Improvisation: Text, Space and Action (THTR20022)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Online
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
Overview
| Availability | Winter Term - Online |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject focuses on the exercise and application of improvisation to theatre making processes and performance. The perception and manipulation of space, text and action will form the basis of this digital exploration of the art of generating and creating new work and performance. Areas covered will include spatial, physical and vocal improvisation, writing from autobiographical and other sources including found and original texts, exploring material for performance using different thematic provocations, and composing performance material via digital, audio and video media. Students will learn to work spontaneously and to use this spontaneity in the theatrical context in both solo and group activities. The interface between improvisation skills and their use within other fields of study and your everyday life will be explored.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- utilise improvisation, text, space and action as approaches to creating theatre;
- generate performance material using impulse and kinaesthetic methods;
- identify and apply structure action generated from improvisation;
- apply ensemble-based performance creation and rehearsal room techniques;
- evaluate improvisation methodologies and practices;
- critically reflect and evaluate own improvisation outcomes.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have acquired the following skills:
- the capacity to give and receive informed feedback;
- the capacity to participate effectively in collaborative learning as a team member whilst respecting individual differences;
- the ability to trust the work process in which they are involved;
- the ability to initiate ideas and to put them into practice;
- the ability to work autonomously;
- the ability to work spontaneously with authenticity;
- the ability to analyse performance material.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Practical Online Studio Work, focusing on achievements against set criteria in areas such as: developing a methodology, transference of skills into performance and professional attitude and commitment.
| During the teaching period | 50% |
Reflection Paper
| During the assessment period | 50% |
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Dates & times
- Winter Term - Online
Coordinator Sarah Austin Mode of delivery Online Contact hours 22 hours, comprising five daily 2-hour online tutorials and five daily 2.5-hour online tutorials. Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 5 July 2021 Pre teaching requirements Students will be required to complete pre-reading and/or viewing during the pre-teaching period. Study materials will be made available via the LMS. Teaching period 12 July 2021 to 16 July 2021 Last self-enrol date 6 July 2021 Census date 12 July 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 July 2021 Assessment period ends 30 July 2021
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Science
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 20 March 2025