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Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Unitec Institute of Technology
Unitec Institute of Technology logo

Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Acting for Screen and Theatre)

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Duration

3 years

Next start date

Expected

Summary

Develop the acting and performance skills you will need to realise your full potential as an actor on screen and on the stage. Work on a wide variety of projects and learn from tutors who are experienced industry professionals.

From core elements of voice, movement and acting technique to advanced skills in dialect, audition and professional practice, studying acting at Unitec will give you all the tools you need to establish and maintain a career as a professional actor.

The Acting training at Unitec is a learning opportunity that is unique in Aotearoa. We are proud of the multidisciplinary environment and range of performing and screen arts training options on our campus. This learning community provides many rich opportunities to work closely with students from other fields of study and to grow skills in a range of forms, media and environments.

We work in an environment that is framed in Matauranga Maori and the values our Te Noho Kotahitanga partnership evoke. The whanaungatanga we embrace with other disciplines is woven throughout the school via shared noho marae and other whanau events. Maori performing arts training is integrated into our learning. Partnering with Maori practitioners (writers, directors, etc ) strengthens this foundation for staff and students in our mahi. We are very fortunate to have the beautiful Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae and Maia centre onsite at Unitec to provide us valued support in our practice.

Within the acting training at Unitec you will work with our highly regarded permanent and guest tutors to refine your core skills in performance, voice, movement training, acting technique and professional practice. You will have many opportunities to practice your developing craft on a wide range of live and screen performance projects. Our facilities provide theatre and film studio spaces and the accompanying equipment to provide authentic learning experiences.

You will learn practical skills for the industry you are preparing to enter and have a multitude of opportunities to connect with industry based specialists and engage with Auckland’s rich live performance and screen sectors.

Within a rapidly changing environment actors need the flexibility to work in many spaces, styles and forms. Collaboration and the capacity to ride the waves of change are key to building a sustainable career. The Unitec Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts programme is well placed to provide you with essential skills to be a versatile and inventive actor, performer, creator, artist and collaborator.

Highlights

  • Numerous opportunities for live and screen performance.
  • A vibrant multidisciplinary environment that includes dance, screen arts, production design and management, design and arts.
  • A collaborative model: you will work closely with directing and writing, film and television, and performance technology students.
  • Close links with industry. Our tutors continue to work in the industry and therefore retain currency and have relevant knowledge and experience and contacts. No other acting training course in Aotearoa has the same access to and proximity to Auckland’s vibrant and rapidly expanding screen sector.
  • 30 years training experience with a rich history of successful graduates , many of who are now influencers and leaders in the industry.
  • Every year we have the privilege to work with many guest specialists and directors, who run masterclasses, workshops and lead projects as directors, coaches, mentors and creators.
  • Strong international connections.
  • Pathway to Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice or Master of Creative Practice.

CAREER OPTIONS

Acting trainer/teacher; Actor for theatre, film and television; Performer; Performing arts manager; Presenter; and Theatre deviser/creator

Entry criteria

Academic requirements

For this programme, you will need the following:

  • 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including: 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved);
  • 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori (4 in reading, 4 in writing);
  • 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau;
  • Successful completion of Unitec’s Certificate in Foundation Studies (Whitinga) (Level 3) with a relevant pathway, where appropriate; or Certificate of University Preparation (Level 4) or Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 4) or equivalent.
  • Complete a medical declaration form

English Language Requirements: IELTS – Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5; TOEFL – Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18); PTE - Academic score of 50 with no band score lower than 42.

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