion/debate about the role, requirements and responsibilities of

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (QCF)

2014 2015

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS 2014 2015 BRIEF IVD: CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI (29/10/2014)

a theatre director. (2.1)

Adopt the characteristics of an influential theatre director/practitioner and be interviewed about the skills needed to be a theatre director. Your character must be able to justify the methods used in theatre directing. (2.2, 2.3)

Engage in weekly discussions on the blog site that evaluate your progression as a theatre director and the skills you need. (2.2)

Task 3: (LO3: 3.1, 3.2) (M2, M3, D2, D3) You must be able to work with an ensemble in the rehearsal and realisation of a performance. You will be assessed on the evidence you provide for the following tasks.

Select appropriate exercises for rehearsals and lead your group of actors in workshops that prepare them for the final presentation. (3.2)

Cast actors in appropriate roles that suit their ability and aid the overall piece. (3.1)

Create and sustain a productive working relationship with performers ensuring that all actors understand your role within the process. (3.1)

To achieve M2, a range of techniques, styles, practices, will be applied to workshops and will contribute to the generation and evolution of material. To achieve M3, the directors communication is altered to suit the needs of all actors and information is delivered effectively so that all intended outcomes are met. To achieve D2, workshops and rehearsals will be fully planned, managed and organised without aid. To achieve D3, material will be generated and evolve through collaboration and compromise.

Task 4: (LO4: 4.1, 4.2) (D1) You are expected to realise and evaluate your performance. You will be assessed on the evidence you provide for the following tasks.

Direct a devising process with your group of actors and create usable material for the final piece. (4.1)

Write an overall evaluation of the process and performance highlighting its effectiveness. (4.2)

Write a personal action plan highlighting your weaknesses and construct strategies for development as a director. (4.2)

To achieve D1, developments and changes to the work will be made by the director and all improvements will be fully justified.

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (QCF)

2014 2015

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS 2014 2015 BRIEF IVD: CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI (29/10/2014)

The Outcome And Result Of Performance In Practical

Summary Of Evidence Required By Actor

Evidence Presented

Task 1 Actors Logbook. Scrapbook. Company Blog Site. Director Observation.

Actors Logbook. Scrapbook. Company Blog Site. Director Observation.

Task 2 Director Observation. Company Blog Site.

Director Observation. Company Blog Site.

Task 3 Director Observation. Company Blog Site. Video Footage.

Director Observation. Company Blog Site. Video Footage.

Task 4 Director Observation. Company Blog Site. Actors Logbook. Scrapbook.

Director Observation. Company Blog Site. Actors Logbook. Scrapbook.

Sources Of Information

Examples Of Theatre Practitioners:

Vsevolod Meyerhold

Bertolt Brecht

Jerzy Grotowski

Peter Brook

Robert LePage

Augusto Boal

Dario Fo

Euginio Barba

Jacques Lecoq Examples Of Contemporary Theatre Directors:

Lloyd Newson: DV8 (Director)

Scott Graham: Frantic Assembly (Co-Director)

Paul Miller: Orange Tree Theatre (Artistic Director) Emma Rice: Knee High Theatre Company (Director)

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (QCF)

2014 2015

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS 2014 2015 BRIEF IVD: CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI (29/10/2014)

Achievement Summary

Qualification Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma In Performing Arts

Assessor Name Carleigh-Ann Portelli

Unit Number And Title

Unit 68: Theatre Directing Actor Name Alex ONeill

Higher Grade Achievements (Where Applicable)

Grade Descriptor (Merit)

Achieved? (Tick)

Grade Descriptor (Distinction)

Achieved? (Tick)

M1: Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions.

D1: Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions.

M2: Select/design and apply appropriate methods and techniques.

D2: Take responsibility for managing and organising activities.

M3: Present and communicate appropriate findings.

D3: Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative thinking.

Criteria Reference

To Achieve The Criteria The Evidence Must Show That The Actor Is Able To:

Achieved? (Tick)

LO1

1.1 Critically evaluate significant practitioners and movements in the development of theatre directing.

1.2 Explain the way in which theatre directing can respond to a cultural and social context.

1.3 Critically assess the work of contemporary theatre directors, defining their work in detail.

LO2

2.1 Explain the role of a theatre director. 2.2 Evaluate the skills that a theatre director needs. 2.3 Justify methods used in theatre directing. LO3

3.1 Create and sustain a productive working relationship with performers. 3.2 Select and justify rehearsal methods that prepare performers for a

particular performance style or text.

LO4

4.1 Direct a production within given constraints. 4.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of the process and performance and produce

strategies for development.

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (QCF)

2014 2015

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS 2014 2015 BRIEF IVD: CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI (29/10/2014)

Assignment Feedback

Formative Feedback & Observations (Assessor To Actor)

Presentation Feedback:

Interesting concept of removing our ability to use our legs.

Effective decision taken to make us travel from the foyer with limited movement.

How much further could you have pushed us? Didnt maximise the potential of physical restriction.

Good choice of contrast between the inability to walk and breast enlargement.

Didnt fully invest in the counterpoint. How many more outrageous contrasts could you have explored?

Interesting set up and use of dim lights and sound effects.

Presentation ended on a negative/pessimistic note. How can you turn a negative into a positive? Your audience are more likely to want to have a response if they feel there is hope and their help will actually make a difference.

Rehearsal Feedback:

Struggling to take command of the room. Dont be afraid to intervene when the rehearsal becomes laboured.

The director always needs to be one step ahead of the actor.

Focus on your positioning within the space. Your position in the room will either engage the actors or force them to disengage.

When asking for feedback you need to ask questions to provoke responses.

Never feedback what you liked always state what worked.

Your feedback should be definitive and never hesitant.

Never give a not using the term I think, always use I know.

Be clear with your responses and confident with your directions.

Never tell the actors that you dont know.

Always monitor when the group is losing focus and try to ascertain what it is that is causing the distraction.

The use of music should always aid the atmosphere and not simply provide a distraction.

If the music is too loud the actors cannot hear your commands. Equally you cannot hear that they are distracted and talking.

Personal Feedback:

Be ambitious with what you can achieve but dont be unrealistic. At times you are choosing to explore material and workshops that are well beyond the level of experience that the actors have. The actors should always be stretched but the objective of the workshop should never be out of their reach.

Never allow your frustration in the actors to hinder your work on the floor. On occasion you have struggled to separate your annoyance with the lack of focus from the task at hand and the progress of the material has consequently suffered.

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (QCF)

2014 2015

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS 2014 2015 BRIEF IVD: CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI (29/10/2014)

Action Plan (02/12/2014 Discussed 03/12/2014) (Actor To Assessor)

Always plan the workshop before the session.

Become more sensitive to the actors needs.

Do more research on the subject and find more sources of inspiration.

Summative Feedback Alex, throughout the process you have worked extremely hard to build and sustain a professional working relationship with the actors and this consequently allowed you to create a dynamic piece of theatre that contained moments of great complexity. You displayed an excellent understanding of the actors needs and responded with sensitivity to the atmosphere of the rehearsal space. You must ensure that your frustration with the actors does not dominate your overall attitude towards the work. At times your expectations were slightly unrealistic and you consequently approached the rehearsal with a defeatist attitude because targets that you had laid out were not being met. Your choices and decisions have been consistently brave and you never failed to take risks with the work and the acting company. It was clear that you enjoyed working alongside your fellow directors and material was independently created through collaboration and compromise. I encourage you to keep working on your strengths. Well Done!

Feedback (Actor To Assessor) Strengths:

Physical creativity.

Professionalism. Set a good example for the actors.

Good collaboration with other directors. Weaknesses:

Struggled bring creativity to the story/plot.

Struggled to find the balance of how to communicate with the actors.

Failure to plan ahead.

Tasks

Send off your UCAS application with a complete and amended personal statement by 20th December.

Decide on one appropriate contemporary monologue, one classical monologue and one character song by 15th January.

Assessor Signature CAP Date 03/12/2014

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (QCF)

2014 2015

MISKIN THEATRE BTEC LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS 2014 2015 BRIEF IVD: CLAIRE LOUISE PORTELLI (29/10/2014)

Actor Signature AO Date 03/12/2014