Essentials of Performance Arts 1 (5 ECTS)

Objective

The student is familiar with the main themes in the history of live performance technology and the performing arts. They understand the connection between the current state of live performance technology and its history. The student knows the key developments in live performance and theatre technology from the past to the present. They can critically assess the current state and future prospects of their profession in relation to history and recognise the impact of technological advancements on the sector and the workplace. The student is familiar with key stakeholders in the Finnish performing arts industry and has a comprehensive understanding of the sector. They also know the basic concepts of dramaturgy and can identify dramaturgical structures in texts.

Content

• Main themes in the history of western performing arts
• Main themes in the history of live performance technology
• Fundamentals of dramaturgy

Location and time

1.9.2025-19.12.2025, all sessions in Zoom.

Materials

To be announced.
Instructions on the use of materials can be obtained from the Classroom workspace in the beginning of the course unit at the latest.

Teaching methods

Lectures, learning assignments, performance viewings

Employer connections

The contents of the course are reflected on student own work experience. Excursions to theatres and museums.

Exam schedules

No exam.

International connections

Lectures of international guests.

Completion alternatives

Must be agreed with teacher of the course unit.

Student workload

Lectures (Zoom) 24 h
Excursions to performances and museum 12 h
Learning assignments (Classroom) 99 h

Content scheduling

More information about the contents is available on Classroom Workspace.

Further information

The course requires at least 80% attendance. The procedure for replacing the absence is agreed with the teacher in charge of the course unit. The schedule of the course can be found in Lukkari. All parts of the course must be completed successfully. The final submission date for the tasks is 15.12.2025. The partial completions of the course are valid for one year from the start of the course. Similarly, the final submission date for any separately agreed make-up tasks is one year from the start of the course.

Lectures and Zoom-sessions will be recorded for the participants. The recordings will be distributed for example by Microsoft Stream and Google Classroom. The recordings will be available for 2 years. If a student will not want to participate recordings, student should discuss with lecturer.

Partial use of AI-based tools is possible. The instructions for using AI-based tools are task-specific.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is familiar with the main themes in the history of live performance technology and the performing arts. They can describe the evolution of live performance and theatre technology from the past to the present. The student can assess the current state of their field. The student has a satisfactory understanding of the basic concepts of dramaturgy and can identify dramaturgical structures in texts.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student knows the main themes in the history of live performance technology and the performing arts and understands how the current state of the performing arts is linked to past developments. They can describe the evolution of live performance and theatre technology from the past to the present and understand how these developments have impacted the sector. The student can assess the current state and future prospects of their profession in relation to history, and present well-founded views on the impact of technological advancements on the sector and the workplace. The student has a good understanding of the basic concepts of dramaturgy and can identify dramaturgical structures in texts.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has extensive knowledge of the key developments in the history of live performance technology and the performing arts and understands how the current state of the performing arts is linked to past developments. They can describe the evolution of live performance and theatre technology from the past to the present and analyse how these developments have impacted the sector. The student can assess the current state and future prospects of their profession in relation to history, and present well-founded views on the impact of technological advancements on the sector and the workplace. The student has an excellent understanding of the basic concepts of dramaturgy and can apply their dramaturgical knowledge.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is familiar with the main themes in the history of live performance technology and the performing arts. They can describe the evolution of live performance and theatre technology from the past to the present. The student can assess the current state of their field. The student has a satisfactory understanding of the basic concepts of dramaturgy and can identify dramaturgical structures in texts.

Assessment methods and criteria

Attendance and learning assignments 50%
Performance analysis assignments 50 %