THEATRE AND SCREEN

DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS - THEATRE AND SCREEN

A 2-year, full-time course designed to equip students with professional discipline and the physical, vocal and imaginative skills of acting for stage and screen. The course will train performers to proficient technical standards and endow them with the ability and courage to deliver bold and imaginative work.

The course puts a strong emphasis on the physical foundation of acting and the devising process as a way of developing the performer as co-creator. Maori and Inter-cultural performing arts codes are included in the various Modules.

Year 1 is a combined Foundation Year in which Acting & Musical Theatre students train together in movement, voice, acting, devising and singing. The focus of this year is on gaining professional discipline, on exploration and experimentation and the acquisition of basic skills in a number of vocabularies (body, voice, space and text).

In Year 2 the emphasis shifts to performance analysis and research, the honing of skills and the application of technique in rehearsal and performance. A variety of performance tasks and challenges will be set to develop the students’ versatility as performers. 

It is anticipated that candidates will have had at least two years training at secondary school or by private tuition in acting, as well as some experience in theatrical performance.  The Centre will recognise appropriate prior learning.

Appraisal of candidates for course places will be by audition.  Candidates should prepare two 3-4 minute dramatic monologues from text in contrasting styles, with one monologue being from a classical text.  The process will include group workshops to appraise movement, vocal ability, performance skills and group interaction.  Part of the audition process is an interview with the audition panel.

Specific attention will be given to:

• quality of performance skills
• physical ability and fitness
  
• vocal ability
• ability to work as part of a group
• ability to take direction
• health (current medical certificate is required)
• demonnstrated commitment to study
• appreciation of course outline and aims
• willingness to explore and experiment