NEW WORK FOR STAGE AND FILM - 2024/5

Module Overview

This module is planned in two parts: a new writing project and a collaborative project in film. The module design ensures industry-level performance skills and evidence of original practice and research. It brings together the technical performance skills acquired in the previous compulsory modules. The content covered will reflect both the interests of the student group and the broader global community. The project allows us to produce performances for a wide demographic that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion.

New Writing Project

This project enables students to deepen and extend techniques in practical rehearsal work, but this time on a new text. Students will collaborate with a writer in a research and development week before the writing phase. The students will then start to work on the new script with a director and occasional visits from the writer to make amendments where necessary. The project will culminate in a black box production, which will perform in rep with or alongside the New Musical project for MFA Musical Theatre as part of a season of new writing.

Film Project

This element enables students to collaborate on an original or adapted screen performance project. Students will be given practical instruction in filmmaking techniques and work in small groups to create, document, shoot and eventually show their work in a screening for an invited audience.

The module will engage with the specific disciplines of genre and style, will be delivered via committed ensemble practice, and will develop the acquisition of a structured and effective rehearsal technique underpinned by practice-based and academic research. Students will learn to analyse and interrogate dramatic text and identify, evaluate, and process character information within the chosen genre. They will integrate vocal and physical skills commensurate with the performance space. The module also develops the student¿s expertise in research, preparation and contextual discussion¿building on the theories, practices and processes regarding character creation. This module and its bibliography may be adapted to reflect the interests of the current cohort and the wider global community. Students will continue the practice of keeping a rehearsal logbook, including annotated scripts that will be produced in the course of the training.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

BYRNE Grainne (GSA)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Collaborative workshops with the writer and director. Following a period of research and development with the students in year 1, drafts will be sent to them for feedback and discussion in the case of the stage project. Rehearsals will take place over a number of weeks, with adaptations made to the text where necessary. Performances will take place in the GSA studio, emulating a black box performance.


• Rehearsals


• Performances


• Screen workshops will take place with the filmmaker concentrating on practical skills as well as storytelling through film


• Filming


• Showing

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: 

• A resilient approach to problem-solving by applying imaginative and creative thinking solutions to rehearsal and performance


• An advanced comprehension of style and genre across cultural performance settings.


• An understanding of and proficiency in an integrated acting, movement, and voice skillset to a professional standard.


• The ability to reflect critically and constructively upon process and outcome.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Contribution to Process: New Writing Project (addressing learning outcomes 1,2,3 and 4)


• Continuous assessment of classroom exercises and application on Film Project (addressing learning outcomes 2 and 3)

Formative assessment

Formative assessment takes the form of regular verbal feedback from directors and tutors during each session.

Feedback

Written feedback will be given with the final mark for each project element on SurreyLearn.

Module aims

• Experience working as an actor in collaboration with a writer to develop a new text, fostering encounters with diverse cultural perspectives within the chosen genre.
• Build upon foundational skills acquired in the first year by actively collaborating with their peers and further refining the process of making a film, allowing them to deepen their understanding and proficiency in all aspects of production
• Apply psychophysical acting techniques, textual analysis, and contextual research to new work for film or theatre, enabling students to engage with and apply these skills in their performances actively
• Utilise an appropriate skill set to actively create a vibrant and articulate performance within the chosen genre, demonstrating their mastery of vocal and physical techniques.
• Integrate digital tools and platforms into the performance project, actively adapting to the demands of an evolving industry and exploring innovative ways of storytelling.
• Engage in critical reflection and documentation of their personal learning process, content, and performance, actively analysing and evaluating their progress and artistic growth

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to address and achieve all the learning outcomes (1-4).

The learning and teaching methods include:

Student-centred learning.

The learning is designed in a way that promotes the active participation of students. Encouragement to take ownership of their learning by providing opportunities for self-expression and exploration.

Understanding the creative process

Support students understanding processes of construction, structure and selection relating to performance. Help students develop the ability to critical analyse and apply technical skill and genre knowledge to their own performance projects

Developing a professional working process

Guidance given to students in developing a sound and tested working methodology. This methodology should enable them to work in a professional disciplined and creative manner. Provide them with the necessary tools and resources to create a productive working environment.

Collaboration and flexibility

Encourage a collaborative and flexible approach to learning through practice. Students should be able to work together in a group dynamic exchanging ideas giving and receiving feedback and adapting their work based on the input of others.

Idea Selection and development

Students will learn to select reject and develop ideas effectively. Help will be given to consider navigate and respond to different perspectives and viewpoints within a group dynamic

Further Learning and Teaching methods may include:

• Group and individual research projects


• Group and individual rehearsals


• Group and individual film shoots


• Group and individual tutorials


• Performances

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ACTM055

Other information

Digital Capability

In both theatre writing and film projects, digital capabilities are developed. The film project, in particular, utilises digital platforms for collaboration, research, script development, and post-production work. Students have access to specialist software to create digital and promotional content, and they will use a variety of sharing platforms and social media to disseminate this content to industry professionals and peers.

Employability

Both of these projects offer students the chance to acquire employability skills. Collaborating with a professional writer and filmmaker provides students with the opportunity to gain industry experience and comprehend the expectations and demands of the acting profession. They can develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills, which are extremely important and highly valued in the industry.

Global and Cultural Capabilities

By working collaboratively on projects, students have the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and cultural experiences. Whether it's the writer and filmmaker or the students themselves who introduce themes and subject areas, the projects offer a chance to explore global issues and cultural diversity. This allows all involved to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.

Resourcefulness and Resilience

Both projects will require students to demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness in their creative work. From the research and development phase to the final performance or film, students may encounter challenges and setbacks. However, they will learn to adapt, problem-solve, and persevere in order to meet deadlines and produce high-quality work.

Sustainability

The module can promote sustainability by asking students to contemplate the environmental impact of their creative work. This may include investigating sustainable production practices. Additionally, students can delve into topics relevant to their interests while being encouraged to reflect on the societal, cultural, ethical, political, and economic implications of their work.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2024/5 academic year.