New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - Screen Arts, Acting and Technical Production

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive foundation in performing and screen arts, covering production, acting, theater technologies, and moving image study. It emphasizes practical skills and project-based learning, with guidance from industry-experienced lecturers. Students explore Māori oratorical traditions and develop their personal communication and professional presentation abilities. The program prepares graduates for careers in performance, production, film and television, and education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview: This program is ideal for those who are:

• Interested in a career in the performing and screen arts.

• Unsure of what area to focus on.

• Already employed in the industry but want to improve their personal communication and professional presentation skills.

Program Objectives:

• Expose students to basic principles of production, acting, theater technologies and design, moving image study.
• Develop students' personal communication and professional presentation skills.

Program Description:

This program combines classroom sessions, practical workshops, critique sessions, student seminars, discussions, presentations, and online learning. Students will:

• Develop performance pieces.
• Work behind the scenes in the theater.
• Make their own videos.

Highlights:

• Emphasis on practical skills and project-based learning.
• Lecturers with industry experience.
• A mix of classroom sessions and practical work.
• A chance to explore Māori oratorical traditions and the role of culture in communication.

Important Note:

International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this program.

Outline:

Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Production: Basic principles of production, stage management, technical production.
• Acting: Acting techniques, voice and movement, character development, script analysis.
• Theater technologies and design: Set design, costume design, lighting design, sound design.
• Moving image study: Introduction to film and video production, editing, cinematography.

Course Schedule:

The program is offered full-time for 16 weeks, with part-time options available. Start dates are in February or July.

Modules:

The program consists of the following modules:

• Moving Images (BECI4302): Provides students with a broad theoretical and operational understanding of the moving image as a communication medium.
• Acting and Technical Production (BECI4803): Develops storytelling techniques and creative outcomes across performing arts forms.
Explores technology and processes associated with live performance.
• Collaborative Project (BECI4901): Provides creative project experience in individual and collaborative contexts.
• Identity and Communication (BPED4001): Introduces pathway-related concepts and develops pathway-related academic skills.

Assessment: Assessment methods may include:

• Assignments and projects: Students will be assessed on their ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical tasks.
• Presentations and performances: Students will be assessed on their communication and presentation skills.
• Examinations: Students may be required to take written or oral examinations.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• A combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical work.
• Faculty: Lecturers are experienced professionals with industry experience.
• Unique approaches: The program places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and project-based work.
• Māori culture: Students have the opportunity to explore Māori oratorical traditions and the role of culture in communication.

Careers:

• This program can lead to careers in the following areas:
• Performance:
Actor, dancer, singer, musician.
• Production: Stage manager, technical director, lighting designer, sound designer.
• Film and television: Director, producer, editor, cinematographer.
• Education: Drama teacher, performing arts tutor.

Other:

• Fees: Domestic/NZ students: $3,300 (NZD).
International students: $12,688.40 (NZD).
• Semester Dates: Sem 1 2024: 26 Feb – 30 Jun, Sem 2 2024: 22 Jul – 24 Nov.
• Emphasis on practical skills and project-based learning.