Year 1, Component 03

You undertake intensive in-depth research, which may involve both primary and secondary sources. Such research is absorbed at intellectual, psychological, emotional and sensory levels, leading to a performance project in which research, technical skills and acting skills are fully integrated and engaged. The module provides an opportunity for intense research of context towards performance. Practical and theoretical research will be brought to bear to enrich the ensemble performance and the tools learnt in the course so far in all streams of learning (eg movement, voice, contextual studies, etc) will be integrated into performance. The project may be based on a play text, a devised project based on other fictional texts with a strong historical element, or a devised project based on texts, documentation and research of a given period/place in history. Parallel technical classes demand a deeper understanding of the subject as well as more effective application in the rehearsal and performance process. The focus is on using the tools of research and improvisation to deliver credible, plausible, effective performance as an ensemble, which communicates to an audience. You contribute to design, stage management, costume, stage lighting, sound, marketing, press and publicity. This enables you to have an understanding of the production process. The greater force of the ensemble increases the sense of ownership and raises the performance level. The aim is to give you the opportunity to experience something of this in your own performance projects, as well as to begin to equip you for the realities of small-scale working practice in the industry at present.

This module will have two focuses: developing your knowledge of and skills in applying techniques for working on camera for media such as film, television, and commercials; and developing skills for the optimal use of your voice for digital capture.

This MA/MFA Acting (International) module uses a research based Naturalistic approach to acting as its base. In term one, students study a practical Stanislavski based approach to acting and character creation. In term two, building on the work in the first term, student will study a range of texts will includes research into their cultural context, the writer's life and works, themes of the plays and the critical reception of the plays in production.