TP6008 - Performance and Creative Economies

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will engage in a research-led exploration of theatre and performance commissioning, funding cultures and venue programming policies. The precise focus and thematic direction of this exploration will be devised in line with staff expertise and interests. The overall aim is to offer you an insight into the role of producers, programmers, and funders in preparation for developing competitive funding applications post-graduation. As a further focus on graduate destinations, as part of the module you will complete a live funding application (e.g. Arts Council England or Creative Scotland) that, with the support of staff feedback, can be submitted to open competitions and potentially gain funding for your graduate practice.

How will I learn on this module?

Relating to areas of staff research specialism, the module’s delivery models may vary depending to the tutor leading the work; however, in the main, the module will focus on tutor facilitated seminars, framed by student engagement with relevant research materials that might include play texts, journal articles, performance viewings (live or recorded), archival materials, online essays, blogs, podcasts etc. The module may also make use of field research (to see artworks in context or to museum exhibitions for instance), workshop activities, online tutorials and meetings, or short lectures. In all cases, tutors will support and guide you through the module by encouraging you to ask questions of each other, of the material before them and of the tutor. Discussion and debate are at the centre of the learning on the module, ensuring you develop critical thinking, reflection and communication skills across different media that will be vital to future employability and academic success.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Student’s learning will be supported in a number of ways throughout the module. The sessions themselves are structured to be responsive and to adapt as the sessions unfold and develop, and depending on the particular content and approach of the session. As a research focused module, staff will seek to engage you in discussion and debate throughout, posing questions and setting up small group tasks and activities to vary learning models. You will explore ideas with your tutors, who will ensure you are able to affirm your understanding of the ideas and materials before them, setting your up to succeed in assessment and beyond the module. Regular formative feedback in response to individual contributions and group activities will be provided by tutors, ensuring your are able to measure for yourself the progress you are making on the module.

The module's assessments (a research presentation) will be talked through with you in detail in the sessions, and support will be offered in how to research, structure and successfully deliver this exciting piece of work.

Information and resources will be available to you on Blackboard and the 'Reading List' contains links to websites and online video material which can help you develop appropriate knowledge and understanding.

Written assessment feedback will be provided within 20 working days of summative assignment submission. Access to library facilities is available 24-7 all year round.

Example reading list: https://rl.talis.com/3/surrey/lists/2D878667-518E-CA8F-E73F-EFAC17B26535.html?lang=en-US

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
? Critically evaluate contemporary venue and/or funding programming cultures in theatre and performance in defence of a persuasive proposal for future work

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
? Articulate informed creative choices made in the completion of a live funding application and evidence an ability to present timely ideas in a concise manner

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
? Evidence an informed awareness of the role current political and ethical cultures play in directing funding and programming cultures

How will I be assessed?

Formative
You will share their argument in response to the set provocation as an oral presentation. Staff and peers will offer feedback in class.

Summative
Presentation of an application for:
• a creative funding scheme (such as from Arts Council England),
OR
• further study within the creative disciplines (such as to an MA or MFA)
OR
• access to creative practice schemes (such as Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme placements)
OR
• another life application relevant to the concerns of the module (by negotiation with the Module Tutor)

The assessment comprises:
-
• an individual research presentation (c. 8-10 minutes) that pitches the proposed project with evidence of sustained engagement with relevant research materials and that responds to the live brief of the call for applications.
• an accompanying c. 1000-word outline application

While critical enquiry and rigorous research will underpin the presentations, students will be encouraged to think creatively about the form their work takes.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

What are the current politics of programming and producing work in the UK? How do you get funding for your graduate work? What schemes are available and what do they require? In this module you will engage in a research-led exploration of theatre and performance commissioning, funding cultures and venue programming policies. The precise focus and thematic direction of this exploration will be devised in line with staff expertise and interests. The overall aim is to offer you an insight into the role of producers, programmers, and funders in preparation for developing competitive funding, further study, and wider creative industries applications post-graduation. As a further focus on graduate destinations, as part of the module you will complete a live application (e.g. to Arts Council England or Creative Scotland, for an MA/MFA recruiting that yeat, or to a creative industries placement scheme) that, with the support of staff feedback, can be submitted to open competitions and potentially gain funding for your graduate practice.

Course info

UCAS Code W405

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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