MA Acting

Institution University of Essex, East 15 Campus
Method At the institution
Location Loughton
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MA Acting

Objectives 1. To provide a sound foundation for a professional career in theatre and related professions 2. To enhance students' vocational education and training 3. To encourage students' personal and intellectual development 4. To provide opportunities for students to create performance using a range of skills and source materials 5. To develop students' ability to use textual and contextual research as preparation for performance.
Entry requirements Entry Qualifications Successful audition, plus possession of a first degree of upper second class standard or equivalent, or relevant experience.
Academic title MA Acting
Course description
Modules and Options

The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.

Stage 1

-    Compulsory: MOVEMENT
-    Compulsory: MUSIC/SINGING
-    Core: ADVANCED ACTING, METHODOLOGY AND TEXTUAL STUDIES, AND ACTING FOR MEDIA
-    Core: ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
-    Core: CONTEXTUAL STUDIES
-    Core: STUDIO THEATRE PRODUCTION
-    Core: VOICE
-    DISSERTATION/PROJECT
-    PERFORMANCE PROJECT

Teaching and Assessment Methods

A: Knowledge and Understanding
    Learning Outcomes
    A1 : Knowledge and understanding of transformation in challenging roles
    A2 : Knowledge and understanding of advanced improvisation skills
    A3 : Knowledge and understanding of character development using a variety of techniques
    A4 : Knowledge and understanding of approaches to acting for film, television and radio
    A5 : Knowledge and understanding of the processes of technical theatre eg. stage management, costume, sound, lighting
    A6 : Knowledge and understanding of the uses of a range of performance styles, methods and spaces

    Teaching Methods
    A1 to A3 are taught in small group practical classes, rehearsals, workshops and performance. A4 to A6 are taught in studio-based practical projects, rehearsals and production work for performance. A5 and A6 are also taught in contextual studies lectures and seminars.

    Assessment Methods
    A1 to A6 are continuously assessed through observation of contribution to classwork, rehearsals and performance. A4 is additionally assessed through observation of students' contribution to applied recorded media projects. A5 and A6 are additionally assessed through written assignments, essays, presentations and students' written Personal Development Portfolios and Journals. A1 to A3 and A5 to A6 are assessed through performance and written commentary for students who opt for the Practical Project and through a 12,000 word Dissertation for students who choose that option.

B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    B1 : Students will be able to take risks in exploration of self
    B2 : Students will be able to create performance from a range of source materials
    B3 : Students will be able to reflect objectively on the acting process
    B4 : Students will be able to respond creatively to others
    B5 : Students will be able to identify and exploit their physical and vocal potential
    B6 : Students will be able to undertake independent research as preparation for performance

    Teaching Methods
    B1 to B6 learning takes place in small group practical classes, workshops, rehearsals and performance. B2, B3 and B6 are additionally learned in lectures, seminars and independent study. B1 and B5 are also learned in one-to-one tutorials

    Assessment Methods
    B1 to B6 are continuously assessed through observation of contribution to classwork, rehearsals and performance and the Practical Project for students who take that option. B2, B3 and B6 are also assessed through written assignments, essays, presentations, students' written Personal Development Portfolios and Journals and the 12,000 word written dissertation for students who choose that option.

C: Practical Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    C1 : Students will be able to perform a range of roles to a professional standard
    C2 : Students will be able to express interpretation and analysis with confidence
    C3 : Students will be able to exercise time management and self management
    C4 : Students will be able to approach singing and movement with confidence
    C5 : Students will be able to communicate effectively with a range of audiences in written and oral form

    Teaching Methods
    C1 to C5 are learned in small group classes, rehearsal and performance. C3 is also learned through independent study. C2 and C5 are learned additionally in seminars and workshops. C2, C3 and C5 are learned through preparation of written essays and assignments. C1, C2, C4 and C5 are also learned through one-to-one tutorials.

    Assessment Methods
    C1 to C5 are continuously assessed through observation of contribution to classwork, rehearsals and performance and the Practical Project for students who take that option. C2, C3 and C5 are also assessed through written assignments, essays, presentations, students' written Personal Development Portfolios and Journals and the 12,000 word written dissertation for students who choose that option.

D: Key Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    D1 : Students will be able to present ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing, effectively and clearly
    D2 : Students will be able to use appropriate IT to research and present material
    D4 : Students will be able to identify problems and propose creative solutions
    D5 : Students will be able to participate effectively as a member of a group in practice based projects and productions
    D6 : Students will be able to work independently, using self-organisation and time-management; be receptive to written and oral feedback; and reflect on their own work.

    Teaching Methods
    D1 and D4 to D6 are learned in small group practical classes, seminars, workshops, rehearsals and performances. D2 and D4 learned through preparation of written assignments, essays, presentations, independent study and production preparation. D1 also learned through independent study.

    Assessment Methods
    D1, D4, D5 and D6 are continuously assessed through observation of students' contributions to classwork, rehearsals and performances. D1, D2, D4 and D6 are additionally assessed through written assignments, essays and students' Personal Development Portfolios and Journals. D1, D2, D4, D5 and D6 are assessed in both the 12,000 word Dissertation option and the Practical project option.