From Page to Stage

This practical CPD course is designed for theatre practitioners, performers, educators, directors, and creative professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of how dramatic texts are transformed into live performance. It explores key theatrical movements, practitioners, playwrights, and performance approaches while examining the creative decisions involved in bringing a text from page to stage.

Participants will gain practical insights into text analysis, character development, directing, rehearsal processes, and performance design, developing skills that can be applied in rehearsal rooms, educational settings, and creative practice.

To view the module descriptor (PERF07006), please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors 

 

CPD for teachers of Music and English aiming to dual-qualify in Drama

This module is part of a suite of four modules designed to enhance knowledge and understanding of Drama, Theatre and Performance, equipping learners with the skills to teach Drama in secondary school contexts. These modules are well suited to teachers of Music and English who are looking to dual-qualify in Drama.

• From Page to Stage 
• Key Practitioners in Drama and Theatre
• Theatre Workshops 
• 21st Century Theatre and Performance

Upon completion successful completion of these modules, you will be able to access an academic transcript highlighting credits gained. You will need to submit evidence of your study when applying for Additional Professional Registration.

 

Who is this course for?

This course is also suitable for:

• Actors seeking to deepen their understanding of text analysis and performance development
• Directors looking to strengthen their approach to staging, interpretation, and rehearsal processes
• Drama and theatre educators who support learners in performance-making and text-based work
• Theatre practitioners interested in exploring different theatrical styles, genres, and performance traditions
• Creative facilitators and workshop leaders working with drama and performance
• Early-career artists seeking a stronger foundation in theatre-making and performance practice
• Individuals with an interest in how dramatic texts are interpreted and realised in live performance

 

Why take this course?

Bringing a script to life requires more than an understanding of the text itself. Successful theatre-making relies on the ability to interpret dramatic material, understand performance traditions, collaborate creatively, and make informed artistic decisions.

This course explores how playwrights, practitioners, directors, performers, and designers contribute to the creation of live performance. By examining influential theatre movements and applying practical approaches to staging and interpretation, participants will gain valuable skills that can enhance both creative practice and professional development.

 

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre in relation to form, style, genre, and structure
• Analyse dramatic texts and performance approaches from multiple creative perspectives
• Apply knowledge of practitioners, playwrights, and theatre histories to the development of staged performance
• Understand the social, cultural, political, and historical influences that have shaped major theatre movements
• Explore how contemporary theatre practice has evolved from earlier theatrical traditions
• Develop practical approaches to directing, performance-making, rehearsal processes, and creative collaboration

 

How you will learn

This course combines practical exploration, tutor-led learning, discussion, and independent study to help participants understand how dramatic texts are transformed into live performance.

You will learn through:

• Tutor-led sessions exploring major theatre movements, practitioners, playwrights, and performance traditions
• Practical workshops focused on text analysis, rehearsal techniques, character development, and performance creation
• Collaborative activities examining theatre from the perspectives of actors, directors, and designers
• Discussion and analysis of dramatic texts, productions, and contemporary adaptations
• Opportunities to apply theoretical understanding through practical staging exercises
• Independent study and reflection to support deeper engagement with course themes

 

Course content

The course explores the journey of transforming dramatic texts into live performance, examining the creative decisions, influences, and practices involved in theatre-making.

• Understanding Dramatic Texts
• Theatre Movements and Performance Traditions
• Playwrights and Dramaturgy
• Practitioners and Performance Approaches
• From Script to Performance
• Contemporary Theatre Practice

 

Assessment

Assessment is designed to help you apply your learning through both creative planning and practical performance-making.

You will develop a concept proposal for a staged scene, outlining your creative vision, interpretation of the text, rehearsal approach, and planned use of performance and design elements. This develops your ability to analyse dramatic material, plan performance work, and communicate artistic ideas effectively.

You will then apply your concept in practice through the staging of a performance scene, demonstrating your ability to translate creative ideas into live performance. Working collaboratively with others, you will explore the role of the director while gaining practical experience of rehearsal and performance processes.

Through the assessment, you will develop your ability to:

• Analyse and interpret dramatic texts
• Plan and communicate creative performance concepts
• Apply rehearsal and directing techniques in practical settings
• Collaborate effectively within theatre-making processes
• Translate artistic ideas into realised performance outcomes

The assessment focuses on practical application and creative decision-making that can be used within theatre, education, and wider performance contexts.

 

Applying your learning

Throughout the course, you will:

• Explore dramatic texts from the perspectives of performers, directors, and designers
• Investigate how theatre movements, practitioners, and playwrights influence performance-making
• Apply practical rehearsal and staging techniques to a range of dramatic material
• Develop creative solutions for bringing texts to life for contemporary audiences
• Build confidence in analysing, interpreting, and presenting theatrical work

You will leave with:

• A stronger understanding of theatre history, performance traditions, and contemporary practice
• Enhanced skills in text analysis, creative interpretation, and performance development
• Greater confidence in directing, rehearsal planning, and collaborative theatre-making
• Practical experience of transforming dramatic texts into staged performance
• Knowledge and techniques that can be applied in theatre, education, community arts, and creative practice settings

 

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

The course is suitable for individuals with an interest in theatre, drama, performance, directing, or arts education. It may be particularly beneficial for performers, educators, directors, facilitators, and creative practitioners looking to strengthen their understanding of text-based performance.

Participants should be prepared to engage in practical workshops, discussion, collaborative activities, and independent study at SCQF Level 7. Previous experience of theatre or performance may be beneficial but is not essential.

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits at SCQF Level 7.

These credits may contribute towards further undergraduate study where appropriate and in line with University regulations.

Sector and workforce relevance

This course is informed by contemporary theatre practice and reflects the skills required across performance, directing, theatre education, and creative production environments. Through the exploration of influential practitioners, playwrights, theatre companies, and performance traditions, participants will gain insights into approaches that continue to shape the sector today.

The emphasis on practical application, collaboration, text interpretation, rehearsal processes, and performance-making ensures that learning remains relevant to theatre practitioners, educators, creative facilitators, and those involved in developing live performance experiences.

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.