Key facts
UNE unit code: THEA530
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information

The role of the director in theatre performances is critical. They are responsible for leading the whole creative and technical team towards their vision for the play. This unit will help prepare you for a career in the theatre, whether you aim to direct or perform in productions, or you desire a future as a drama teacher.
In this unit you will learn about theories of and approaches to directing for theatre. You will analyse, evaluate and interpret theatre scripts and other texts for performance.
You will also have the opportunity to demonstrate your directing skills and methodologies and explore the work of the director in a series of collaborative performances.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | Starts 10am on the first day. Finishes at 4pm on the final day. The full timetable for the school will be distributed at the first session. This school is for Online students only. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- apply advanced academic and theatrical skills to research on the role of the director and a variety of directorial approaches and processes;
- apply advanced expertise, independent creative thinking, and critical evaluation to the interpretation of theatre scripts and other texts for performance;
- demonstrate mastery of cognitive, technical and creative directing skills;
- exercise initiative and expert judgement in planning, problem-solving and decision-making and work effectively in collaboration and independently; and
- communicate complex concepts effectively in written, oral and performance forms.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 - Assurance Task 1 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Directing Exercise 1. Students must achieve at least 25/50 across both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Research Task No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task 2 | Yes | 35% | Trimester 1, Online | Directing exercise 2 (includes dramaturgical research). Students must achieve at least 25/50 across both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 35% | Trimester 1, Online | Directing exercise 3 (includes script). No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Directing with the Michael Chekhov Technique
ISBN: 9781474284035
Monday, M., Methuen Drama 2017
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
The Director's Craft: A Handbook for the Theatre
ISBN: 9780415404396
Mitchell, K., Routledge 2008
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
The Viewpoints Book
ISBN: 9781559362412
Bogart, A. and Landau, T., Theatre Communications Group 2004
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
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