Managing the Performing Arts

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
• Convenor: to be confirmed
• Assessment: a 5000-word critical essay (100%)
  

In this module you will acquire the range of skills and theoretical understanding needed to conceive, plan, manage and evaluate a range of performing arts activities or policies. You will understand the challenges faced in conceiving, planning and managing different types of performing arts and performing arts projects for a variety of arts organisations (from commercial to subsidised organisations, small independents to national flagship companies).

You will be able to identify, analyse and critique different management models used within performing arts organisations. You will be able to plan a performing arts project, using the most effective practices, to fulfil specific creative, social, political and economic agendas from conceptualisation through to evaluation and legacy. And finally, you will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of performing arts theory to justify work practice in managing and conceiving performing arts practice.

Indicative syllabus

• Defining the performing arts: theories and frameworks
• Agendas and the performing arts (policy, economics, social engineering, artistry) - participation
• Site-specific and unconventional spaces
• Intercultural performance
• Touring, digital/new technology, marketing and performing arts
• Funding, creative financing and individual tuition
• Leadership and managing in the performing arts sector
• Organisational cultures and work processes
• Leadership for today and tomorrow
• Equality issues, and public vs. private contexts will be discussed throughout