Performing Arts BA (Hons) Comedy: Writing and Performance
What’s it about?
Comedy has become an increasingly significant area of art and entertainment, in live performance and in film, TV, radio and podcast. This innovative new programme focuses on the study of comedy writing and performance from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
Salford is ideally placed to develop this area of study, having established the first UK module in Stand-Up Comedy in the early 1990s. High profile alumni include Peter Kay and Jason Manford. Our team of performance and creative writing academics combine sophisticated theoretical understanding with high-level practical and creative skills. Salford University is home to the Salford Comedy Conference, where researchers from around the world share their comedy expertise.
The North West is a base for comedy production: the BBC and a number of independent companies have established Manchester/Salford as a source of comedy writing and performing.
What will I learn?
The programme covers key aspects of comedy writing and performance through core modules, complemented by an exciting range of options that apply skills and knowledge to different comedic forms and media. You will develop the professional skills necessary to communicate with an audience, to develop a comic persona and to create your own work. You will learn about the production process in TV and radio and learn the skills appropriate to be a scriptwriter, script editor or producer. You will also learn to appreciate the social and cultural environment in which the comedy performer operates and be able to engage with the work from an informed and critical perspective.
You will have access to industry-standard recording and editing facilities, as well as a well-stocked library of books and DVDs relevant to your field of study.
In the year 1 you will trace the history of comedy from its earliest recorded beginnings, explore how comedy has become big business and examine how the industry works, and develop your skills as a comic performer and writer.
In year 2, you will further develop your skills as a comedy scriptwriter and focus on developing a script for radio comedy.
In year 3 you will have further opportunities to develop your skills as a scriptwriter, stand-up or as a performer in radio or TV sitcom. A major part of your final year will be taken up with a Comedy Project – a student-led, team-built original creation, and a chance to build what may be your professional calling card.
Modules include: • Stand-up • Comedy Improvisation • TV Comedy Performance • Clowning • Comedy and British Cinema • Comedy Scriptwriting • Comedy and Identity
How will I learn? You will learn though various teaching methods: lectures on critical theory followed by seminars; practical classes for putting theory into practice and developing your skills; project-based work including major performance projects; and tutorials and masterclasses from visiting professionals. Students are required to be increasingly responsible for their own learning as they progress, thus preparing them for the industry. An important part of learning in this programme is to make the most of opportunities for extra-curricular activities organised by the programme team. These currently include opportunities to audition for the graduating students’ Performers Showcase which takes place before an audience of agents and casting directors and opportunities to attend masterclasses with visiting leading professionals.
Where can I get a job?
The programme offers you the skills necessary for a career in live performance as a stand-up or as a comic actor, or as a scriptwriter or script editor in TV, film or radio. Production career paths include producer, director, impresario, and other roles in management and talent development. Salford has a reputation for providing the industry with highly skilled and dynamic graduates, whose names can regularly be seen on television and theatre credits, both as performers and ‘behind the scenes’ creatives. In recent years a number of graduates have successfully set up their own companies.
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3 good reasons to study this programme at Salford
• Work with professional comedy writers and performers
• Perform in public theatre, comedy and cabaret venues
• Learn about the business and acquire production skills
Typical entry requirements 300 UCAS points
We encourage applications from students with equivalent qualifications and recognise experience of adult learners see page 27 for further details
www.salford.ac.uk/course-finder has a full list of entry requirements
Programme details
Duration: Three years full-time
Average teaching contact time: Year 1: 6 weeks of workshops (5 half-days a week) otherwise 15 hours a week Year 2: 8 weeks projects (all day every day) then 9 - 10 hours per week Year 3: 4 weeks projects (all day every day) 6.5 hours per week
Assessment: Practical classes assessed either by an in-class presentation/ assignment or a project-based performance. Critical theory modules assessed by essay. You will also take part in a major final-year comedy project, in which you will be assessed on both your rehearsal process and performance
Programme code/s: W890
Employment and/or further study
87% of Media, Music and Performance graduates go on to employment and/or further study within six months of graduating
Further details from Course Enquiries Service +44 (0)161 295 4545
course-enquiries@salford.ac.uk
www.smmp.salford.ac.uk
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