Composition as Workplace Intervention: Adding Value to Stan’s Café

Mcllwrath, James (2026) Composition as Workplace Intervention: Adding Value to Stan’s Café. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the various approaches I utilised within an experimental composition residency project with British theatre company Stan’s Cafe. The commentary is presented alongside a portfolio of works made in residence and provides analysis of my approaches to this task during the project.

The premise of the residency was to examine how a composer who employs experimental techniques and different genres/styles of composition/performance can impact the workings of a theatre company, beyond the traditional role of providing music for theatre productions. This research is built upon a context established by Barbara Steveni and John Latham’s work with the Artist Placement Group, who implanted resident artists into businesses in the latter half of the 20th century. This context is similar to the brief of my residency, with a focus on the process of the residency over art work created from it. I specifically draw on the experiences of Hugh Davies and David Toop, who were the only composers to be utilised on a placement with the APG, alongside other placements. The work and process is evaluated through reflection on key differences and similarities between APG’s successful placements. Drawing on these elements, the commentary documents the processes in making the works and critiques this situation with Stan’s Cafe in relation to case studies with the APG. The result is a document that evaluates the experiment, critiques the situation and suggests a template for any other company interested in conducting a similar project.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 20 March 2026 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	APG, Workplace composition, residencies, intervention work, theatre, experimental music, stan’s cafe
Subjects:	CAH25 - design, and creative and performing arts > CAH25-02 - performing arts > CAH25-02-02 - music CAH25 - design, and creative and performing arts > CAH25-02 - performing arts > CAH25-02-03 - drama
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2026 10:49
Last Modified:	13 Apr 2026 10:49
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16965

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