UAL Project Proposal

Section One – Rationale

I have studied acting, dance and singing. I have done acting for film, radio and theatre. I have done
classical, ballet and contemporary dance. I have sung Christmas carols and love songs. Across acting,
dance and singing we have worked in themes, for example Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare) and
Metamorphosis (Berkoff). I’ve had the opportunity to perform live on many occasions - taiko
drumming at the Christmas lights turn on, the College Carol service at Exeter cathedral and singing
Christmas songs around Exeter. Also I have participated in the International Women’s Day march.
These performances have improved my skills in terms of team work, collaboration and
communication and also my confidence performing at public events. Working in collaboration with
my peers within acting went well and has influenced my choice of acting for my final major project,
plus I struggled with some dance routines so chose my strongest discipline.

Section Two – Project Concept

Our final major project (FMP) is called The Great Shout. This is based on women’s suffrage and votes
for women. We are celebrating some women getting the vote in 1918 after a long fight for equality
with men. 2018 is the centenary of these women winning the vote in the UK. This influenced the
theme for our FMP. Our actual performance is based on the suffrage fight before the vote was
actually won.

I am researching the suffrage movement and some prominent individuals in the suffragette group
e.g. Emeline Pankhurst. I have focused some attention on the famous Hyde Park rally of 1908. I am
going to research the way suffragette women were treated in prison as this will help me develop my
character of Potter, a disenchanted prison guard. Potter is a character in Her Naked Skin by Rebecca
Lenkiewicz. This text is a key resource for our FMP along with Oxygen by the Dreadnought South
West Association which we are using for our ensemble acting piece.

We are also singing The Pankhurst Anthem as an ensemble piece for our FMP. My research for this
has included looking at the composer and how other people have interpreted the anthem. It’s
important the FMP includes both ensemble and individual performances. My role as a tenor in the
anthem will be important for the success of the final performance as I have a strong powerful voice.

Section Three – Evaluation

I will evaluate my work as I progress by asking my peers for some feedback and comments. My
tutors will also offer feedback. I will set targets and review them after the performance. There will
also be feedback from the audience. I will record changes to my ideas and decisions on my Weebly
website as I go along. One of my main challenges is to improve my attendance and ensure I attend
all rehearsals so I can collaborate positively with my peers. To do this I will keep liaising with my
tutor and checking my attendance on My EILP.
Section Four – Production Schedule/Action Plan
Weeks 1 - 3

Research and Exploration:

This first phase of the project explores the theme of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, through a
series of practical workshops, group discussions and personal research into the topic. I will reflect
on my explorations in class and set targets for development. I will reflect on:

• Talk from the Fawcett Society

• International Women’s Day march and events

Weeks 4 - 10

Pathways – Creating the work

• I will begin work in my pathway group to create performance work for the showcase.

• I will work with my lecturers to explore, select, rehearse and refine the work.

• I will take regular footage of my rehearsal process in order to show the development and
refinement of my piece

• I will set myself weekly targets and reflect honestly on my progress against these.

• I will show how research has been used to develop and influence my ideas

Weeks 11 – 12

Tech and Dress

I will take part in technical and dress rehearsals for the FMP Showcase.

I will work professionally and be punctual, prepared and attentive in all tech rehearsals.

Performance

I will perform in 2 performances of the final showcase, a matinee and evening performance, on June
7th 2018.

I will demonstrate how I’ve developed my performance skills across the year and how I can
communicate to an audience and work as part of an ensemble.

Evaluation

I will evaluate the FMP project, my process and final performance and include this evaluation on my
website. I will use question prompts to support me to complete this final part of the unit.
Section Five – Research Sources/Bibliography

Useful Websites:

https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/history/britsuff/suffrage/revision/1/

http://www.unwomen.org/en

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Useful videos

https://youtu.be/H-2He8cNHdw

Plays/Reading:

Lenkiewicz, Rebecca 2008. Her Naked Skin. Faber & Faber Ltd, London.

Paxton, Naomi (Editor) 2013. Suffrage Plays. Methuen Drama, London.

Swale Jessica 2013. Blue Stockings. Nick Hern Books, London.