ADVANCED SKILLS - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module extends learning undertaken in 1st Year of the programme.

In this module students undertake a coordinated series of technique classes, workshops and master classes that aim to encourage and foster the skills needed for continuing professional practice within the industry. Classes will be responsive to the needs of specific cohorts of students.

The module includes technical classes in Acting, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Commercial, Audition Technique, 121 Singing and Repertoire. The Dance classes are streamed by ability to ensure appropriate learning contexts for all levels of competence.

The aims of this compulsory module are to develop and extend existing knowledge and to develop secure and consistent techniques. It will focus on the physical and intellectual requirements of individual disciplines, the understanding and application of terminology, and the ability to incorporate a sense of performance. The work will be influenced by the creations and processes of a diverse range of renowned practitioners.

All classes will concentrate on the development of technique, presentation, style, reflection, theory, opinion, imagination and the vocabulary required in the study and performance of Musical Theatre.

This module encourages students to comprehend healthy diet, sleep, exercise, appropriate screen time, appropriate working hours and promotes Equity Safe spaces. The module promotes positive working ethics: collaboration, kindness, support, understanding, listening and integrity.

Care is given to understand the cultural, physical, social and individual differences of learners. The lineage of the dance and singing styles is understood to be complex and care is given that each class is taught from an inclusive perspective.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

WOOLFORD Julian (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:

¿ Classes in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Commerical, and Audition Technique to build and extend on fundamental core dance skills learned within the first year of the course.
¿ Acting classes to integrate mind, body and text and to develop the actor¿s imagination and assured style of performance
¿ Individual Singing classes to focus on the student¿s singing voice
¿ Repertoire classes to solidify a strong individual song catalogue for the student

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

An industry entry level of technical skills, a professional level of engagement with the work, the establishment of safe and healthy practices, the establishment of professional conduct, an advanced level of awareness and development of appropriate style within the context of musical theatre dance, singing and acting. Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: Acting Assessment: Practical based (Continuous) Assessment (Addresses learning outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6) This is a continuous assessment in which the student contributes to the practical classes, to develop and apply a sophisticated toolkit of performance techniques; demonstrating dynamics, physicality, style, genre and characterisation. Demonstrate the relationship between performer and text in context with a professional standard of accuracy, and narrative engagement. Exhibit a highly proficient work ethic with disciplined self-awareness consistent to a professional standard. Jazz Assessment: Practical based Assessment (Addresses learning outcomes: 1,3,5,6) This mock audition assessment allows the student to demonstrate the technical elements of jazz dance at an advanced/professional level including musical elements of rhythm, syncopation, timing and phrasing; choreographic elements of accuracy, isolation and spatial awareness at an advanced/professional level. The assessment allows a demonstration of a sophisticated level of understanding and a refined knowledge of vocabulary. Ballet Assessment: Practical based Assessment (Addresses learning outcomes: 1,3,5,6) This mock audition assessment allows the student to demonstrate the technical elements of ballet at an advanced/professional level including controlling and sustaining correct posture; musical elements of rhythm, syncopation, timing and phrasing; choreographic elements of accuracy, isolation and spatial awareness at an advanced/professional level. The assessment allows a demonstration of a sophisticated level of understanding and a refined knowledge of vocabulary. Tap Assessment: Practical based Assessment (Addresses learning outcomes: 1,3,5,6) This mock audition assessment allows the student to demonstrate the technical elements of tap dancing at an advanced/professional level including weight transference; musical elements of rhythm, syncopation, timing and phrasing; choreographic elements of accuracy, isolation and spatial awareness at an advanced/professional level. The assessment allows a demonstration of a sophisticated level of understanding and a refined knowledge of vocabulary. Singing Assessment: Practical based Assessment (Addresses learning outcomes: 1,2,3,5,6) This mock audition assessment allows the student to demonstrate the technical elements of singing appropriate for musical theatre at a professional level including repertoire choice, breath control; musical elements of rhythm, melody and phrasing. The assessment allows a demonstration of a sophisticated level of understanding and a refined knowledge of vocabulary. All of these assessments facilitate an exhibition of a professional work ethic and demonstration of safe practice. Formative assessment Students are provided with continuous formative verbal feedback through classroom exercises.

Module aims

• To further the development of stylistic consistency in performances appropriate to Musical Theatre practice, within the context of past, present and emerging industry requirements.
• To establish the theatrical concepts of dance and movement within the Musical Theatre traditions and to ensure its practice as an extension of dramatic expression.
• To build on the students¿ awareness of the demands placed on the mind, voice and body in the creation of character and the exploration of a Musical Theatre text.
• To build upon and deepen the experiences of the essential physical techniques gained in the 1st year of the course in order to increase and sustain knowledge and expertise.
• To enable the students to take responsibility for the preparation of their own bodies for a sustained career in performance and to continue to confront individual limitations and extend beyond them.
• To fully comprehend the varying acting, physical and vocals styles required when performing the many diverse texts, writers and genres found within Musical Theatre.
• To develop industry level performance skills

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: Give the student the opportunity to demonstrate practical levels of understanding and attainment in a range of acting, singing, dance genres and styles. The learning and teaching methods include: Group classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Commercial dance. Group Acting classes. Group Audition Technique class 

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: MUTM047

Other information

Digital Capability¿ Throughout the programme, students engage with¿technologies utilised in the contemporary professional Musical Theatre rehearsal environment including but not limited to Digital Rehearsal Materials¿and¿Technical Digital Design environments in Light, Sound and Costume.¿¿As professionals in training, students are encouraged to use current media such as email, virtual meeting and communications software, for appropriate use in communication, recording and team working.¿ Students utilise the University¿s VLE (SurreyLearn), and a range of Digital media platforms for appropriate use in communication,¿administration, scheduling, and reporting.¿ Students¿will¿also engage with¿creating Digital Content to secure employment and create their own artistic content.¿¿¿ ¿ ¿ Employability¿ Employability is integral to¿this¿Programme.¿Employability is embedded in teaching, learning and assessment.¿ Students receive transferrable employability¿skills through professional development delivered during training by expert staff with practitioner backgrounds.¿ Students will gain employability knowledge and expertise through; authentic practical modes of working in rehearsal and performance mirroring professional practice; independent and collaborative working; the development of critical thinking; the ability to reflect on one¿s own practice and engagement with professional expertise.¿¿Engagement with industry stakeholders¿(who are invited to attend¿classes and¿performances) and¿CV building¿promoted through professional organisations alongside¿sustained demonstration and exploration of¿skills¿in a ¿real world¿ setting. GSA aims to¿nurture career-ready graduates that will be sought after by agents, casting directors and employers.¿¿Talks and Industry Outreach is also¿encouraged, and GSA has a dedicated Director of Employability.¿¿ ¿ ¿ Global & Cultural Capabilities¿ Texts are chosen¿to enable students¿to reflect,¿interact,¿engage, value and respect¿their own and lived experiences, skills,¿perspectives¿and diversity.¿Students and are constantly encouraged to reflect the changing world we live in and the current debates in the Creative Industries.¿¿Students are actively encouraged to develop their global, social, historical, and cultural awareness, to share experiences and knowledge from their own backgrounds and cultures¿ and to appreciate, recognize and interpret diverse perspectives.¿ Students are expected to commence the programme with an open mind, a willingness to learn and engage in discussion, and ready to broaden their understanding of the lived experiences of the varying characters and communities they will be portraying as actors-in-training.¿¿All modules benefit from an inclusivity ethos and students across their course of study benefit from the oversight of the Director of Equality and Diversity at GSA.¿ Every effort is made to make a range of performances accessible, and students are also encouraged to reach out to the Disability and Neuro-Diversity service within the University of Surrey if they are experiencing barriers to individual learning.¿¿ ¿ Resourcefulness & Resilience¿ The process of acting and performing, by its very nature, encourages¿Resourcefulness and Resilience. Students undertake intensive¿classes, rehearsals and performance schedules¿which¿develop their skillset through practice. They learn¿to navigate uncertainty, to deal with risks and challenges, and to encourage personal considerations of future visions.¿ ¿Real-World¿¿working schedules and¿assessments¿reflect the resilience and resourcefulness required for a¿ Musical Theatre career,¿which, simultaneously,¿nurture students¿ self-management skills.¿¿¿Classes, rehearsals and performances feature independent and collaborative learning, peer support, problem-solving, communication, independence, perseverance, stamina self-value and critical thinking, all of which promote resilience and resourcefulness.¿¿The classes and the structure of the¿verbal and written¿feedback enable students to build a holistic¿view of their individual process.¿Students are supported throughout (and beyond) their training by expert staff with practitioner backgrounds, and a majority of¿full-time staff are Mental Health First Aid trained and can give advice and guidance on where to seek further help ¿ again, enabling students to take control of their learning and any barriers to learning.¿¿ ¿ Sustainability¿ Students are encouraged to contextualise their learning and reflect on their current and future social,¿cultural,¿ethical, political, economic, and environmental impact from a personal, professional and global perspective,¿and to recognise their shared responsibility.¿¿ Students are encouraged to reflect on the values, perceptions, and actions of their own, of others and of characters they are portraying in rehearsal and performance, and the impact this has on audiences.¿¿All GSA productions are planned and designed to meet high sustainability standards: props, sets and costumes are designed to be re-used and recycled where possible. GSA has the strongest commitment to working on productions 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.