20808 - LIVE PERFORMANCES
Department of Social and Political Sciences
Course taught in English
Go to class group/s: 31
Course Director:
ALEX TURRINI
ALEX TURRINI
Suggested background knowledge
This course dives deep into the live performance sector, giving you key insights into its unique dynamics and demands. It’s a hands-on opportunity to transform foundational management skills into real-world applications—creating, producing, and staging live performances. A basic grasp of management fundamentals is key to making the most of the sessions and successfully developing the field project.
Mission & Content Summary
MISSION
In this course, we view performing arts organizations as dynamic constellations, each composed of interconnected professionals whose roles, though distinct, come together in often unseen ways to create live performances. Our mission is to uncover these intricate dynamics, helping you understand the unique ecosystem that defines this field. We’ll begin by exploring the rich traditions of opera and ballet, then delve into the various constellations that bring a performance to life: from the artistic talents to the staging experts who execute the vision, and the management team who orchestrate planning, budgeting, and audience engagement—all working in harmony to achieve the theater’s shared purpose.
CONTENT SUMMARY
The course is divided into three main sections:
The first section focuses on the managerial constellations within the performing arts, examining the roles of impresarios, producers, and managers responsible for planning, budgeting, and coordinating production. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities these professionals hold and the challenges they face in leading performing arts organizations.
The second section provides tools to analyze and critically appreciate live performances, with a special focus on opera and ballet. Students will explore how to interpret and critique performances, developing an informed perspective that moves beyond personal taste and is grounded in the history and evolution of these art forms. This module also includes exercises in criticism, allowing students to take on the role of critics and refine their analytical skills.
The third section explores the artistic constellations, diving into the roles of directors, choreographers, and all those creative workforces that are involved in designing and staging a performance. This segment offers insights into the collaborative processes essential to live production.
In the final project, students will apply their knowledge by developing, producing, and staging an original live performance event based on Through The Frame, a work by Professor Marco Pelle—one of Italy’s most internationally acclaimed choreographers.
This course will not only cover the fundamental aspects of managing live events but also provide a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate the main theaters in Milan and the City's dynamic performing arts scene.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the course student will be able to...
- to appreciate live performances as complex works of art.
- to explain how live performances are conceived, produced, and distributed.
- to identify key industry dynamics within the performing arts sector.
- to recognize the constellations of professionals working in the performing arts field.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the course student will be able to...
- to identify and pursue a personal and a professional path inside the performing arts sector.
- navigate and engage effectively through the performing arts scene and its community.
- to build a network of relationships with key players in the industry.
- to apply management skills to produce a live performance event.
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Guest speaker's talks (in class or in distance)
- Company visits
- Practical Exercises
- Individual works / Assignments
- Collaborative Works / Assignments
DETAILS
This workshop takes an applied approach, offering students the chance to engage directly with practitioners and artists and providing opportunities to visit some of Milan's leading performing arts organizations.
Assessment methods
| Continuous assessment | Partial exams | General exam | |
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ATTENDING STUDENTS
With the purpose of measuring the acquisition of the above-mentioned learning outcomes, attending students’ assessment is based on two main components:
1. Group project (50% of the final grade) aimed to test the students’ ability to apply knowledge accrued during the course.
2. In-class critique/review (20% of the final grade) consisting of an essay to assess students’ ability to appreciate performing arts.
3. Learning Journal (30% of the final grade) aimed to assess students’ understanding of the topics discussed in class and in the readings.
NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS
Students’ assessment will be based on the final written exam to assess students’ understanding of the topics discussed in the books.
Teaching materials
ATTENDING STUDENTS
Course materials provided by professors in class.
Materials will be communicated in the syllabus at the beginning of the course.
NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS
Rhine, A. (2018). Theatre management: Arts leadership for the 21st century. Palgrave. (ALL)
Homans, Jennifer. Apollo’s Angels: A History of Ballet / Jennifer Homans. London: Granta, 2011. Print. (ALL)
Last change 11/11/2024 12:20