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

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 Mātauranga 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 Māori 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.

Program Structure 

Year One is structured around building a foundation with a focus on core skills in voice, movement, singing and acting technique for screen and stage through work with core tutors and variety of guest specialists. You will develop your acting practice in scene work and collaborate with film students on a studio shoot. An introduction of Mātauranga Maori and introduction to Maori performing arts will support your practice. Year one is about discovering who you are as an actor and beginning to think about the world you are preparing yourself for a career in.

Year Two consolidates technique with your first opportunities for public facing performances. You will deepen your knowledge and skills in acting, voice and movement work and collaborate on several screen and live performance projects.  You will also be introduced to the workings of the industry and begin to develop your understanding of how to operate as a professional actor. Year two is the time you begin to develop focussed abilities including accent and audition. You will also have the opportunity to develop other creative practices such as writing, devising  and directing your own and others work.

Year Three puts all learning into practice with master classes for stage and screen, live performances, short films, devised works, web series and more. Year three is the time that students really hone their skills as makers and collaborators and engage with concentrated opportunities for industry training and professional practice. You will be armed with a range of skills, industry practices and relationships that will set you up to transition from your training to the world of possibilities beyond. 

Auditions

Each year we have a large number of applicants for the 24 places offered in Year One. 

If you're not sure that you're ready to audition for this highly competitive programme yet, please look at the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - Screen Arts, Acting and Technical Production, which is a semester-long (full-time) programme designed to help upskill students who are interested in progressing to the degree.