SCREEN/ACTING FUNDAMENTALS - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module builds on the work of Level 4 Acting Fundamentals. Students will apply and develop their skills in a range of new contexts, including screen acting, film making, comedy, and plays by a range of international playwrights. Students will be expect to be punctual, to warm up, and to dress in suitable clothing for each session.

Screen Acting classes will introduce the basics of screen acting technique, and introduce students to a range of different styles of scripts.

Filmmaking classes will introduce the principles of filmmaking, and explore different filmmaking techniques, including collaborative short film projects. Editing workshops will support the work of the short film projects.

Classes in scene study and comedy will extend students¿ experience in a range of different performance styles.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

ROUSE Dominic (GSA)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

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

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

With a heavy reliance on industry professionals, staffing and content will vary, but indicative content includes:

• Workshop classes in Screen Acting


• Workshop classes in Filmmaking


• Editing workshops Research, writing and creation of a self-generated film project


• Scene study classes Comedy/clown classes

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

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

1. Sophisticated embodied skills in acting for the screen


2. Application of a range of rehearsal and performance techniques in live and recorded formats


3. Knowledge and understanding of filmmaking theories and practices


4. Development of imaginative approaches to work across a range of styles and genres.


5. Effective communication in physical, verbal, written and digital formats


6. Effective collaborative working practices within a creative process of filmmaking 


7. A resourceful and resilient approach to problem solving with the application of creative thinking and solutions.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Continuous Assessment: Screen Acting (addresses 1,2,4, and 5, above)


• Continuous Assessment: Filmmaking (addresses 3, 5, 6 and 7, above)

Formative assessment Formative assessment and verbal feedback will be given in tutorials at the end of Teaching Block 1. In addition to these sessions, students will receive formative verbal feedback from tutors within class sessions in response to tasks and exercises, as appropriate

Module aims

• Introduce the basics of screen acting
• Introduce the basics of film making
• Extend students' skills a range of performance styles
• Extend students' experience of rehearsal and performance in a range of media.
• Facilitate the students' ability to collaborate in a range of different working contexts

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Introduce an embodied approach to acting for the screen


• Introduce key filmmaking theories and practices


• Explore a range of rehearsal and performance techniques in live and recorded formats


• Explore imaginative approaches to work across a range of styles and genres


• Enhance communication skills in physical, verbal, written and digital format


• Promote effective collaborative working practices within a creative process of filmmaking 


• Foster a resourceful and resilient approach to problem solving with the application of creative thinking and solutions.

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: ACT2028

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 acting students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

Employability

The focus on employability is embedded in the teaching, learning and assessment activities throughout every aspect of this module 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 in the studio, mirroring professional practice. Students develop transferable skills including independent and collaborative working, creative, critical and reflective thinking, and problem solving.

Digital Capabilities

Throughout the module students will be required to engage with digital technologies to develop their digital literacy, to support their learning journey, and to create original work as filmmakers. Students will use specialist software to create digital content, as well as traditional software and other digital technologies to undertake communication, administration, and planning.

Global & Cultural Capabilities

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 for the stage and screen.

Resourcefulness & Resilience

The nature of the work means students 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 shooting/production schedules which are in line with expectations for a successful acting career.

Sustainability

Throughout the classes, 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. GSA has a strong commitment to working on set and on location in the most sustainable way possible. Classes in best industry practice on set allow the student to work in a sustained safe manner commensurate with the expectations of the professional.

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 2025/6 academic year.