EA131-4-AU-SO:
Introduction to Acting Theory, Methods and Practice: From Self to Character
2023/24
East 15 Acting School
Southend Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
08 April 2021
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BA W496 Acting and Community Engagement
This first year acting module provides an initial training in acting theory, method and practice based on the uniqueness of the individual and the ability to change, adapt, extend, perceive, accept and reject.
Students move through self-study to look outside themselves, approaching improvised situations in imaginative and collaborative ways. By the end of the course you will know how to start work on a character and will have begun collaborative work. You will be able to begin to create a character from a source and to start the process of creating the world of the play.
To provide students with opportunities to learn:
1. The ground rules of the art of acting
2. How to improvise truthfully
3. Sight-reading skills
4. Objective self-assessment
5. How to create a character
6. The importance of the ensemble
7. To study people in practical, real-life situations
8. To observe and understand aspects of human development
9. To develop an appreciation of the complexity of human nature.
By the end of this module you will be able to demonstrate awareness of:
1. Professional potential: range, focus, presence
2. Commitment: energy, positive attitude, personal contribution
3. Creative Inventiveness: fresh responses, spontaneity in a range of experiences
4. Flexibility & Sensitivity to Change: responsiveness to others and to direction
5. Ensemble Acting: adaptability, generosity, awareness of relationships
6. Objective self-assessment: awareness of own strengths and weaknesses as an actor, ability to accept criticism and act upon it
7. Research Skills: in-depth interviews, objective observation, selection of appropriate material, accurate documentation
8. Application of research to practice
9. Textual comprehension
10. Creative repetition
No additional information available.
Students work with tutors in group practical classes.
Learning also takes place in workshops and rehearsals.
Oral formative assessment from/with a panel of tutors At the end of the first and third terms
Written formative assessment and tutor feedback report at the end of the first and third terms
Improvisation and group discussion.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Practical |
Continuous Assessment |
|
|
Additional coursework information
Continuous assessment through observation of contribution to class work in:
Storytelling
Play reading
Study of Self
Acting Theory, Method & Practice
Improvisation/Sensory World
The Community (Project)
Self to Character
Text Analysis
Students will receive formative verbal feedback and assessment continuously throughout the year.
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Ms Ainslie Masterton, email: amast@essex.ac.uk.
Ainslie Masterton
East 15 Acting School
Gateway Building
Elmer Approach
Southend-on-Sea
SS1 1LW
No
No
No
Dr Katie Beswick
University of Exeter
Senior Lecturer in Drama
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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