New Work (MUST30005)

Students work in a creative development format with professional artists-in-residence. Students will participate in short-term intensive workshop periods that may range from new musical theatre works, to physical theatre, to avant-garde form, to children’s theatre. The primary skill development is in the possible use of improvisation, cold and/or sight-reading and adaptiveness to new forms and input in service of the writer, composer or choreographer. Whilst students will have an experience of active participation as collaborator/performers, at other times they will be required to become a ‘working audience’, acquiring skills in giving constructive feedback and critical response to work in which they have not been primarily engaged. Following this, students will be required to create and perform a new short work. The style and content of these works will be dictated by the particular skills and interests of the student but must involve at least two of the ‘triple threat’ areas of singing, dancing and acting. Initial introductory workshops will focus on devising skills and understanding form. With much of the emphasis on autonomous creative practice and self-direction, tutors will provide regular feedback, guidance and provocation towards new directions. As with all year 3 subjects, a high level of preparation and autonomy is expected, with students exhibiting strong organisational skills and confident application of technical and artistic principles in self-directed work