Acting for Camera (DRAM30020)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

Availability
July
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This subject is an intensive introduction to the art of screen acting. In this subject, you will be introduced to a series of practical exercises that allow participants to focus on creating effective on-screen performances, with a focus on the screen test or audition process.

Students will experiment with ‘intention’ through prescribed and self-selected scenes and develop skills in embodying character and working with physical and emotional fluency. Practical insight into dealing with the pressure of the camera’s gaze and learning to work objectively with one’s self image is given. Exercises will focus on the analysis of classic scenes from theatre, film and television.

The subject will provide aspiring actors, directors, cinematographers, writers and artists a practical understanding of the relationship between the body and its performance for camera.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • apply 'acting for camera' techniques;
  • identify and analyse material appropriate to the context of filmed performance;
  • use skills to work effectively as a collaborator in scene work;
  • apply the principles of script analysis to dramatic text;
  • articulate the fundamental constituents for the creation of an effective performance for camera;
  • critically evaluate an on camera performance.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • 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, 

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

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Performance Screen Test Simulation

  • 30 hours (of work required)
During the teaching period30%

Speaking to Camera Task

  • 20 hours (of work required)
During the teaching period20%

Reflective Essay

  • 1600 words
During the assessment period40%

Participation

Throughout the teaching period10%
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend 75% of all scheduled classes and submit all assessment items to be eligible for a pass in this subject.Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Additional details

Self-practice is expected of students on a daily basis throughout the intensive teaching period. Outside of tutorials, there will also be recorded lectures, practical classes and self-practice.

Last updated: 29 April 2025

Dates & times

  • July
    CoordinatorKat Henry
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Southbank)
    Contact hours15 hours, comprising five daily 3-hour tutorials.
    Total time commitment146 hours
    Pre teaching start date10 July 2023
    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 period17 July 2023 to 21 July 2023
    Last self-enrol date11 July 2023
    Census date17 July 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail21 July 2023
    Assessment period ends 4 August 2023

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 29 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 29 April 2025