FTI Delivers Landmark Course in Screen Acting

18 June 2009

Organisation

The Film & Television Institute (FTI) is excited to announce that it is now offering a new professional industry diploma course in screen acting.

The Diploma of Screen Acting is an intensive 30-week full-time program that teaches the professional skills and performance techniques for actors intending to enter the film and television industry.

Written and developed by Fern Nicholson, the Diploma of Screen Acting is the only accredited diploma course in Australia devoted entirely to screen acting. FTI is the first Registered Training Organisation to deliver this landmark course.

Fern Nicholson was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London (RADA) and has years of experience as an actor and in the development and delivery of screen drama training in her former role as Director of the WA company, Make Believe Entertainment.

“The Diploma of Screen Acting is taught by professionals with screen acting experience. It will provide direct experience working on film sets and is dedicated to performance for the screen”, said Fern Nicholson.

“The course teaches students how to harness personal experience and invoke their own sense of truth in each role, turning accomplished technicians into inspired artists”, she said.

FTI CEO, Graeme Sward, said, “The Diploma of Screen Acting secures FTI’s place as an all round training institute for those entering the exciting world of film and television”.

“With the increase in local drama production in this state, a course that allows potential actors to fast track their formal training will benefit the WA screen industry“, he said.

FTI is now taking enrolments for the Diploma of Screen Acting which will start in the second semester alongside the Institute’s Diploma of Screen & Media – Digital Production and Diploma of Screen & Media – Animation.

Student testimonials from FTI’s Acting for the Screen (Short Course):

“If you want to challenge yourself and become a realistic actor, do this course!” Actor, Pen Andrews

“This course allowed me to step well and truly outside of my safety zone and I explored my acting range like never before.” Actor, Nina Deasley

Diploma of Screen Acting

COURSE OVERVIEW
The Diploma of Screen Acting is an intensive 30-week full-time program that teaches the professional skills and performance techniques required by actors intending to enter the film and television industry.

Taught by experienced screen industry practitioners, the Diploma of Screen Acting course develops a strong knowledge of the screen acting process and the repertoire of skills required to present true and believable performances for the screen.

Participants are trained in the acting techniques of the ‘method’, investigation and analysis of script and story, and to utilise voice and movement to enhance character development. Students learn to use techniques in emotional and sensory memory to unlock each actor’s individual artistic expression. Students also study audition and rehearsal preparation skills, acting theory, teamwork, marketing, administrative skills and Occupational Health & Safety.

Screen Acting students will have the opportunity of working on-camera in various workshops and film productions in conjunction with Digital Production students. This provides them with digital material for industry show reels and with the opportunity to apply their skills in a realistic industry environment.

Graduates of the Diploma of Screen Acting will be equipped with a range of skills to provide services on a freelance basis as voice over artists, for online media, corporate productions, advertising and on film and television productions.

TEACHING STAFF
All courses at the Film & Television Institute are taught by experienced screen industry professionals with extensive production backgrounds. The Diploma of Screen Acting features specialist teachers in voice, movement and drama skills, plus a range of guest presenters including producers, directors, casting directors and acting agencies. This allows students to develop a network of valuable industry contacts in the local screen community.

COURSE OUTLINE
The Units of Competency for the Diploma of Screen Acting are:

• WA50661FTI13 – Interpret direction
• WA50661FTI14 – Managing movement
• WA50661FTI15 – Develop and apply creative processes in rehearsals
• WA50661FTI16 – Develop, extend and maintain the performance process
• WA50661FTI17 – Manage improvisation
• WA50661FTI18 – Work eff ectively in script, story and character
• WA50661FTI19 – Develop and apply audition techniques
• WA50661FTI20 – Develop skills and techniques in Voice
• BSBREL401A – Establish networks
• BSBOHS305A – Contribute to OHS issue resolution
• BSBCRT402A – Collaborate in a creative process
• CUFIND401A – Provide services on a freelance basis
• CUFIND301A – Work eff ectively in the screen and media industries
• CUFRES401A – Conduct research

COURSE DURATION & CONTACT HOURS
The Diploma of Screen Acting is delivered over 30 weeks at the Film & Television Institute.

Contact hours at FTI average 18 hours per week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Additional hours may be required for drama productions that are completed outside of class contact hours.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Participants should be a minimum of 17 years of age. Applicants under this age may still apply and may be granted a position dependant on experience, successful audition performances and a recommendation from the FTI Training Manager.

FEES
The total course fee is $5,500. A payment instalment plan option is available following consultation with the FTI Training Registrar.

SELECTION PROCESS
Enrolment numbers are strictly limited to 15 to ensure each participant gains maximum experience.

The selection process includes an audition that will be filmed and an interview with the Head Lecturer for the Diploma of Screen Acting. Current show reels can be submitted and viewed as part of the audition process.

For the audition, applicants must prepare at least one contemporary and one period monologue, each three minutes in duration. The audition is designed to provide a valuable learning experience to all participants as well as to satisfy the FTI selection panel members.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications can be downloaded from the FTI website www.fti.asn.au/learn/vocational
They should be sent by the relevant due date to:

The Training Registrar
Film & Television Institute WA
PO Box 579
Fremantle WA 6959

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information contact the FTI Training Registrar on (08) 9431 6700 or email ftitraining@fti.asn.au