Acting (Level 3 National Foundation Diploma)
Why study Acting?
Acting is about being able to express and communicate personalities and emotions in order to portray someone other than yourself. Acting is a form of artistic expression and entertainment but the study of Acting can also help to develop general
presentation and communication skills as well as build confidence. Actors have the ability to be analytical, evaluative, and proactive; being able to take direction and criticism in order to make positive changes. Therefore Acting can complement a
number of other courses and career choices as well as be a career in itself.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English – grade 3
You will need to take part in an audition. There is no prerequisite to have studied GCSE Drama or Acting. You will be contacted prior to your audition date with further information.
The Course
Students will train in various acting techniques and learn how they are applied to different texts and styles. You will work within the traditions of theatrical acting with opportunities to explore established training methods such as Stanislavski’s system, as well as more modern genres and techniques. You will develop your voice as the tool of your trade, understanding that it is an instrument that needs training and how vocal technique is relied upon to develop character and a well-supported performance. You will get to experience auditioning as a technique and skill required in the professional industry. You will understand your casting, how to choose appropriate material, and interview technique.
Course Activities
Predominantly you will be assessed through performance, whether live or recorded, in a theatre, studio or location. Rehearsals are an important factor and your processes will be assessed. These may be evidenced through a logbook, video diary or viva. Practical work includes acting and rehearsal exercises and performances, warm up activities and taking part in extended performances as part of the examination process. Theoretical work involves note-taking and coursework, research activities, discussions and presentations.
Career and Progression Opportunities
Students can progress to careers in acting, directing, stage management and other forms of work in the theatre and entertainment industries. BTEC Acting supports progression to a wide range of degree courses including Acting, Drama, Performing Arts, English, Media and Film Studies,
The course equally offers skills development which has been proven to allow for achievement in any subject which involves a great deal of leadership, collaboration and interpersonal skills as well as presentation techniques, for example Law, Business and even Engineering.
Course Structure and Assessment
You will study two modules which are assessed through four assessment units. Each unit is graded and you will receive a separate, equally-weighted grade for each assessment unit. You must complete all assessment units and achieve a Pass grade or above in at least three of these units.
Module and Assessment Unit titles and content / objectives
Module 1: Acting Skills Development
Acting skills are interrelated in terms of using and adapting to different elements, production requirements and contexts. This module develops your ability to apply knowledge and skills related to the key areas of the industry. The module involves a series of short learning projects to refine skills, so you are able to adapt them independently to vocationally varied situations.
The projects allow the development of contextual and stylistic understanding in practical scenarios, and will also cover individual performance skills to allow you to refine your technical proficiency. You will develop key complementary skills, such as professional skills and critical reflection.
Exploring performance styles
- Apply stylistic conventions to performance material in response to a brief.
- Apply acting skills and techniques to performance material in response to a brief.
- Review the stylistic conventions of performance material.
Creating performance styles
- Demonstrate an understanding of acting skills and techniques when creating and developing performance material in response to a brief.
- Apply acting skills and techniques to the creative process in response to a brief.
- Apply technical skills when creating performance material.
Performing as an actor for an audience
- Develop and realise a performance through rehearsal.
- Review creative decisions made in rehearsal.
- Apply acting skills and techniques to a performance for an audience.
Module 2: The Performing Arts Industry
This module explores the main issues and opportunities in the performing arts industry and the freelance world, and how they affect the future in relation to an individual’s practice. The module focuses on the future of the industry but also takes into account historical and contemporary developments. It develops your ability to carry out an individual industry research project, placing an individual’s own practice into context.
Planning a career in the industry
- Understand the development of the performing arts industry.
- Understand employment opportunities in the performing arts industry.
- Identify potential opportunities for the future performing arts industry.
Additional Information
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel
In order to manage your studies and meet your full potential on the course and to meet your full potential as an Actor you will need to do at least an additional 4.5 hours of weekly preparation and study in your own time. This can include: reading and
researching the plays being worked on, line learning, additional rehearsals and character development, completing coursework etc.