Module manager: Maria Kapsali
Email: m.kapsali@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| PECI2313 | Somatic Practice for Performance |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This studio-based module explores the key concepts and activities of somatic practice and their application to performance. Somatics is a generic term covering a range of movement approaches which emphasize internal physical perception and first- person experience. Somatic disciplines are widely used in performer training in music, dance, theatre and acting. The aim of this module is to explore specific tenets and activities of a range of somatic practitioners in relation to specific aspects of performance and performance making: including composition in space and choreography, character work, and workshop facilitation. 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.
This module will:
- Explore the historical and cultural contexts in which somatic practices emerged and operate today;
- Practically engage with key activities and pedagogical concepts of somatic and performer training practice;
- Explore the application of somatic practice into actor training and facilitation;
- Enable an understanding of the way somatic practice can support professional wellbeing;
- Develop skills and understanding in workshop facilitation.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Question the historical, cultural and ideological underpinnings of somatic practices;
2. Implement different aspects of somatic pedagogy for training and rehearsal in practical work;
3. Examine ways of incorporating elements of somatic practice in the performer’s creative practice;
4. Apply terminology and instructions of somatic practice in rehearsal, training and/or workshop facilitation for a specific audience.
5. Articulate the rationale for the choices of different somatic activities in response to a specific aspect of training/performance.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
6. Apply creative judgement to make decisions.
7. Critically reflect upon the synthesis of theory and practice in performance making.
The module consists of 11 studio-based sessions and a final presentation. Sessions will focus on specific aspects of somatic practice, looking at the work of different practitioners and different ways in which somatic practice can be applied to performance training processes. Students will also work in smaller groups towards the development of one of the briefs of the practical assessment.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Time | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Practical | 11 | 3 | 33 |
| Private study hours | 145 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will present a formative presentation of their practical assessment and they will receive formative feedback from the tutor and their peers in relation to the module criteria.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Performance or workshop followed by a Q&A | 60 |
| Coursework | Essay | 40 |
| 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: 14/02/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team