2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person,
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| Occurrence: | 001 |
| Primary mode of delivery: | In Person |
| Location of delivery: | MERCHISTON |
| Partner: | |
| Member of staff responsible for delivering module: | Catriona MacInnes |
| Module Organiser: | |
| Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH)) |
| Mode of activity | Learning & Teaching Activity | NESH (Study Hours) | NESH Description |
| Face To Face | Practical classes and workshops | 40 | This module adopts a practice‑based, workshop‑led learning and teaching strategy in which you explore the application of acting theory through sustained practical engagement with recorded media. Learning is situated within collaborative workshop sessions, where students work with increasingly challenging screen material, enabling them to develop camera awareness and an understanding of the specific demands of screen acting. Through embodied exploration of the relationships between acting and psychology, emotion, character, and cognitive processes, you investigate how traditional and contemporary acting theories respond to questions of preparation and performance, directly supporting the ability to apply theoretical approaches in practice and to critically analyse differing methodologies. Techniques that stimulate imagination, play, and emotional connection are central to the pedagogical approach, allowing you to deepen your imaginative and emotional engagement with text and performance partners, while fostering performances that are engaging, believable, and sustainable for screen. Learning is scaffolded through iterative cycles of rehearsal, recorded performance, feedback, and reflection, supporting both technical skill development and evaluative learning. As workshop tasks grow in complexity, you are required to work under direction and make sustained performance choices, culminating in filmed scene work where they act as both performer and crew, consolidating professional practice skills and technical understanding within an authentic screen production context. Inclusive Teaching Approach: This module adopts an inclusive, collaborative approach that supports diverse learning styles and creative processes. Practical workshops, varied acting theories, and regular feedback encourage learning through exploration and reflection. A focus on imagination, play, and progressive challenge helps students build confidence and develop sustainable screen performance skills. |
| Online | GROUPIND_STUDY | 156 | Independent study supports and extends the practical workshop sessions. You are expected to rehearse scenes independently with your scene partner, apply weekly feedback, and engage in reflective and recorded practice. This includes researching key acting practitioners, developing performance choices for the camera, reviewing your recorded work critically, and preparing for collaborative responsibilities as both performer and crew during rehearsals and filming. |
| Online | Guided independent study | 4 | Reading week: No teaching will take place during Reading Week. This week is intended to support reflection on and consolidation of your practice and learning. The module leader will offer guidance to inform and support the development of your practice during this time. |
| Total Study Hours | 200 | |
| Expected Total Study Hours for Module | 200 | |
| Assessment |
| Type of Assessment | Weighting % | LOs covered | Week due | Length in Hours/Words | Description |
| Essay | 10 | 4 | Week 13 | , WORDS= 500 | Reflective Essay: You are required to write a 500-word reflective essay (+/- 10%) on your screen acting process. This is an opportunity to critically evaluate your development, identify areas for growth, and reflect on the challenges you’ve encountered. Or Alternative Assessment: Reflective Presentation (PowerPoint) As an alternative to the written reflective essay, students may choose to submit a reflective PowerPoint presentation that communicates the same critical and reflective content in a visually supported format. The presentation should consist of 8–10 slides. |
| Discussion/Participation | 50 | 1~2~3 | Week 9 | HOURS= 40 | Throughout the trimester, your engagement, professionalism, and development as a screen actor will be assessed. This component makes up 50% of your final grade and reflects how you show up, collaborate, prepare, and grow in the rehearsal room, on set, and in class. |
| Practical Skills Assessment | 40 | 1~2~3 | Week 12 | HOURS= 2min | For this assessment, you will present a screen acted performance from your chosen filmed scene. This assessment gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of screen acting skills developed during the module, including truthful characterisation, subtle emotional engagement, technical awareness of the camera, and the ability to sustain performance across takes. Your work should reflect an understanding of how acting choices translate to the screen, including scale, stillness, listening, and specificity. |
| Component 1 subtotal: | 100 | | |
| Component 2 subtotal: | 0 | | | | |
| Module subtotal: | 100 | | | | |