DRAMA CERTIFICATE II & CERTIFICATE IV

Acting for Stage and Screen is offered over one year (Cert II) or two years (Cert IV) within two 15 week semesters totalling 720 hours per year.

In year one there are 20 hours of classes each week for practical, theoretical and technical units. All core units are compulsory. An additional 4 hours per week (minimum) will be required for research and to participate in rehearsals, performances and special projects.
All students participate in at least two of the following: public performances, screen based or industry related projects.
Year two is project and industry based, offering students the opportunity to develop a major work from concept through researching, writing, performance, budgeting, fundraising, planning, producing and marketing; OR to work as trainee attachments on professional screen or stage productions where possible.

The course will not be delivered part-time and a minimum of 24 hours per week will be required to fulfil course requirements.

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AIMS OF THE COURSE

The Certificate II course is designed to

  1. Provide the minimum requirements to work in the performing arts industry as an actor, in live theatre, and the film and television sectors.
  2. Provide the skills and knowledge of basic sound and camera equipment and the ability to apply these skills as directed, at an assistant crew member level in live theatre, and film and television.
  3. Provide participants with the skills and experience of working with others in the development and implementation of screen and dramatic works.
  4. Provide participants with an understanding of how to work within the performing arts and screen industries safely.
  5. Provide a foundation course for the Certificate level IV year or an equivalent course with another institution.

The Certificate IV course is designed to

  1. Provide the requirements to work in the performing arts industry as an actor, in live theatre, and film and television sectors.
  2. Provide the skills and knowledge of sound and camera equipment and screen production, in order to be able to work confidently as a crew member in a position of responsibility in live theatre, and film and television.
  3. Provide participants with the skills and experience in developing a major work, which demonstrates their ability to work together in providing solutions to a range of production and performance problems that arise in interpreting and producing a script for theatre or screen production.
  4. Provide students with flexibility of choice to specialise in acting, sound, camera, and production management.
  5. Provide experience and knowledge in business and industry to enable students to initiate, develop, produce and market their own skills, or projects, in order to gain employment in live theatre, and film and television.
  6. Provide through completion of the major work either content for a show reel for students who specialise in acting, OR an example of technical and creative ability for those who specialise in screen production.
  7. Provide participants with an understanding of how to work within the performing arts and screen industries safely.

FIRST YEAR UNITS Certificate II

INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS STUDIES IBS1 60 hours

A broad overview of industry and business structures; introduces principles and techniques to assist in identifying opportunities, and make intelligent business decisions; provides participants with an understanding of how to work within the performing arts and screen industries safely.

ACTING SKILLS AS1 240 hours

Detailed study of the skills required to develop a role by exploring the dramatic elements of character, function, objective and obstacle. Students develop an appreciation of the work of other performers and explore ways in which meaning can be communicated whilst in role. Students gain an understanding of performing for different media: stage, film and television.

INTRODUCTION TO SCREEN PRODUCTION ISP1 60 hours

An overview of the production process, of crew roles and responsibilities, and of video and digital audio tape formats; training in how to operate basic sound and camera equipment to record sound and image for basic screen production; a demonstration of post production processes and facilities.
The emphasis of this unit is on recording and production rather than post production. Students will be encouraged to edit their work “in camera” as much as possible, and to work in rotating crew roles to learn key technical competencies in a professional crew environment. 

 

MOVEMENT AND DANCE MD1 60 hours

An introductory course in dance and movement enables students to recognize the benefits of training the body, the relevance of movement to drama, and communicate the importance of avoiding injury.

ACTING TO CAMERA/CAMERA SKILLS C8 60 hours

By understanding of the differences between stage and screenacting, and the concerns of the director and camera operator, gain the skills required to perform convincingly on camera.  Using basic camera set up and operation skills gain an understanding of visual language, shot sizes and camera movement. Student gain experience in preparing for and recording screen tests on camera.

VOICE & SPEECH/SOUND SKILLS VS1 60 hours

Training in effective voice production - to extend vocal range and power, promote flexibility, and inculcate good practice in preparation of public performance. Students learn practical tools to use in a range of performing arts, texts and media, and to prepare for auditions.

IMPROVISATION & PHYSICAL THEATRE IPT1 30 hours

To introduce and allow students to explore acting concepts free of the demands of memorised text; to refine awareness of stage space, story, and the needs of audience and other players; to develop imagination in the context of character and situation, and to promote trust, focus and relaxation on stage.

PERFORMANCE & PROJECT PP1 120 hours

Application of the basic performance and screen production skills learned in first year to a specific stage or screen production. Students work in groups to research, develop and rehearse a short theatrical piece which will be performed in public. 

SECOND YEAR UNITS Certificate IV

ACTING SKILLS II C17 80 hours

Further development of the skills learned in Acting Skills I, exploring imagination, collaboration, story-telling by creating a group devised drama. The participants are required to work closely with others to develop and finalise an ensemble project.

MOVEMENT AND DANCE II C13 30 hours

Students learn to effectively employ choreographic elements of form, design, composition, idea development, thematic realisation; and to adapt movement concepts for physical theatre and text based performance.

ACTING TO CAMERA/CAMERA SKILLS II C8 70 hours

Further exploration of the differences in stage and film techniques and the disciplines involved by matching the physical activities of a scene to the parameters of the cinematic frame, and videotaping the scene.

VOICE & SPEECH/SOUND SKILLS II VS1 30 hours

Incorporating the skills learned in Voice & Speech I students explore vocal techniques for stage and screen vocal performance with an emphases on relaxation, breathing, clarity of diction, flexibility of speech, tone and dynamism.

HISTORY & THEORY OF SCREEN/PERFORMING ARTS HTSPA2 60 hours

A broad overview of performing arts in the context of the social, economic and political pressures that have shaped them and their various functions and conventions over time. Gives an understanding of the development of theatre and screen architecture and technologies, along with associated staging and acting techniques.

SCREEN PRODUCTION II SP2 120 hours

Provides a working knowledge of the production process and crew roles and responsibilities, and offers students the flexibility to specialise in one area – either sound, camera or production. This unit will build on the skills and knowledge developed in Screen Production 1 with an emphasis on the requirements for different genres of screen production.

INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS STUDIES II IBS2 30 hours

A more detailed and practical knowledge of business aspects of screen and performing arts, with emphasis on project financing, management and marketing skills. This unit will also provide an introduction to complex legal issues, intellectual property rights, artist’s rights, federal and state funding agencies, sources of funding writing funding applications, and marketing.

SPECIAL PROJECT & PERFORMANCE SP2 300 hours

Students work in groups to produce short videos or theatrical projects, which will enable them to apply the knowledge they have learned through theory and practical classes in Year One. The final video will provide students with a show reel for those who specialise in performance, and an example of technical and creative attainment for those who wish to pursue further training or employment in screen production, or seek funding to produce further film, video or theatre projects.

OR

Students can obtain accreditation for this unit through working on a professional production as a trainee or professional placement. Lecturers must approve the professional placement or attachment on the basis that it involves the same or greater levels of competency, skill and responsibility as the learning outcomes for the special project unit.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Each applicant must have a fully prepared one 2-3 minute monologue and must bring 2 spare copies of the script for the audition panel. The panel wants to see thorough, imaginative and intelligent preparation of the audition monologue.
We can provide a selection of audition pieces if required.
AUDITION GUIDE
The following pointers may assist you with the audition. Wear comfortable clothing, it will help you to keep relaxed and focused. There will be a warm-up and group improvisations, conducted by the Panel. Applicants will then in turn present their monologue. Ensure that you are familiar with your piece and make sure you are well rehearsed. Interviews with applicants will be conducted at the same time. Applicants may be nervous; allowances will be made by the Panel who will try to ensure that the experience will be informal, relaxed and constructive.
AUDITION DATES
Auditions are held in December and late January. For further information please phone NRCAC on (02) 66212266 during business hours Monday to Thursday.

Quick Links

Course information and directory is here :: Online enrolment form is here :: Download application form here

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