Master of Dramatic Art (Direction)

Full time student must commit 40 hours per week, and part time students must commit 20 hours per week.

During the preparation of the 2,500 word course proposal, students will receive tutorial assistance from the course coordinator/supervisor. At this stage, the boundaries of the project will be agreed upon between the student and the supervisor. Students will then receive regular individual supervision, throughout the period of their research, and will be required to make regular reports on the progress of their project.

They will also be required to attend a formal interview with their course coordinator, and/or supervisor, at the end of each semester at which their progress will be discussed. Records will be kept of the discussion.

Candidates are expected to have extensive experience in theatre direction.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The major research project:

• research activity is expected to encompass both practical exploration and historical/ theoretical investigative methodologies; and
• will culminate in the public presentation of a work, or series of works directed by the student. This will be supported and complemented by a research paper of 15,000 words.

The objectives are

• to provide an opportunity for candidates of proven ability to undertake advanced work in direction in a chosen area of specialisation;
• to extend the expertise, knowledge, leadership skills, initiative, collaborative skills and self confidence of the candidate;
• to develop appropriate skills for the documentation, description and analysis of directorial processes;
• to promote the development of theatre in ways relevant for the contemporary age, whilst building upon the traditions of the art form;
• and, to make a singificant contribution to both theatre and directorial practice in Australia.

Assessment will be by two external examiners. Performance work(s) (70%); Research paper (30%).

The various aspects of course seminar work are hurdle requirements. Students must submit three copies of the research paper plus three videotape copies of the performance for examination in accordance with Statute 12.5.1, within the period of candidature.

The award of the Master of Dramatic Art (Direction) requires successful completion of all parts of the assessment requirement.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of the course students should be able to:

• exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to a practising visual/performing artist;
• demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation.
• demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication;
• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional visual/performing artist in the 21st century;
• work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of visual/performing artistic environments;
• contribute to a range of visual/performing arts environments as artistic collaborators and leaders;
• demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities;
• understand and appreciate how the visual and performing arts connect with the broader society and contribute to its social and economic development; and,
• understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.