ACTING FUNDAMENTALS - 2024/5

Module Overview

This module is the start of the study of acting for the Actor-Musician student at GSA. In weekly acting technique sessions, students develop their knowledge and practice of a range of acting techniques. Then through further weekly practical workshop sessions, students develop their approach to working as part of an ensemble through five discrete creative projects across the year covering a range of performance styles and settings. Drawing on texts and performance practices from across the world and across the centuries, students will develop their global, social, historical, and cultural awareness, share experiences and knowledge from their own backgrounds and cultures,¿and appreciate, recognise and interpret diverse perspectives while developing their spontaneity, imagination and creativity. Throughout this module, students are encouraged to maintain a reflective and research journal which will be the basis of a piece of writing at the end of the year.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

PALMER Chris (GSA)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

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

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

This module will be made up of five discrete workshops across the year which may include the following:

• Storytelling


• Greek ensemble


• Classical texts


• Contemporary texts


• Musical texts

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate practical evidence of a developing theory, knowledge and performance skills in acting as well as evidence of increasing self-awareness and critical reflection of their skills and knowledge development.

The summative assessment for this module consists of practical (process) assessments for Projects 3, 4 and 5, (which addresses all learning outcomes for this module) and the submission of a Reflective Journal at the end of the module (which addresses learning outcomes 4 and 5).

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment occurs on a continuous basis, with students receiving feedback on tasks undertaken and work completed both within taught sessions, and independently. 

Projects 1 and 2 provide the student an opportunity to receive verbal feedback which may inform their later summative assessments.

Feedback

The student will receive written or audio/visual feedback for Project 3, 4 and 5 once the project is completed, and written or audio/visual feedback upon submission of their Reflective Journal.

Module aims

• Develop solid foundations in acting techniques including the exploration of character, script analysis, and the development of expressive and authentic performances.
• Explore skills and approaches to a variety of spoken and sung texts in a range of styles, genres and performance settings
• Foster an understanding of the principles of collaboration in artistic pursuits
• Embed personal reflective practice as a cornerstone of the student's training journey

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy for this module is designed to place an emphasis on the practical development of skills in analysis, interpretation and performance of text in a workshop/rehearsal environment enabling students to develop a theoretical understanding and the practical application of a range of acting techniques which may be applicable to a wide range of performance texts and styles. The strategy is also designed to cultivate skills and good practice in creative collaboration.

The teaching delivery for this module is a blend of practical classes, personal research, preparation and practice, and peer learning, all of which will allow the student time and space to critically reflect on their own practice and development of skills which underpins the interdisciplinary nature of their studies, and also their contribution to the ensemble work.

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: AMT1015

Other information

Guildford School of Acting trains students, within their chosen fields, to have an understanding and appreciation of Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

Digital Capabilities 

Throughout the programme students will be required to engage with digital technologies to develop their digital literacy, to support their learning journey, and to explore and secure employment opportunities. Students will use specialist software to create digital and promotional content, and they will use a range of sharing platforms and social media to share this content with industry professionals and creative peers as appropriate. Students will also use traditional software and other digital technologies to undertake communication, administration, and planning.

Employability

The focus on employability is embedded in the teaching, learning and assessment activities throughout this programme to nurture career ready graduates that will be sought after by employers in the creative industries. Expert staff with practitioner backgrounds deliver authentic and practical modes of working from the studio, to rehearsal, to public performance mirroring professional practice. Students develop transferable skills including independent and collaborative working, creative, critical and reflective thinking, and problem solving. Students will engage with a range of industry stakeholders who are invited to observe classes and attend performances. GSA has a dedicated Director of Employability.

Global & Cultural Capabilities

Students will develop their global, social, historical, and cultural awareness, share experiences and knowledge from their own backgrounds and cultures and appreciate, recognise and interpret diverse perspectives. With an open mind and a willingness to engage in discussion, students will develop awareness and appreciate, recognise and interpret diverse perspectives in the characters and communities they will be portraying as actors-in-training.¿¿ Students will be able to make informed contributions to the current debates in the creative industries. GSA has a dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Manager.¿ Students may be signposted to the university¿s Disability and Neuro-Diversity Service if they have particular needs or are experiencing barriers to individual learning. GSA is committed to making a range of performances accessible.

Resourcefulness & Resilience

In this programme the learning journey is carefully structured so that performance and rehearsal skills can be learned, developed, and integrated resulting in the student acquiring a broad range of resources which they can continue to use throughout the rest of their training and in future employment settings. The nature of the work means the student will learn to navigate uncertainty, to deal with risks and challenges, and to take on board personal and professional responsibilities. The use of formative and summative feedback will enable the students to build a thorough overview of their individual process and progress. The training features independent and collaborative learning, problem solving, communication, perseverance, stamina, critical thinking, self-management, and an understanding of self-value. Mirroring industry standards students will undertake classes, rehearsals and performance schedules which are in line with expectations for a successful Musical Theatre career.

Sustainability

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to reflect on the social, cultural, ethical, political, economic, and environmental impact of the work they do as individuals and collectively, and to recognise their shared responsibilities. Students will understand the impact on audiences of the values, perceptions, and actions of their own, of others and of characters they are portraying in rehearsal and performance. Students will be nurtured as future leaders in sustainability thinking and empowered to take informed decisions and responsible actions that promote the wellbeing of present and future generations. GSA has a strong commitment to working from the studio, to rehearsal, to public performance in the most sustainable way possible.

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.