Course 2015-2016 a.y.

Course Objectives

The performing arts workshop aims at discussing and critically analyzing the most important managerial and policy issues performing arts’ organizations have to face in the field. The analysis does not focus only on legitimate or highbrows performing arts organizations (i.e.: opera, theatre, classical music) but it considers agencies organizing pop music concerts, contemporary dance companies, musical theatre, contemporary circus and arts festivals.  Some of the themes that are covered in the course are: how to appreciate a live performance, education and higher access to performing arts, how to manage the audience experience, how to produce a show, the relationship between performing arts and the media, European public policies for the performing arts, how to build an artist career. The workshop has an applied flavor: students are given the opportunity to meet practitioners and experts in the field and, while developing a field project, to experiment themselves as consultants for some of the most important Italian performing arts organizations.

Course Content Summary

The workshop has been outlined as a triple path through the field, structured as follows:

• Curating the Performing Arts: this is an overview on the aesthetics and forms of contemporary performing arts. Students take the perspective of the curator performing in depths analysis of the modalities in which performances are made and displayed.
• Performing arts in Italy and Europe: in this part, students have the chance to analyze advanced topics concerning the performing arts field. We tackle issues like how to produce and distribute opera and theatre, how to manage the audience experience, how to guarantee access to arts and how to develop educational programs, what is the role of governments in the field, how to launch new artists and what is the job of an artist agent, how to organize concerts and events, how to exploit technology to improve the performing arts field.
• Field induction: in this part, student meet practitioners, artists, policy makers, they have guided tours in the major performing arts agencies and organizations in Milan, and they perform as "consultants" of major performing arts organizations while developing their field project.

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

For non attending students:

Written exam on reading materials and one book.

For attending students:

• Analysis of a programme (in class-critique): (30%).
• Final exam exam: (30%).
• Fieldgroup project: (40%).
  

Validity: all exam sessions of a.y. 2015/16.

Textbooks

For non attending students:

• T. STEIN, R.J. BATHURST, Performing Arts Management: A Handbook of Professional Practices, Allworth Press, 2008.

For attending students:
Course material provided by professors.

Prerequisites

This workshop is primarily addressed to ACME students who wants to make their career in the performing arts and entertainment fields. International students willing to attend the course are welcomed but they should evidence strong interest and commitment (as professional or non professional artists or as spectators) in the performing art field.