THE ACTOR-MUSICIAN AND REHEARSAL - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module allows students to build on the development of their approach to acting as well as the integration of a broader set of skills through three major rehearsal projects. Over the course of the three teaching blocks, the students will tackle a classical text, a contemporary text, and a musical text with a director and, where appropriate, a musical director and/or a choreographer or movement director. The texts are chosen so that students may explore varied genres and styles, but also to provide useful challenges as they develop their technical, creative and collaborative skills.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

BAILEY Niall (GSA)

Number of Credits: 45

ECTS Credits: 22.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

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

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Three rehearsal projects (one per teaching block) which will cover:

• A classical text


• A modern text


• A musical text

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 three rehearsal projects which address all learning outcomes for this module.

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.

Feedback

The student will receive written or audio/visual feedback for each rehearsal project once each project is completed.

Module aims

• Further develop techniques in acting to achieve detailed, nuanced and sophisticated characters and storytelling.
• Apply technical skill with a strong sense of understanding of style and genre of a variety of performance texts
• Allow students to contribute strongly to the creative process through collaboration

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 rehearsal project environment enabling students to further 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 and which were introduced at level 4.

The teaching delivery for this module is a blend of practical classes delivery in the form of studio rehearsals, and personal research, preparation and practice, and peer learning, all of which will allow the student time and space to regularly evaluate their own development and 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: AMT2016

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 2025/6 academic year.