- Higher Certificate in Acting for Film (NQF 5 Qualification)
- Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film (NQF 6 Qualification)
Students are offered the flexibility of completing either one or two years depending on individual requirements. To be competitive in the industry, we recommend students complete the full Two-Year Program.
At the conclusion of the two-year program, students are given the opportunity to audition for the prestigious ACT Professional Program.
Class size is small and places in our courses are limited-please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Act Cape Town is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997.
Registration certificate No. 2013/ HEO7/002.
The Higher Certificate in Acting for Film concentrates on building a solid foundation in the craft of acting through exercises, mastering technique, theory and performance practice.
The year culminates in a film shoot showcased at Graduation.
Students are introduced to basic acting exercises and techniques to build a solid acting foundation.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Using the body as an instrument, including vocal and relaxation techniques.
- Improvisation as a vehicle for harnessing the power of the imagination.
- Spontaneity and collaboration.
- Blocking and the memorizing of lines.
- The basics of acting technique, including finding motivation, and uncovering subtext.
The student is required to prepare and perform a monologue for live performance.
Students will further develop the techniques learnt in the first module to deepen their understanding of textual analysis, acting and performance.
MODULE WILL COVER
- How to analyze and perform a scene using the following tools:
- Overall Objective
- Scene Objective
- Obstacles
- Beats and Actions
- Place and Fourth Wall
- Inner Objects and Doings
- Inner Monologue
The student is required to prepare and perform a scene for live performance.
This module will provide students with an in-depth look at the techniques required to prepare and cast successfully for all types of commercials.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Where the actor fits in the commercial world.
- Preparation for a casting.
- The call back and meeting the client.
- On-camera performance.
The module culminates in a ‘Mock Casting’ for the camera.
This intensive module explores and develops the fundamentals of the MEISNER Technique.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Repetition
- Point of view.
- Independent Activities and Doors.
- Imaginary circumstances.
- Scene work.
Students prepare and perform a scene for live performance.
This practical module introduces the techniques required to act in front of a camera for film and television.
MODULE WILL COVER
- The tools needed to create truthful and ‘engaging’ performances on screen as well as understanding the technical aspects of film production.
- Tools include:
- Calibrating performances based upon shot size.
- Adjusting vocal levels for camera.
- Listening skills.
- Eye-lines.
- Emotional and physical Continuity.
- Hitting a mark.
- Understanding focal lengths and framing.
- Strength and Imagination in acting choices.
- Knowing what to expect on set.
In this module, the student is required to prepare and perform a scene from a well-known film, in a simulated movie set environment.
In this intensive module, students learn how to access their emotions and incorporate them into their acting process.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Various techniques to aid students in connecting with their emotions, enabling them to portray the varying emotional states necessary in any given circumstance.
- Techniques include:
- Sense memory
- Inner objects
- Affective memory and emotional recall
- Alba emoting
- Substitution / Personalization
- Tragic flaw
The module culminates in a recording of a live performance to camera.
This module explores all aspects of a film audition. It includes the detailed break-down of an audition script, call backs, acting technique and the practical exploration of the casting process.
MODULE WILL COVER
- How to prepare for an audition.
- Auditioning and cold-reading techniques.
- Listening and taking direction in the audition room.
- The call-back and how to positively influence the producer/director.
The module culminates in a ‘Mock Audition’.
An introductory module intended to give actors the basic ear and speech skills to deliver dialogue in English accents.
MODULE WILL COVER
- The skills required to deliver dialogue in the following English accents:
- Received Pronunciation
- Working Class London accent (Cockney)
- Estuary English
- Estuary English in an audition
- Phonetics
The module will culminate in a recording of an appropriate English text.
An introductory module intended to give actors the basic ear and speech skills to deliver dialogue in a Standard or General American sound to serve the US film and television market.
MODULE WILL COVER
- General sounds and vocal placement.
- Intonation patterns.
- Standard American in an audition.
- Phonetics
The module will culminate in a recording of an appropriate American text.
The focus of this module is on providing the student with the tools with which to create a three-dimensional character.
MODULE WILL COVER
- The mind–body relationship & awakening the senses.
- Developing imagination.
- Shoes and accessories as a route into discovering character.
- An object as a route into discovering character.
- Character and text.
- Private Moments
- Animal work
Students incorporate methods learnt to prepare and perform as 3 contrasting characters.
In this module students learn how to perform for the stage under the mentorship of a director.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Stage terminology
- Diaphragmatic Intercostal Breathing and vocal projection
- Textual Analysis
- Blocking and Rehearsal
- Ensemble
Students prepare and perform a scene and/or monologue for live performance.
This module concentrates on applying and integrating theory, tools, techniques, and skills learnt over the year, to a practical film set experience. Students work towards the filming of a short scene, to be edited and screened at Graduation.
The completed scenes may also provide material for the acting student’s show-reel.
This live performance module provides students with an introduction to vocal production as well as what is required to orally interpret and perform a choral poem in groups.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Diaphragmatic, Intercostal Breathing.
- Resonance and Articulation.
- Vocal Projection.
- Devising and Performing a Choral Verse.
Students will be required to perform two choral verse poems.
In this practical module, students explore and develop the art of performing ‘short-form’ improvisation on stage.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Understanding the ‘rules’ of improvisation.
- Learning the skills and techniques required to perform ‘short-form’ improvisation on stage.
- Exercises to develop the concepts of agreement, active listening, confidence building and collaboration.
Module will culminate in a performance on stage for an audience.
This physical module will provide students with an introduction to various styles of movement
in performance.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Expression through the body as the focal point in performance.
- Exploring movement through rhythm, flow, shapes, patterns, silence and suspense, nuances both explosive and subtle.
- The use and exploration of central stories or themes that are developed into flowing and emotionally affecting performance narratives.
- Developing increasing control over limbs, core shapes, expression, and gesture.
Module will culminate in a choreographed performance.
This module will provide students with an introduction to various styles of presenting both recorded and live.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Presenting styles and techniques
- Voice and Speech for presenting
- Physicality, body language and energy for presenting
- Writing and presenting links
The module culminates in a recording of a live presentation to camera.
The Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film consolidates and refines the acting techniques learnt in the Higher Certificate, whilst further broadening the skills base necessary to be successful in the industry.
The year culminates in a Film Showcase at Graduation.
This module allows students to develop a more detailed approach to character creation, building on the tools learnt in Character Creation I.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Moving towards transformation: The Mikal Chekov technique.
- Physical transformation: making the body expressive and dressing as a character.
- Vocal transformation: harnessing the imagination to affect speech, rhythm, and tempo.
- Inner transformation: harnessing different energy placement and psychological gesture.
- Intellectual groundwork: textual analysis and character analysis to breathe life into character.
Students incorporate methods learnt to prepare and perform a character – based monologue for camera.
Students move to an advanced level in their voice and speech training, through developing and applying vocal techniques to various performance projects.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Vocal projection.
- Sight-reading.
- Poetry analysis and performance.
- Voice- over.
Students prepare and perform a poem for live performance as well as record a voice-over demo CD.
This module looks at the development of film and television genres and the styles of performance required to act in them.
MODULE WILL COVER
- The history and development of film and television.
- The history of and main differences and similarities between comedy, tragedy.
- South African vs British vs American comedy styles.
- Translating Genre into performance.
- Multi-Camera Soap style acting.
Students develop and shoot a scene as well as prepare and perform a monologue for camera.
In this module, students further explore Method acting and the techniques developed by Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio.
Through theory and practice, students compare the techniques of The Method with that of the Meisner technique.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Relaxation.
- Concentration.
- Sense Memory.
- Affective memory.
- Improvisation.
- Given circumstances.
- Rhythm and emotion.
- The private moment.
The student is assessed on a monologue and a film scene.
Students will work under the guidance of a Director in creating a production and performing it for a live audience. The collaborative nature of this module draws the student into the theatre process from script development and/or analysis through rehearsal to final performance, providing tools for what it takes to stage a production.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Aspects of a rehearsal process to create truthful and ‘engaging’ performances utilizing stage techniques.
- Aspects of performance of a production in front of an audience.
- The body as an expressive vehicle in a theatre space. Projection and size.
- Blocking for stage.
- Working in ensemble.
The module culminates in a live theatrical production.
In this module students hone the fundamental skills learnt in MEISNER I and begin to explore advanced elements of the MEISNER Technique in detail.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Point of View Repetition
- Imaginary circumstances.
- Independent Activities and Doors.
- Scene work with Justifications (‘Script’, and ‘Emotional’).
- Relationship Activities (including Prejudice).
- Emotional Preparation
Students prepare and perform a monologue for live performance.
This module comprises a series of rehearsals and a film shoot, in which students prepare and shoot a 3–5-minute monologue. The module will consolidate techniques covered in the Acting for Film modules, as well as introduce advanced techniques required to deliver an engaging on-screen performance.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Revision of acting for camera techniques.
- Knowing your type and selection of material.
- Script analysis.
- Acting in close up.
- Emotional preparation.
- Characterization
The final work may be screened at Graduation. Material may be used for the student’s acting show-reel.
In this module students will script and act in a 5 – 7 min short film. The collaborative nature of this module draws the acting student into the film-making process from script development to final edit, providing valuable tools for how to make a short film, as well as further honing their camera acting skills.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Acting for camera
- Developing an idea into a script
- Pre-production
- Mis en scene
It is crucial for actors to not only have the capability to act for camera but also some knowledge on how to create their own work. The final production will be screened at Graduation. The material may be used for the student’s acting show-reel.
This module will provide students with further development in voice production as well as cover what is required to orally interpret and perform a Shakespearian monologue.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Working in meter.
- Diaphragmatic, Intercostal Breathing.
- Resonance and Articulation.
- Vocal Projection.
Module will culminate in a live performance of a Shakespearian monologue.
This module will further develop the skills and styles of presenting learned in Presenting I.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Developing content: interviews, research, content production.
- Understanding locations, studios, wardrobe, and hair and make up for presenting.
- Practical and theory on presenting.
The module culminates in a recording of a live interview presentation.
Students move to ‘long-form’ improvisation in this module. This is a more advanced stage of improvisation focusing on character, environment, connections, and emotions.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Learning the skills and techniques required to perform ‘long-form’ improvisation on stage.
- Exercises to further develop the concepts of: agreement, active listening, confidence building and collaboration.
Module will culminate in a live performance on stage.
This module will provide students with further development of the various styles of movement in performance.
MODULE WILL COVER
- Expression through the body as the focal point in performance.
- Exploring movement through rhythm, flow, shapes, patterns, silence and suspense, nuances both explosive and subtle.
- The use and exploration of central stories or themes that are developed into flowing and emotionally affecting performance narratives.
- Developing increasing control over limbs, core shapes, expression, and gesture.
Module will culminate in a choreographed performance.
This module further explores aspects of a film audition and introduces students to theatre auditions and self- tape auditions.
Module will cover:
- Cold Reading Techniques.
- The preparation and submitting of a self-tape audition.
- The preparation and performance of a Zoom/online film/TV audition.
- The preparation and performance of a Theatre Audition.
- Acting technique.
The module culminates in three mock auditions: a monologue for a theatre audition, a film/TV audition scene and a recorded Film or TV audition self-tape.
2024 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
| Term 1 | 5 February – 22 March |
|---|---|
| Term 2 | 8 April – 21 June |
| Term 3 | 15 July – 20 September |
| Term 4 | 7 October – 22 November |
| Graduation | 12 December |
Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film
| Term 1 | 5 February – 22 March |
|---|---|
| Term 2 | 8 April – 21 June |
| Term 3 | 15 July – 20 September |
| Term 4 | 7 October – 22 November |
| Graduation | 12 December |