Acting for Camera (DRAM30020)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
Winter Term
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This subject is an intensive introduction to art of screen acting that focuses on the processes actors use for creating effective performances for camera. A series of practical exercises are introduced that allow participants to focus on creating effective on-screen performances. Students experiment with concept of ‘intention’ through prescribed and self-selected scenes. Practical insight into dealing with the pressure of the camera’s gaze and learning to work objectively with one’s self image is given. Classes and exercises will also focus on the analysis of classic scenes from theatre, film and television. This subject will be of interest to aspiring actors, directors, cinematographers, writers and artists wishing to gain a practical understanding of the relationship between the living body and its performance for camera.

Intended learning outcomes

  • demonstrate an application of acting for camera technique including ‘inhabiting the material’, ‘clarity of intention’ and ‘revelation of inner life’;
  • select and adapt material appropriate to the context of filmed performance;
  • perform in a way that is believable, instinctive and tells a story simply;
  • analyse the fundamental constituents that underlie the creation of an effective performance for camera;
  • work effectively as a collaborator in scene work;
  • solve problems in relation to the production of filmed scene work.

Generic skills

• Exercise understanding of the complexities underlying verbal communication;
• Exhibit lucid verbal and written communication skills and fluency within the student’s own practice and across other disciplines;
• Develop a sense of individual perspective;
• Articulate basic concepts and ideas within a dramatic;
• Utilise effective library research skills, including the development of search strategies to find information from a variety of quality information resources, including online databases, books, journals, internet, and a variety of multimedia-rich resources;
• Demonstrate effective time-management skills.

Last updated: 29 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Experience in acting or film work. Recommended prior study, (but not prerequisite): THTR10007 The Actor’s Process; THTR20022 Improvisation: Text, Space and Action, BFA Theatre Practice subjects e.g. DRAM10020 Acting and Performance Making 1A.

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
THTR10007 The Actors Process
Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank)
 12.5
THTR20022 Improvisation: Text, Space and Action
Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank)
 12.5

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 29 April 2025

Assessment

Additional details

  • Reflection Paper (1500 words), due two weeks after the end of the intensive teaching period (35%);
  • Performance Screen test simulation (in class), due on the last day of the intensive teaching period (40%);
  • Daily preparation of short scenes, individual and/or group acting exercises, and active contribution to all filming and improvisation classes as directed during intensive workshop week, due throughout the intensive teaching period (25%).

Hurdle Requirement: 100% punctual and full attendance is expected during the intensive. Less than 80% attendance will result in a fail.

Last updated: 29 April 2025

Quotas apply to this subject

Dates & times

  • Winter Term
    Principal coordinatorsJennifer Innes and Sapidah Kian
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Southbank)
    Contact hours30 hours total. Delivered in a 5 day (Mon to Fri) intensive.
    Total time commitment146 hours
    Pre teaching start date 2 July 2018
    Pre teaching requirementsStudents will be required to complete pre-reading and/or viewing during the pre-teaching period. Study materials will be made available via the LMS.
    Teaching period16 July 2018 to 20 July 2018
    Last self-enrol date 4 July 2018
    Census date16 July 2018
    Last date to withdraw without fail20 July 2018
    Assessment period ends 3 August 2018

    Winter Term contact information

    Jennifer Innes

    innes@unimelb.edu.au

    Contact

    For currently enrolled students:

    Contact Stop 1

Time commitment details

146 hours.

Additional delivery details

  • This subject has a quota of 80 enrolments. Selection is automated and based on the order in which students enrol. Your enrolment in this subject guarantees a space unless you withdraw. Once the subject quota has been reached, all enrolled students will be contacted. If the subject is full, spaces may become available in the future as others withdraw. The only way to check this is by attempting to enrol. Please note that there are no waiting lists for this subject. As entry into this subject is based only on the order in which students enrol, special permission will not be offered to any students.

  • Students will be required to complete pre-reading and/or viewing during the pre-teaching period. Study materials will be made available via the LMS.

Last updated: 29 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 29 April 2025