Develop your musical theatre performances whilst honing your skills in acting for the screen
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Overview
Train in screen acting and musical theatre performance
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.
Partnerships
Teaching and Assessment
How you will learn
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.
Outside of scheduled classes you will complete independent study including researching texts, completing individual or group tasks and working on your assignments.
Eloise Beeching
The Course
What you will study
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.
Modules
Select a year
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.
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.
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 Years 1 and 2, 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.
Personal Study (Written)
This module provides you with an opportunity to select an area of study of your choice, to research it and present your findings in written form, and to develop this over an extended period.
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.
At the conclusion of the module, you will have acquired a filmed scene for your show reel for future employability.
Facilities
Use industry standard spaces and equipment
This programme is mainly taught at our Chichester campus and is located in one of the largest music departments in the UK, with enviable teaching, performance and practice resources.
Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms, and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ).
Library
Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.
Other facilities include:
- On campus and off campus theatre and concert performing spaces, including box office
- Studio performance space
- Dedicated dance studios with Harlequin flooring
- Lighting and sound equipment
- A suite of 30 practice rooms
- Dedicated pit band and orchestral rehearsal rooms
- Dedicated chamber music building
- High quality kits, amps, PA, mics and other equipment
- Dedicated acting rehearsal rooms
- Concert pianos supplied by Steinway & Sons
- Practice grand pianos supplied by Steinway & Sons
The on campus Assembly Theatre has been redeveloped into a multi-purpose rehearsal and theatre studio space, seating an audience of up to 80. Students may also use on-campus recital, orchestral and dedicated performances spaces.
The Bognor Regis campus is seven miles from the Bishop Otter campus and is connected by frequent buses. Our students therefore have access to both an historic cathedral city and an iconic south-coast seaside resort.
Study Abroad
Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad
As a student at the University of Chichester, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies as you enrich and broaden your educational experiences.
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. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to help ensure that you can get the best out of your time studying abroad.
Careers
Where you could go after your studies
This BA (Hons) Musical Theatre and Acting for Film degree will prepare you for your future career. 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
University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.
Course Costs
Course Fees 2024/25
UK fee
International fee
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fee page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.
Entry Requirements
Typical offers (individual offers may vary):
UCAS
A Levels
BTEC
IB
IELTS
Auditions
You will need to demonstrate your ability in an instrument or voice and display musical awareness and skill in a performance audition. Applicants with high levels of performance skills may be considered for a lower academic offer.
Contextual offers
We believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background.
When we receive your application we consider your personal circumstances and the factors surrounding your achievements to see if you are eligible for a contextual offer. This is an offer with a reduced entry tariff – typically the equivalent of 16 fewer UCAS points (two A-level grades).
Find out more about our contextual offers.
Interviews and Auditions
Auditions and interviews usually run from January until March/April.
We aim to offer you a genuine dialogue during your application process. This gives you a sense of worth and achievement from the audition process itself; a sense of ownership for you during the process and, ultimately, is an opportunity for us to get a clear understanding of who you are, what you need, and how we can best prepare you for your degree.
We judge you on your skills, your potential, and your personality, not your background.
If you are invited to audition you will receive an email asking you to book your audition date on ChiView. If you are unsuccessful we will email you to let you know.
You can usually choose between multiple days on ChiView at one time. If none of the current dates suit you please contact admissions@chi.ac.uk.
Once you have booked your audition, you will be able to access the audition guidance document on ChiView – just log into the ChiView portal, click on ‘Events schedule’ and then ‘View details’ to access the document, which will tell you how to prepare for your audition, what to expect on the day, etc.
If your situation changes and you can no longer attend your audition date, you should cancel your booking in ChiView by visiting your ‘Event Schedule’ and clicking ‘Cancel Attendance’. You also need to inform the admissions team by emailing admissions@chi.ac.uk, so we can send you a new audition invitation.
Sometimes if you are viewing your ChiView portal on a phone you will not be able to see the page correctly. If this happens you should try again on another device.
You may need to clear your browser history.
If you are still unable to see the ‘View details’ button, please check that you have successfully booked your audition by clicking ‘respond to interview invitation’.
If all else fails please email admissions@chi.ac.uk with your query and applicant number.
Once you have booked your audition, please log into the ChiView portal, click on ‘Events schedule’ and then ‘View details’ to access the audition guidance document, which will tell you (amongst other things) what will happen at the audition itself, a basic itinerary of the whole day, parking information, etc.
In brief, there should be an introductory talk by the department, the chance to meet lecturers and other applicants, as well as your opportunity to perform for the audition panel.
After your audition, the panel will discuss your performance and pass our decision onto the admissions team, who will update UCAS and email you with the outcome, whatever it might be.
- We make bespoke offers: Your offer is specifically for you. If we offer less than your predicted grades, this will reflect the potential and quality of your audition and we’d like to take a bit of pressure off of you heading into your exams.
- We don’t do unconditional offers: Unless you already have your grades (you are a mature student), we will always insist on certain grade achievements because we want you to succeed in all aspects of your academic life including your A levels, BTEC, etc.
- If you do not get the grades you wanted: Don’t panic. You received an offer because you were good enough for the department at audition. On Results Day, just ring us on the clearing hotline, so we can discuss things with you.
- We may offer you a different course: We may offer you a place on an alternative, relevant course within the department, rather than offer you the course you applied for. If this is the case, we will state this in your offer letter/email and update your course on UCAS. We will explain our reasoning, which will revolve around placing you on the most appropriate course where we think you will thrive.
Charlie
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Click the ‘Apply now’ button to go to relevant UCAS page.
Many qualifications have a UCAS Tariff value. The score depends on the qualification, and the grade you achieved.
Head to the UCAS Tariff Points web page where you can find a tariff points calculator that can tell you how much your qualification and grades are worth.
