BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Film Acting)

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) Musical Theatre and Acting for Film degree combines training in musical theatre and film acting from your first year. You'll develop specialist skills in both stage and screen acting, enhancing your flexibility as a practitioner in the industry. Graduates can pursue careers in West End productions, major touring productions, film and TV, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Film Acting) course offers training in musical theatre dance, singing, and stage and screen acting from your first year. You will develop specialist practical skills in the contexts of both stage and screen acting which will enhance your flexibility as a practitioner in the industry. Throughout your study, you will be offered the opportunity to engage with on-site and off-site performance experiences. These might range from smaller scale to larger scale productions and will enable you to have insight into the requirements of the industry. Students on our Acting for Film Provision are also eligible for Spotlight UK membership, which offers a variety of industry-specific benefits to support students to successfully access the industry, such as discounted graduate membership, representation by Spotlight (searchable by casting directors and agents in a dedicated ‘Spotlight Graduates’ section), invitation to participate in events programme with exclusive priority booking, access to the dedicated one to one career advice sessions and Spotlight monthly tailored newsletters. On the Musical Theatre side, industry professionals are also periodically invited in to see the work of graduating students and there are many extra curricular activities such as projects, shows, summer concerts and festivals which are open to students, all of which support and guide them towards entering the industry. On this course you will:

• Develop specialist skills in stage and film acting
• Be able to engage with on-site and off-site performance projects
• Be able to take part in large and small scale productions which reflect the requirements of the industry.
• Have the opportunity to develop skills across both the musical theatre and film domains
• Learn from highly experienced practitioners in musical theatre and television/film acting.

Outline:

You will study a selection of core and optional modules in each year. Each module is worth a number of credits is delivered differently, depending on its content and focus of study.

Year One

• Iconoclasts to Icons: You will explore the importance of observing and contrasting Screen Acting technique and styles through lectures and screenings and will be expected to articulate the context of performances in group discussion.
• Introduction to Film Industry: This module walks you through the various paradigms within the film industry and the use of filmic devices for dramatic and expressive intention.
• Introduction to Musical Theatre: The module introduces you to key skills in examining repertoire drawn from succeeding periods of musical theatre history, supporting an examination of musical structure with a parallel focus on developments in dance and drama within the genre.
• Musical Theatre Skills 1: This all year module focuses on the technical training in dance (jazz, ballet, tap) acting and singing which will form the foundation of your training for musical theatre.
You will study a combination of dance technique and routines, acting techniques, vocal repertoire classes, musical styles and performance skills.
• Performance Development: This includes your 1 to 1 tuition in your selected instrumental or vocal study.
• Screen Acting 1: This module explores the complete timeline of a screen acting performance; from initial preparation through to final delivery.
You will examine aspects of performance practice relevant to your individual choice of discipline development.

Year Two

• Film Story: In this module, you will use weekly film study to explore the elements needed in the creation of story, specifically in the process of devising for film.
Through analysis and criticism, you will broaden your understanding of the connections between film making and performance.
• Musical Theatre Skills 2: Building on the foundation of your first year of study this all year module focuses on further developing your technical training in dance (jazz, ballet, tap, commercial, body conditioning) acting and singing.
You will study a combination of more advanced dance techniques and routines, acting techniques including duologues, vocal repertoire classes, musical style and performance skills.
• Performance Development: This includes your 1 to 1 tuition in your selected instrumental or vocal study.
• Screen Acting 2: This module explores the role and importance of group communication within practice, as you analyse your own skills and knowledge around performance techniques.
• The Movie Musical: The module will introduce students to key skills in examining repertoire drawn from succeeding periods of movie musical history, supporting an examination of musical structure with a parallel focus on developments in dance and drama within the genre.
• Through the Lens: In this module, you will dissect and discuss the way in which actors interpret scripted characters to create a screen performance that is further moulded by a director.

Year Three

• Classics On Film: You will be challenged to fully research, prepare, rehearse and film a short monologue or duologue from a choice of scenes from classical works.
You will be encouraged to display attention to detail in terms of vocal and physical characterisation. Furthermore, they will meet predetermined technical camera requirements in your performance. In addition, you will learn the arts blocking, sequencing and eye-line to maximise the relationship with the camera and screen audience.
• Film Combat: In this module, you will organise, prepare, rehearse, perform in and edit a short filmed fight sequence.
You will be encouraged to display attention to detail in terms of vocal and physical characterisation. You will have access to film and sound equipment as well as editing facilities.
• Masterclass: This module develops your advanced performance and communication skills and your sense of performance context.
You will develop your repertoire, your understanding of style and your skill in preparing for audition or performance.
• Musical Theatre Skills 3: This year-long module consolidates all the learning in level 4 and 5 with training in the musical theatre disciplines of dance, acting and singing with a focus on advancing your technical understanding in your final year of study.
• Performance Development: This includes your 1 to 1 tuition in your selected instrumental or vocal study.
• Personal Study: You will have an opportunity to select an area of study of your choice over an extended period, to research and present their findings in written form.
• Screen Acting 3: The importance of achieving high standards of creativity and communication within performance work will be emphasized in group lessons and in formative performance assessment.
Discussion about performance practice relevant to your individual choice of or combination of discipline development, will help in focusing ideas and planning in relation to career aspirations.
• Swing Project: This module allows you to enhance your contribution to ensemble performance and to develop your skills in solo work in the context of a large performance project.
Longer term planning, rehearsal and preparation strategies for performance techniques will be emphasised. The module will work towards, and culminate in, a semi-staged performance. You will be required to prepare effectively and thoroughly for this performance.
• The Four Hander Project: You will be challenged to fully research, prepare and rehearse all four roles in both scenes then perform one of the roles in one of the scenes at very short notice for filming in a multi-camera set-up.
Furthermore, they will be challenged to meet predetermined blocking and technical camera requirements in that performance. A professional approach to rehearsal will be encouraged and you will be required to keep a written log of all information needed to effectively take part in the live filmed performance in any of the given roles.

Teaching:

You will complete theoretical and practical study in most of your modules. Your typical study week will include practical classes, lectures, tutorials, and the application of theory into practice. You will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills to enhance your CV and your employability. Many past graduates are now working in some of the principal producing houses. As performers, alumni have gone into:

• West End productions
• Major touring productions throughout Europe
• Major cruise ships including Disney
• UK and International small-scale touring theatre
• Film and TV in both the UK and US
• Edinburgh Festival
• Cabaret
• Stage managers, arts managers and producers picking up contracts in the UK and around the world

Further Study

You could choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level. Study options at the University of Chichester include:

• MA Music Performance
• MA Music Teaching
• PGCE
• PhD/MPhil
Students who have undertaken this in the past have found it to be an amazing experience to broaden their horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, undertake further travelling and to immerse themselves within a new culture. You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination institution for you and your course.