FT2ACT: From Acting to Performance

Module code: FT2ACT

Module provider: Film, Theatre and TV; School of Arts and Comm Design

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Mrs Gemma Cutler-Colcough, email: g.cutler-colcough@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE FT1STA OR TAKE FT1DP OR TAKE FT1ES (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 27 June 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to:  

• Examine the role of the actor in theatre and performance making. 
• Enable students to practically explore a range of acting approaches. 
• Equip students with a creative and critical ‘toolbox’ for effectively engaging with the dramatic construct of character. 
• Develop students’ confidence and skills in solo performance making.  

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of varied approaches to acting. 
2. Understand and apply in practice specific approaches to acting throught the research, development and delivery of a performance exercise. 
3. Evidence an ability to reflect critically on the processes of acting and performance making. 
4. Demonstrate awareness of current critical and cultural debates on casting and representation in theatre and performance, as part of an ongoing reflection on approaches to acting. 

Module content

This module engages you in practical and critical approaches to acting. You do not need experience of acting to take the module. However, a willingness to explore ideas practically and an openness to performing in front of your peers and tutors in a mutually supportive atmosphere, is essential. 

The first half of the module consists of a series of tutor and practitioner-led workshops in which you will practically explore varied acting approaches, focusing particularly on the idea of building a character. Between workshops, you will be set practical exercises and some group tasks, for completion during a  timetabled rehearsal slot. Your experience will be supported by critical reading on the actor’s role, class discussion and ongoing assessed written reflection. During this section of the module, you will also complete a short formative practical assessment and receive feedback.  

In the second half of the module, workshops will focus on equipping you with a series of creative strategies for problematising the idea of ‘character’ in performance. These will be drawn from the tradition of Performance and Live Art. Working within this tradition, and drawing on what you have learned, you will complete a summatively assessed solo performance exercise.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Students will learn through workshops that integrate practical exercises and group discussion. Sessions will focus on practical understanding and applications. They will also draw on exercises prepared by students (both independently and in groups during inter-workshop rehearsal slots), and on independent study that students have engaged in.  

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will prepare and present in class a short formative practical exercise. 

Reassessment

Additional costs