How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Acting for Digital Media

Start date: October 2024

Study mode: Full-time

Maximum duration: 1 year

Location: Southend Campus

Based in: East 15 Acting School

East 15 Acting School's MA/MFA Acting for Digital Media is a full-time, professional and intensive training program designed specifically for performers who wish to expand their skill base to be able to seek and thrive in the technological advances in the performance industry.

With the advancement of digital technology, new pathways are opening up in performing arts and the course emphasises three keys areas of training: performance capture, voice skills for digital recordings and acting for camera.

The use of Motion / Performance capture in the industry is on the rise and there is a demand for performers with specific skill sets and experience in order to excel in the area. While the standard movement and voice skills provided at UG level form a base for most all performance work, this MA/MFA focuses on understanding, working with, and making the most of new technology. This degree recognises that a performer has multiple pathways for employability and professional development, particularly looking at the role of the performer in the gaming industry.

In addition to performing for motion capture, due to advances in technology and the relatively inexpensive option of creating a home voice studio, opportunities in voice acting has also seen an increase – and also require further expertise. Along with further training in Acting for Camera, the course will provide the training needed to succeed and shape the future of performance alongside new developments. MA Acting for Digital Media runs for 12 months on a full-time basis and the MFA for 20 months.

Why we're great.

East 15 is a fully accredited Drama UK school.
Teaching is carried out by experienced faculty as well as visiting artists and industry professionals
Use of state-of-the-art resources, including our new VICON motion capture volume and dedicated voice booth, and our extensive studio and performance spaces.

Our expert staff

Our training is by professionals and for professionals, allowing our graduates to work successfully across the globe.

Our international, outstanding teaching faculty is made up of professionals from all areas of live and recorded performance. The in-house faculty is supported by industry professionals with specific expertise in the areas being taught, ensuring the best teaching possible that is up to date with current developments in the field.

Learn more about our staff here.

Specialist facilities

The practical training gives the students the opportunities to train by working with the technology that is appropriate for the given performance; for motion capture, they will train in the University's new VICON motion capture volume, purposely designed for this programme; when working on voice acting they will work a studios and a vocal booth, with the relevant technology for a variety of disciplines such as voice over, radio drama and voicing animation; in acting for film students will take part in projects that are filmed both on-site and on location.

Our Southend Campus is based in the heart of Southend-on-Sea. A vibrant and modern British seaside town with excellent transport links. Famous for its beach resort and pier, Southend-on-Sea stretches along seven miles of award-winning coastline. There are also over 650 acres of parks and gardens, a fun park, leisure centres, pubs, clubs, cafés and restaurants.

Southend Central railway station is opposite our Campus and the journey to central London takes less than an hour. Southend Airport, with flights to many European and UK destinations is just three miles away. We are also just one hour away from London's Stansted Airport. Our Gateway Building houses a purpose-built suite specifically for East 15 students. This includes fully equipped, state-of-the art rehearsal studios with panoramic views across Southend-on-Sea, plus our motion capture volume, seminar rooms, computer labs and media production resources including an Apple Mac editing suite.

A magnificent Victorian former church in the heart of Southend's conservation area was converted into East 15's Clifftown Theatre. It also houses a variety of unique spaces for rehearsals, technical and practical work and performances. The church nave, with its original organ and stained glass windows now provides an inspirational and atmospheric environment, re-designed to accommodate the needs of a twenty-first century performance space.

In ‘The Forum' building, students have round the clock, secure access to the Learning Hub, which provides innovative IT and study spaces. The Forum also houses an integrated public and academic library, carrying books and other support materials. Students in Southend also have access to the East 15 Loughton Campus library and the University's Colchester Campus library.

Outside of learning, the Students' Union at our Southend Campus provides a dedicated space for students to meet, have a coffee, relax and watch films or sport.

Your future

The MA/MFA in Acting for Digital Media is unique in that it addresses training that allows actors to thrive by understanding and tailoring performances for the form of digital capture, recognising that understanding technology and developing methodologies of rehearsal and performance in order to achieve high quality work is different from simply adapting existing technique to fit a series of parameters.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

Our applicants need to undertake a successful audition or video audition, plus have a first degree with an overall 2.2, or equivalent or suitable life and/or professional expertise.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please select your country page where you'll find this information.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Structure

Course structure

East 15 offers dynamic and unique courses for actors, directors and students of theatre practice. Training at East 15 draws upon 50 years of tradition combined with a keen sense of today's performance industry.

This course will bring together the training needed in a coherent programme that not only allows a graduate to attain the skills necessary for this specialist work, but also to see it in a holistic context that will enable them to grow as an artist and offer a rounded contribution to the developing industry. When combined in a single programme, voice acting, acting for performance capture and acting for screen enable students to see the multiple possibilities of gearing performance for a digital format; it combines an understanding of technology, body and voice so that performances are not merely captured digitally, but specifically tailored to excel because they are created for that media.

Teaching and learning disclaimer

Following the impact of the pandemic, we made changes to our teaching and assessment to ensure our current students could continue with their studies uninterrupted and safely. These changes included courses being taught through blended delivery, normally including some face-to-face teaching, online provision, or a combination of both across the year.

The teaching and assessment methods listed show what is currently approved for 2022 entry; changes may be necessary if, by the beginning of this course, we need to adapt the way we're delivering them due to the external environment, and to allow you to continue to receive the best education possible safely and seamlessly.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Movement in the Volume

(30 CREDITS)

This module looks at the fundamentals and specific techniques for working in a virtual environment and knowledge of the technology that captures your performance and eventually transforms your work in the vol-ume into a digital character. You will begin by learning the basics involved in a motion capture shoot, includ-ing process, vocabulary and rules for the space. As your training progresses you will explore how to pre-pare for a role, approach repetition in a natural and truthful way, character creation, working with objects, col-laborating with a performance director, working from a script and learning how to adapt your performance for different virtual environments and requirements, e.g. VR.

View Movement in the Volume on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Recorded Voice I

(30 CREDITS)

This module will focus on how to make the best use of your voice for digital capture. Teaching will happen both in a general studio setting as well as in our on-site, professional standard voice booth. You will learn about basic and advanced microphone technique and focus on specific performance outputs which are the mainstays for voice over artists. Tailored instruction throughout the year will focus on narration, character voices for animation and games, auditions/castings and radio plays and will require you to apply a range of accents in your work. You will also be introduced to basic recording software and audio editing. Alongside the skills covered in this unit, your technical skills in this area will be developed in the industry preparation sessions.

View Recorded Voice I on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Acting for Camera

(30 CREDITS)

This module will focus on developing your knowledge of and skills in applying techniques for working on camera for mediums such as feature film, television, commercials and corporate film. It will also develop your understanding of basic filmmaking techniques and will require you to learn how to operate a digital video camera, sound equipment and editing software at a basic level. You will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the film/television set or location, who's who on the crew and will develop a practical awareness of on-set protocols and practices. You will explore the implications of performance size in relation to shot size, continuity, product placement, camera movement, set/location constraints and challenges, shooting out of sequence, emotional requirements of the scene and other obstacles to effective performance and will develop skills and techniques to support the development of a believable character on camera. Auditions, castings and self-taping remotely will also be covered in this module. Working with your tutor(s) and with each other you will perform monologues, duologues and multi-performer scenes on camera, supporting each other as crew and under similar conditions as those in the industry. Assessment in this module will be continuous. Upon completion of this module, you will have showreel footage, including at least one dramatic/comedic scene and one commercial advert. Alongside the skills covered in this unit, your technical skills in this area will be developed in the industry preparation sessions.

View Acting for Camera on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Movement

(30 CREDITS)

Movement is a core part of any actor's work and this programme draws on East 15's strong tradition in training actors through various styles of movement training. Training takes place in our studios and helps to develop the actor's craft in ensuring full embodiment of character that is applicable to all forms of performance. Subjects that may fall within this training include: improvisation, animal work, puppetry, and some specific movement training around military and weapons work.

View Movement on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

Industry Preparation I

(30 CREDITS)

View Industry Preparation I on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Portfolio Project

(30 CREDITS)

This module provides the opportunity to reflect on your training, both exploring individual subjects and thinking about how the learning from your various subjects inform each other. Using skills from across the degree programme, your portfolio will be a digital record of your learning that can also be used after graduation to showcase your skills, assisting with employability. The portfolio will be both a retrospective and reflective look at their training and development and a forward-looking study that explores career and study options that are open to the student. With your portfolio supervisor you will decide on specific topic / theme that will focus the project on your personal development and career aspirations. The format for the final portfolio will be unique to each student, including a variety of written work, video footage, possibly digital art, photography, and possibly spreadsheets. While the main focus can vary, the project should address the following three categories: 1. Reflections on modular and independent learning and how these connect to your holistic development as an artist (reflection) 2. A researched plan for their progress following graduation, demonstrating a clear path towards specific career or further educational goals (progress) 3. A collection of edited material that will support the above (showcase).

View Portfolio Project on our Module Directory

Teaching

MA and MFA students take the same modules in their first year. In their second year, MFA students work in more detail on projects that allow them to develop additional skills and put these skills into practice.

Year 1 (MA & MFA STUDENTS)

This combined year of study is taught through 6 bespoke modules, developing the skills and understanding needed to move your career forward in the digital world. The modules that make up the year are:

Movement

Movement is a core part of any actor's work and this programme draws on East 15's strong tradition in training actors through various styles of movement training. Training takes place is our studios and helps to develop the actor's craft in ensuring a full-body embodiment of character that is applicable to all forms of performance. Subjects that may fall within this training include: improvisation, animal work, puppetry, and some specific movement training around military and weapons work.

Movement in the Volume

This module looks at the fundamentals and specific techniques for working in a virtual environment and knowledge of the technology that captures your performance and eventually transforms your work in the volume into a digital character. You will begin by learning the basics involved in a motion capture shoot, including process, vocabulary and rules for the space. As your training progressed will explore how to prepare for a role, approach repetition in a natural and truthful way, character creation, working with objects, collaborating with a performance director, working from a script.

Recorded Voice

Acting for Screen

Exploring techniques and knowledge of working on film across the wide spectre of performance captured by a camera – such as feature films, television (drama, comedy, soap operas), commercial adverts and corporate videos to name a few. Rehearsal and performance techniques will be part of the training, to enhance creativity and prepare an actor for delivering a role that is intended to be captured on camera.

Industry Preparation

Students will receive tuition that will aid them make the transition from training into working for themselves as an independent artist. This will entail, technical training in sound recording as well as video and sound editing. They will be guided in how to use footage captured during the course to create a showreel and a voice reel, strategies in marketing and presentation (both in person and in writing), audition technique for film, motion capture and voiceover work. As part of the programme they will also have master classes and information sessions with working artists who will be able to supplement their core learning with additional skills as well as shedding a light on industry practices and the realities of working in related fields.

Portfolio (Reflection & Presentation)

Chance to reflect on your training, both as individual subjects but also to think about how the learning from your various subjects inform each other. Using skills from your industry preparation module, you portfolio will be a digital record of your learning that can be used after graduation to showcase your skills, assisting with employability.

Accountancy / Invoices / taxes

Year 2 (MFA Students only)

Performance Capture Project

Building on the skill base that was developed in Year One, in the second year you will draw on your learning as you work through projects, from concept to research to rehearsal to the final data capture. This module gives you the opportunity to experience a consolidated your own process where you will be working to a brief, as you would in a professional environment to bring to life a character or a series of characters.

Screen Project

Similar to the above, the screen project will involve the development, the rehearsal and the shooting a film-based project. You will be guided in developing a script in a small group, through both research and practical exploration; a director will come aboard in the final stages to shoot.

Recorded VOICE II

Industry Preparation II

Further workshops in a range of skills that will support your growth and employability across a range of subjects. These workshop sessions will be led by both the faculty team and by visiting professional in areas related to the core modules of training.

Further In-game techniques for Film and Videogames / military styles / setting up a home studio

Sessions in Intimacy and Consent for screen

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£18,400

International fee

£21,700

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Southend Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing southend@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

2024 Open Days (Southend Campus)

Saturday 12 October 2024 - Southend Open Day

Find out more

Applying

When you apply for one of our postgraduate courses, we will assess you on your experience (both academic and practical) and your potential for success. You will need to undertake an audition that has an element of physical activity as part of your assessment.

You need to complete and send us an East 15 application form, including a link to your video audition, and pay your audition fee.

Full information on how to apply, what to prepare for your video audition and links to the East 15 application form and audition fee payment are on the East 15 website.

Auditioning

You will need to include a link to your video audition on your application form. The full information on what you need to include in your audition is on the East 15 website.

If you are successful in your video audition, you will be asked to attend a further audition with one of our tutors. Full information on the options available to you and what you need to prepare for your recall audition will be sent to you by email.

Auditions generally take place between November and June and are available online, on campus and at other regional and international events. If you live outside the UK, we audition internationally in different countries each year. For a list of our events, please see the East 15 website. If you are unable to attend one of these in person events, you should submit your application form and video audition following the instruction on how to apply here. If you are recalled, your audition will take place online.

Students giving each other a piggy back on the beach

Want to live in a central city location, with state-of-the-art facilities at your finger tips? Southend is the perfect environment for living and learning in a close-knit international community.

If you're joining our School of Health and Social Care, East 15 Acting School, or Essex Business School, you may well be studying at our Southend Campus.

Find out more

View from Square 2 outside the Rab Butler Building looking towards Square 3

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Check out our website to find out more information about our Southend Campus, watch videos and view our campuses.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

Find out more

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.