Improvisation: Text, Space and Action (THTR20022)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

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Winter Term
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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 be able to:

  • 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: 29 April 2025