Code: DRA003
Title: Physical Theatre: Roll Up Roll Up!
Pre-requisites: DRA001 and/or DRA002
Coordinator: Ms Sue Lonsdale

This unit explores the techniques and conventions of physical theatre. Physical theatre is a unique dramatic form in which the performers focus upon the movement of their bodies to create meaning. Physical theatre is visually powerful.  By exploring physical theatre you will appreciate the ways in which this dramatic form can create powerful and engaging theatre.

Topics

• Establish our own Physical Theatre Company
• Participate in Physical theatre workshops and exercises
• Participate in Circus workshops and exercises
• Experiment with masks
• Study physical comedy
• Perform a Physical theatre script to an audience

Assessment

Students will complete three major pieces of assessment:

• Mr Browne's Clowning Journal DOWNLOAD
•  Download
• Masked Ritual Piece (Due Mid-Term 4)
• Research Assignment (Due end of Term 4)

At completion students should know

• How to devise and refine scenarios, both individually and as part of an ensemble, using elements and conventions appropriate to physical theatre
• How to present a rehearsed, polished performance applying physical theatre performance skills
• How to identify and evaluate the application of dramatic elemetns and conventions of physical theatre used in their own work and that of others

At completion students should be able to

• Identify the techniques of a physical theatre perfromance
• Develop movement skills to create counter balances and contact roles
• Apply a process to create, record and perform a physical theatre performance
• Apply skills of performing with masks
• Devise and present a physical theatre performance to a primary school audience

Literacy elements

• Development of subject specific vocabulary
• Modified curriculum for students in need of extension or special consideration
• Use of a range of learning sources

Integrated technology

• Internet
• Word processing
• QTC ed online workshop with artists

Assignment guidelines

Please refer to the Assignment Guidelines on how to set out bibliographies and references.  

Resources

• 1 x A4 Exercise book
• 1 x Manilla folder

Related Links

• Arena Theatre Company
• Legs on the Wall Physical Theatre
• Dislocate Acrobatic Aerial Theatre
• Frank Theatre
• Bedlam Oz
• Circa
• Flying Fruit Fly Circus
• Circus Oz
• Chunky Move
• Zen Zen Zo