Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit introduces the student to the foundation principles of acting, which provide the base from which the actor begins to build their process.

This acting foundation describes freedom and availability as core principles of the actor’s process. This approach to the work requires self-awareness to identify personal limitations or habitual behaviours and to then apply preparatory techniques to enable the actor to respond to stimulus moment to moment.

Students will undertake a range of practical preparation activities and exercises to develop these core skills, as well as developing conceptual understanding of these foundation principles and how these form the basis of the actor’s work. These foundation skills will be applied through both theatre and screen performance exercises and activities.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit builds upon the core foundation and introductory knowledge and skill developed in Trimester 1 and introduces the craft of theatre performance. This unit culminates in a performance of a contemporary Australian theatre text(s).

Craft skills of the actor involve meeting the obligations of a performance text and developing a role throughout a rehearsal period. Craft also requires the actor to apply acting principles and techniques to an audition context and whilst collaborating with a director, fellow performers and crew in meeting the performance and technical requirements of a theatre production. 

Students will participate in the rehearsal and production of a contemporary Australian performance text. Knowledge and skills in the areas of; audition technique, research and analysis of a text, technical and blocking requirements, managing a script journal, taking direction and collaborating with others will be integrated through the rehearsal

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit supports the Acting foundation and incorporates voice and movement training into the development of the acting process. 

The synthesis of acting, voice and movement builds the essential embodiment of acting process. Acting requires a dexterous and flexible physicality, as well as the development of the vocal support infrastructure of body, breath, resonance and articulation.

Students will undertake a range of practical exercises and activities to build these skills, as well as developing an understanding of the anatomical processes and conceptual understanding of how this contributes to their acting process.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit develops further physical and vocal technique and integrates into acting practice to meet the obligations of text and character for performance. 

The actor’s craft requires the integration of voice and body into the development of a role for performance. Voice and movement are integral to the actor’s ability to embody a character and holistically apply acting, voice and movement techniques to meet the requirements of a performance.

Students will undertake a range of vocal and physical exercises and activities as well as incorporate research and analysis skills into the vocal and physical development of a character in performance.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit introduces the student to creativity as applied through the impulse of the actor by means of improvisation and creative play exercises as well as the impetus to create as an individual and member of an ensemble.

The creative impulse not only informs acting process but also supports the genesis of innovative and creative thinking and approaches, which are integral to a successful portfolio career as an actor.

Students will undertake regular exercises and activities to build and strengthen their creative impulses, to collaborate as part of an ensemble and to generate performance responses to a range of stimuli, contexts and art forms.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit develops the student’s understanding of the film aesthetic and how principles of acting, improvisation and creativity can be harnessed into the areas of script development, directing and performance.  This unit culminates in the development of a short film scene.

The contemporary actor’s career demands flexibility of acting process to meet the nuance of screen performance media and a well-developed understanding of the process of cinematic storytelling. The actor’s portfolio career presents opportunities to utilise these skills and knowledge to develop work opportunities in the independent film and digital media industries.

Students will utilise acting, improvisation and other creative development techniques to develop their film concept. This collaborative process will require them to integrate knowledge and skills to fulfil the roles of actor, director and creator.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit introduces foundation principles of safe practice, professional and personal boundaries and conduct as well as warm-up, cool down and preparation processes. It also introduces processes of reflective journaling, independent reading, research protocols and expressing a personal opinion.

The nature of the acting process, ensemble challenges and demands of an acting career create unique stresses on the professional actor. These require systematic processes and practices to ensure wellbeing is maintained and the actor is able to develop resilience in relation to these intrinsic stresses.

Students will develop thorough warm-up, cool down and preparation processes, as well as developing knowledge in approaches to journaling and reflection. Through participation in this unit the student will better understand the “connective tissue” of the course as well as their ability to positively contribute to a healthy, brave and supportive artistic ensemble.

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit introduces the student to research and analysis skills as they relate to the building of an independent and reliable personal acting process. It is from this base that further writing, research and critical analysis skills are scaffolded throughout the course.

An independent and reliable acting process sits at the heart of a sustainable acting career. The actor must develop systems to analyse their own process and incorporate areas of new knowledge to build a robust, adaptable and flexible professional acting practice.

Students will develop skills and knowledge to reflect on and analyse their individual acting technique. They will undertake research into acting theory and practices and identify opportunities for skills development and the integration of new techniques into their personal practice.