Learning agreement

NAME: Rosalie Tyack

COURSE: BA (Hons) Costume with Performance Design

UNIT TITLE: Self Directed Project

REF. NO./LEVEL: CSS518

WEIGHTING: 2.0

DURATION: 9 Weeks

HOURS OF STUDY: 300 Hours

Unit Leader: Adele Keeley

DESCRIPTION:

For my Self Directed Project I will be designing the costumes and set for an AUCB production of 'The Soldier's Tale' by Igor Stravinsky. The play is a short moralistic story accompanied by music which involves three main characters; The Devil, Narrator and Soldier. The Orchestra performing the music consist of 7 musicians and a Conductor who will all be on stage and hence, will need to be costumed also. I chose this project to increase the variety of subject and context within my design work and to gain as much experience as possible in different fields of performance.

This production being set in 1917, during WWI, and being set to music addresses both of these criteria especially as I will have to consider the requirements of each Orchestra member in relation to their instrument. Although I have worked in Theatre before, the responsibility required for this project is far greater than any roles I have previously had, and also relates to a future in Opera which I am considering. The experience I wish to gain as a Curator will be addressed by my work placement. However, I am hoping they will interlink as a costume museum will hold a firsthand research opportunity.

In addition to this, as written in our P.E. Unit I want to gain a better perception of the working environment as a designer. Firstly, by meeting and discussing my ideas with the Director, but also having to pitch my designs to a board as would be done in Industry. I have confidence in my ideas but I want to practise demonstrating this confidence to others by challenging myself with realistic presentation situations such as this. I want to be able to produce a coherent and professional standard of presentation that I can implement in future interviews and pitches. Furthermore, on being chosen as the designer I can then experience a collaborative environment when realising these ideas into a production which is a task I relish. Producing the set next year will also give me a full idea of what it is like to design an entire production to my specification considering the entire production team and the work it involves.

For assessment I will produce costume designs for the four main characters for the Autumn AUCB production 'The Soldier's Tale'. The designs will be fit for presentation to the public and clearly demonstrate my thought process. Some of my design development or final designs will be created and/or altered using Photoshop to increase my skill in using this rendering technique. I shall also produce a model box and white card model of my set design. The remaining design work will be completed in Level 6. In order to do this I shall perform extensive research into both the era of WWI and Stravinsky as well as analysing the Script in detail. This specifically includes first hand research such as Museum and Gallery visits. In doing so I shall have an entire understanding of the Plays context, themes and characters. (504)

Aims:

A1 To provide opportunities for self-initiated, autonomous learning

and develop the ability to plan time and work independently

A2 To provide opportunity to study the contextual development of costume and performance design

A3 To further develop the creative, intellectual and practical applications of research and contextualisation within a self initiated environment

A4 To propose, develop and evaluate professional aspirations through professional development planning

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Identify and define the context for the development of your own work towards professional aspirations

LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of the development of Costume with performance design

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LO3 Have developed the creative, intellectual and practical applications of research and contextualisation

LO4 Consolidate and demonstrate professional aspirations and planning through your Progress File

Assessment Requirements:

I will hand in 4 final costume designs for the main characters; The Devil, Narrator, Soldier and Princess. This will be accompanied by a sketch book that clearly demonstrates my thought process and design development. Within the sketchbook I must show research and consideration for the theme and appearance of the set and orchestra costumes ready to be finalised in Level 6. I will also produce a white card sketch model of my set design in a model box of scale 1:25.

This will be under pinned by personal development planning (in your blog journal) and a final written evaluation (750 words) evidenced in your Progress File 100%

Each assessment requirement must be passed at a minimum grade of 40% to successfully complete the unit

Assessment Criteria (specific criteria related to the learning outcomes and linked to the statement of generic assessment criteria matrix):

1. Evidence of knowledge of contextual and theoretical issues – The level to which you have considered the context of your project and evidenced that to your body of work (LO1, LO2)

2. Evidence of understanding through synthesis and development – The application and extend to which research has informed decision-making and project development together with the appropriate management of time (LO2, LO3, LO4)

3. Evidence of evaluation and reflection – The extent to which you have reflected on the progress of your project and used it to inform personal development planning (LO4)

4. Evidence of realisation through the communication of ideas - The presentation of your work and the level to which specialist knowledge has been applied, communicated and evidenced (LO3, LO4)

Reference Material

This will vary according to the needs of the individual project. You will define Reference Material through personal investigation and consultation with staff and list it in your Learning Agreement.

• Ewing, E. (1975). Women in Uniform, Their costume through the centuries. UK: B. T. Batsford Ltd.
• Gardner, H. (1993). Creating Minds, An Anatomy of Creativity seen through the live of... . NY: Basic Books.
• Hoare, R. (1973). World War One, An Illustrated History in colour 1914-1918. UK: Morrison and Gibb Ltd.
• Liddle, P. (1979). Testimony of War 1914-1918. UK: Michael Russell Publishing Ltd.
• Shep, R.L. (1998). The Great War: Styles and Patterns of the 1910s. (ed.2) CA: R.L.Shep Publications.
• Stravinsky, I. (1989). Suite from L'Histoire du Soldat for Clarinet, Violin and Piano (score and parts). UK: Chester Books

I have found writing a personal learning agreement a great experience as it has allowed me to fine tune my studies to focus on the aspects of my work, and character, that let me down as a designer. In particular my ability to present which this project will definitely aid my confidence as I will have to repeatedly present my idees to the director and pitch my designs. I can constantly refer back to this agreement to ensure I am reaching my potential as a designer.