Module manager: Joslin McKinney
Email: j.e.mckinney@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module investigates the spatial, technological and material aspects of contemporary performance. Through practical workshops and reference to examples of contemporary international performance design practice that uses structures, objects, costume, lighting and other material elements as a central focus, you will gain an understanding of the possibilities of performance design. The assessment is through an e-portfolio that documents and evaluates your practical experimentation and your proposals for design-led performance. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The aim of this module is to explore performance design as a mode of theatre-making. Through practical exploration and creative experimentation, students will develop a practical understanding of key concepts of scenography (including the agency of materials, the relationship of scenography and performing/viewing bodies, composition and orchestration), create and demonstrate proposals for design-led performance, draw on theories and practices that have shaped contemporary scenography and adopt a reflective and evaluative approach to their practice.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Use experimentation and reflection in realising ideas for performance design
2. Use relevant concepts and theories of contemporary scenographic practice to evaluate their own work
3. Articulate their own creative ideas for performance design through practice and documentation of practice
Skills Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Communicate your ideas accurately and effectively when working in a group.
5. Reflect upon and evaluate the development of their creative practice.
6. Developing creative ideas through experimentation
Developing and expressing ideas for performance design;
Planning and organising practical work within available resources;
Using experimentation and reflection to test and develop ideas
Reflecting on practice to further refine ideas;
Articulating ideas verbally and in writing;
Developing vocabulary appropriate to performance design practice and processes
Through weekly tutor-led workshops and self-directed working, students work collaboratively and practically to develop and reflect on scenographic experimentation and the potential of design as a medium of theatre. Practical workshops will cover: Light and spaceProps and objects Body and costumeSound and spaceProjection and multimediaSeminars include: Discussion of module reading and viewing on key concepts of scenography (including the agency of materials, the relationship of scenography and performing/viewing bodies, composition and orchestration), examples of contemporary practice and reflection on ways of working and documenting scenographic experimentation and development of design-led performance. Students will be asked to respond to a brief and develop a proposal for a design-led performance through testing and sharing ideas through studio practice and through reflecting on the further potential of their ideas. Students record the development and evaluation of their ideas and emerging understanding in an e-portfolio format.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminars | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Practicals | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Group learning | 11 | 3 | 33 |
| Independent online learning hours | 50 | ||
| Private study hours | 84 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 66 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will be able to get formative feedback:• Through their contribution to seminars• On their creative ideas presented in workshop sessions• Feedback on their draft portfolio mid-way through the module
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team