Module Study Guide

Academic Year 2018–2019

MU30034E – INTRODUCTION TO
ACTING
Level: 3
Credits: 20

Version No. 2.1 © University of West London 2018

Table of contents
Key team contact details ................................................................................................... 3

1 Module overview ................................................................................................................ 4

1.1 Introduction, aims and summary of content ........................................................... 4

1.2 Learning outcomes to be assessed ......................................................................... 5
1.3 Scheduled contact hours .......................................................................................... 5

2 Assessment and feedback ................................................................................................. 6

2.1 Summative assessment grid .................................................................................... 6

2.2 Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning outcomes ..................... 6
2.3 Learning materials ..................................................................................................... 9

3 Things you need to know ................................................................................................. 10

3.1 Attendance ............................................................................................................... 10

3.2 If things don’t go to plan ......................................................................................... 10
3.3 Getting support for your studies ............................................................................ 11
3.4 Student support ....................................................................................................... 11
3.5 Module evaluation – have your say! ...................................................................... 11

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Key team contact details
Module Leader William Lester
Subject Area & School/College Performing Arts/London College of Music
Email william.lester@uwl.ac.uk
Phone
Location PK. 01. 006

Module Tutor William Lester

Email william.lester@uwl.ac.uk
Phone
Location PK. 01. 006

Course Administrator Patrick Hart

Email patrick.hart@uwl.ac.uk
Phone 020 8231 2152
Location School Academic Office – Heart Space, HT01.001

Subject Librarian Shelagh Hewson

Email shelagh.hewson@uwl.ac.uk
Phone 020 8231 2151
Location PE. 02. 007, Paul Hamlyn Library

The Course Leader overseeing this module is Ian Duguid, and can be contacted at
ian.duguid@uwl.ac.uk

The Head of Subject overseeing this module is Gavin Baker, and can be contacted at
gavin.baker@uwl.ac.uk

The Head of School/College responsible for this module is David Henson, and can be contacted at
david.henson@uwl.ac.uk

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1 Module overview
1.1 Introduction, aims and summary of content
This MSG is designed to help you to understand what is expected of you in order to pass this
module. General information about learning support, learning resources and plagiarism, for
examples in your Course Guide and is not repeated here.

Always consider that your tutors are here to support you and are keen or you to succeed.
Remember also that they are busy people and don’t have Iimitless time; if you have an individual
problem, and are unable to contact your module tutor then please seek advice from your personal
tutor or year tutor as to how to proceed with the matter of concern. If you are not aware of how to
contact your year tutor or who they may be then seek this information from your group
representative

This module aims to help you:

• Develop an awareness of your physical and psychological “Self”. Through understanding

the Everyday Behaviour of “Self”, one becomes more capable of producing the Created
Behaviour of “Character”.
• Begin to develop a working vocabulary relevant to modern acting craft.
• Develop an understanding of Stanislavski’s contribution to modern acting technique through
exploration of his method ‘system’.
• Explore the important aspects of Michael Chekhov’s approach to acting in order to
understand it as a counterpoint to Stanislavski’s method.
• Introduce the work of other important influencers of modern acting technique. Develop the
skill of personal reflection & constructive personal criticism in relation to your work.
• Develop your confidence and an awareness of your potential as an actor.
• Understand and practice the critical work of the ‘reflective’ practitioner.

This module will give the student an opportunity to investigate and practice the fundamental
aspects of modern acting technique. It will explore the work of two key figures associated with
modern acting process: Konstantin Stanislavski & Michael Chekhov as well as introduce the
student to work of other major influencers within the field. Students will work individually and in
groups. Study will include guided exploration of key exercises within both methodologies designed
to hone the psychological preparation of the actor alongside of the physical aspect of building a
character.

The first semester will focus on Konstantin Stanislavski, exploring his concept of the ‘triumvirate’ of
body, mind and emotions. The second semester will build on the students’ technical vocabulary
and skill. It will focus on Michael Chekhov’s interrogation of creative process and his idea of an
“objective method” built on fundamental technical principles. Through this work, students will
develop key skills required of the working actor such as: self confidence, mental focus, awareness
of the body, interrogation of text, creative thought, collaboration with others and awareness of
craft.

Your reflective practice will be demonstrated in your Working Reflective Journal, which will provide
you with a means of recording both personal appraisal and research. Feedback will give you the
opportunity to put your personal thoughts about your development as an actor into a more formal
dialogue with the Module leader. It is important to note that all aspects of the Code of Practice
must be observed in order to fulfill the demands of this module.

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1.2 Learning outcomes to be assessed
Investigate elements of performance practice, techniques, traditions, histories and application of
performance.

Understand relevant performance and production vocabularies, skills, structures and rehearsal
methods.

Understand basic performance techniques informed by or derived from particular theatre contexts
and practitioners.

Manage the development of their own learning and academic study, with some support.

1.3 Scheduled contact hours

Teaching Contact Hours 44 hours

Independent Study Hours 156 hours

Total Learning Hours 200 hours

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2 Assessment and feedback
2.1 Summative assessment grid
Type of Word count Pass Submission Method of Submission
Weighting
Assessment or equivalent Mark due-date & time & Date of Feedback

Solo/Group w/c 22nd April 15 working days after

Devised Piece
15 mins 80% 40% 2019 completion

Written w/c 29th April 15 working days after

Assignment
1,500 20% 40% 2019 submission

2.2 Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning

outcomes
There will be a Formative Assessment in Week 11. This consists of performing a short group
scene in class. Each scene will be chosen in conjunction with your tutor and each group must
have a minimum of 4 actors. The tutor has final say on the scene and group numbers. The
Formative scenes are an opportunity for you to demonstrate and practice your skill with the
elements of Stanislavski’s System that you have been studying in the classroom.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
LO1. Investigate elements of performance practice, techniques, traditions, histories and

application of performance.

LO2. Understand relevant performance and production vocabularies, skills, structures

and rehearsal methods.

LO3. Understand basic performance techniques informed by or derived from particular

theatre contexts and practitioners.

LO4. Manage, with some support, the development of their own learning and academic

study.

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ASSIGNMENT 1 (80%) Summative Practical Performance

Students will be required to:

1. Present in small groups a short scene from a published play. The play/scene will be chosen in
discussion with your tutor.

2. Devise a monologue based on the character you’re playing in the chosen scene. The
monologue will be delivered as a character soliloquy, at an appropriate point of dramatic action
for the character within the scene. The monologue should deepen our understanding of the
character in terms of motivation, psychology & objective. It should also have relevance to the
scene in which the character is set. Construction and delivery of the monologue should reflect
an understanding of the techniques taught throughout the module as well as an understanding
of the play from which the scene is taken.

(Scene duration: 15 min. minimum / 18 min. max – inclusive of monologues)

(Monologue length: 1 minute min. / 1.5 minute max. Hard copy to be handed in at performance)

!!NOTE: timings for BOTH above elements will be monitored!!

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

- Demonstrate an understanding of how to use the body to create a consistent and truthful
playing of character.

- Demonstrate focus and spontaneity within an individual and group context.

- Demonstrate a working vocabulary of acting processes, which respond to the Constantine

Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov acting systems within both published and unpublished
devised texts.

- Achieve a good sense of flexibility in adapting plans according to changing circumstances and
co-operating creatively in varying groups towards a common artistic end.

- Demonstrate professional behavior in performance and in terms of commitment, attendance,

punctuality, motivation and preparation within the classroom.

PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENT DEADLINE

Date: Week commencing April 22nd 2019

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ASSIGNMENT 2 (20%) Summative Formal Writing Task

TurnitIn submission
Students will be required to:

Write a reflective essay of 1,500 words in which you describe your process of development for
your final performance. Consider how the techniques we’ve explored during the module have
influenced your ability to use body, imagination, emotion and psyche to construct a performance
relevant to your character and the script. Your written work should reference at least one of the
essential or recommended texts used in the module. A title page and bibliography must be
attached and the essay submitted along with your working journal.

A Reflective Working Journal recording the process of your learning within this module must
also be turned in by the deadline, failure to hand in this work will lead to a fail.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

- Manage own learning using a range of resources.

- Demonstrate critical skills relating to the development and understanding of the ‘reflective’
practitioner.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT DEADLINE

Date: Week commencing April 29th 2019

For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to access online
feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student-help pages at:
http://www.uwl.ac.uk/blackboardhelp

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2.3 Learning materials
The reading list for this module is available on Blackboard in the module area or by
searching https://uwl.rl.talis.com/index.html. This shows real-time availability of books in the library and
provides direct links to online resources, recommended by your lecturer.
Remember to log into Blackboard daily to receive all the latest news and support available at
your module sites!
Subject guides (https://www.uwl.ac.uk/library/finding-and-using-information/subject-guides-libguides)
are also available to help you find relevant information for assignments, with contact details of the
Academic Support Librarian for your School.

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3 Things you need to know
3.1 Attendance
Attendance is crucial for your success as a student. Over the years, it has become clear that there is a
very clear link between students’ attendance levels and their module marks, so please make sure you
give yourself the best possible chances for success through attending your classes, seminars and
tutorials. You are expected to attend all forms of learning activity associated with your course of study
regularly, and to engage in your course as required by the University’s Attendance and Engagement
Monitoring Policy. Attendance is monitored using student card swipe data so please always remember
to ‘touch-in’ with your ID card for each class you attend. This may also affect your scholarships, so
don’t forget to tap in!
International students on a Tier-4 visa have additional requirements in relation to attendance, which are
detailed in the Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy.
All students should refer to the published Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy –
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/policies-procedures-and-regulations – and if your
course is accredited by a professional body, also to specific course requirements.

3.2 If things don’t go to plan

The University recognises that there are times when you may encounter difficulties during your course
of study and provisions are made to help you. In all cases, you should speak to your Personal
Tutor/Module Leader and seek advice as soon as possible.
If you think you need a little more time past the original deadline, you can approach your Module
Leader for a 10-day extension initially.
If an extension is not sufficient and your circumstances have prevented you from submitting on time
then you may for instance be able to apply for mitigation. You are encouraged to seek advice from the
Students’ Union Advice Service who can support you. Click the link and go to the ‘advice’ section:
https://www.uwlsu.com/
Please refer to the University Academic Regulations for further guidance on extensions and mitigation:
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/extensions-and-mitigating-circumstances
If you fall below the pass mark or fail to submit to all elements or part of a module’s assessments, you
will be required to do a resit, normally at the next opportunity. Resits do not involve re-enrolment and
attendance at classes.
Failure of a resit means you are required to retake the module. Retakes involve re-enrolment,
attendance, payment of tuition fee and completion of all elements of the module, and the submission of
all assessments. If your course is accredited by a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body
(PSRB) certain rules may apply to you; please check this with your Course/Module Leader.
Please refer to the University’s Academic Regulations for further guidance; see
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/policies-procedures-and-regulations
If your course is accredited by a professional body, the module requirements outlined in the above
document will specify the elements of assessment that must be passed, those that must be taken, and
those that are optional. The relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) rules also

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apply in such cases.
You are reminded that the University applies penalties to students who commit an academic offence, in
which case the Academic Offences Regulations will be used to deal with any cases of academic
misconduct including examination offences, plagiarism and other means of cheating to obtain an
advantage.
If you have an issue or complaint about the module, you should speak to your Module Leader, Tutor or
Course Leader informally in the first instance. Your Course Representative can also raise your
concerns at Course Committees, which take place each semester. If you are unable to resolve it
informally, you should refer to the Complaints Procedure which is outlined in the Student Handbook
(https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/student-handbook) and consult the Students’ Union
about it. The University aims to ensure that issues are resolved informally as quickly as possible to
have minimum impact on your studies.

3.3 Getting support for your studies

Throughout your course of study, you will have access to a wide variety of sources of support
depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Your first point of call for getting general
academic support is your Personal Tutor. As well as approaching your Module Leader with any
questions specifically related to your module and your Course Leader with questions on your Course,
do contact your Personal Tutor for academic advice in relation your studies and your academic
development.
Apart from the University-wide support framework, which encompasses the Module Leaders, Course
Leader, the Subject Librarian and your Course Administrator, you will also have at your disposal the
UWL Engagement Team. The Engagement Team offers Academic Skills Workshops throughout the
year, helping you to develop skills relevant to your degree. Workshops include for instance Essay
Planning and Writing; Critical Thinking; Reflective Writing; Group Work and Presentation Skills.
Contact the Engagement Team at: Academic.Workshops@uwl.ac.uk
Maths Support, English Language support and One-to-one academic support opportunities are also
available. For information about all these services go to the Engagement Team’s website –
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/support-services-for-students/engagement-team

3.4 Student support

In addition to the support listed in the previous section, there is also more help offered by UWL Student
Support Services. These are located in The Street at St. Mary’s Road, Ealing campus, but offer drop-in
sessions at all UWL sites. They offer a wide range of support and advice services consisting of Student
Advice, and Funding & Immigration advice; Careers; Counselling; Disability/Mental Health; Inter-faith
Advisor; Placement & Employment; Volunteering; Student Welfare; and Scholarships and Bursaries.
Contact Student Services (general) for more information at:
Email: studentservices@uwl.ac.uk
Tel. 0208 231 2345.

3.5 Module evaluation – have your say!

Towards the end of the module you will be invited to provide some anonymous feedback to the Module

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Leader through an online survey. This is your opportunity to give some direct feedback about the
module through a series of questions and free text. Your constructive feedback will help the Module
Leader and teaching team to understand the module experience from your perspective and helps
inform the development of the module. At the end of the survey period, a response to the survey will
be available on Blackboard so that you can see exactly how your voice has been heard.

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