Studying at Drama Centre
MA Screen: Acting, Directing, Writing
| Course code | Screen Acting Directing Screen Writing |
|---|---|
| Course director | Alan Dunnett |
| 2 years full time extended (60 weeks) | |
| Starts | September |
| Location | Back Hill |
| Pathways | Screen Acting Directing Screen Writing |
Course content
This film course prepares you for work in recorded drama and related fields by bringing together the key artistic functions that go into the making of filmed drama with discrete pathways in Screen Acting, Directing and Screen Writing. At the heart of the course is the development of individual creativity, achieved through constant opportunities for working on camera-based projects with colleagues from other pathways. Course components include acting, directing and writing; the creation and production of video dramas, shot both in the studio and on location; live public performances on a professional stage; in-depth preparation for the profession, including interviewing/audition techniques.
The course is characterised by the following:
- a performance-led approach to recorded drama
- a company operating model
- the consequent acquisition of a deep understanding of the processes leading to the creation and communication of recorded drama
- a quasi-professional learning model preparing graduates for direct entry
into work - creating and realising new writing or adaptations through performance-led models
- work on the technical aspects of production
- a mentoring scheme connecting students with experienced professionals.
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Pathway details
Screen Acting Pathway
This breaks a tradition of screen and radio performers in this country firstly training for and working on the stage. Key features: an extended programme of Acting Skills; two video drama projects; a Radio Drama project; a devised project; and an extended programme of professional preparation.
Directing Pathway
Traditionally, few film and television directors deal in their training with the problems involved in working with performers. The pathway addresses this whilst preserving an individuality of approach. Key features: an extended programme of Directing Skills; two video drama projects; a radio drama project; a devised project; and an extended programme of professional preparation.
Screen Writing Pathway
If you feel your writing would benefit from interaction with fellow professionals, the pathway offers you the chance to workshop your output, discuss and test it in detail with directors, actors and others. Key features: an extended programme of Screen Writing Skills; two video drama projects; a course in Improvisation and Devising Skills; an extended programme of professional preparation.
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Course structure
The film course is structured in self-contained units, often built around a class-based preparatory part and an application consisting of a practical project. A progression point occurs at the end of week 24 you will need to pass the units offered up to that point in order to progress to the second stage of the course.
There are three pathways to choose from: Screen Acting, Directing and Screen Writing.
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Career prospects
The training equips you to work on drama realised on film, television and radio, as well as on the stage. An impressive list of famous performers and a number of world-famous directors have emerged from courses at the Drama Centre. To read alumni profiles, visit www.csm.arts.ac.uk/drama.
Alumni include Paul Bettany, Pierce Brosnan, Simon Callow, Frances de la Tour, Paola Dionisotti, Colin Firth, Tara Fitzgerald, Anastasia Hille, Geraldine James, Helen McCrory, Jack Shepherd, John Simm, Colin Tierney, Lambert Wilson, Penelope Wilton and many more. Adrian Noble (for ten years Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company); film writer and director David Leland; novelist Esther Freud and television director Jan Sargent are some of the many directors, writers and instructors among our graduates.
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Industry links
The industry directly informs training with lectures from professionals, either as full-time teachers or as visiting lecturers or directors. Towards the end of the course representatives of film production companies, casting directors, agents and producers are invited to attend screenings. All students are linked through a mentoring scheme to experienced professionals who advise, support and guide them in the often difficult early stages of their careers. An Advisory Board which includes senior representatives of the profession actively assists drama Centre. Current Advisory Board members include: Declan Donnellan, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Noble and Max Stafford-Clark.
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Suitable candidates
We are looking for students who are ready to take on an extremely demanding profession, who are mature and self-confident, willing to take criticism and turn it to their advantage while preserving a sense of humour. You will need to be resourceful and committed to following a postgraduate programme of study which is screen-oriented, exploratory and geared to the needs of the profession. We audition all applicants.
The course addresses itself primarily to graduates and mature students who are able to apply a high degree of independence to their learning. Successful candidates will be expected to bring to the course a level of understanding of drama in its various contexts as well as an ability to work autonomously for sustained periods with the appropriate concentration, focus and resilience. As the course places strong emphasis on collaboration and the ability to work within an ensemble, you would be expected to demonstrate openness, flexibility and generosity within the context of a creative group.
The vocational nature of the course implies a high degree of proficiency at entry. However, the course will seek to balance this against perceived potential, especially when the latter is supported by clear understanding of the profession and a realistic view of career development and employment prospects.
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Assessment
Assessment is entirely practical, based on performance and class work. There is no formal written examination, though you will be expected to carry out and present extensive research.
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Tuition fees
UK/EU: £7,500 per annum full time
International: £7,500 per annum full time
The fees shown above are for students commencing their course in 2008/9. Fees are subject to inflationary increase and should be used for guidance only.
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Entry requirements
Honours degree or a Level 3 Diploma from a recognised professional drama or dance school (members of The Conference of Drama Schools or The Council for Dance Education and Training); a degree in a discipline other than those listed above plus demonstrable performance related experience, either professionally or within an amateur or student context; or at least three years professional experience as performer, director or writer.
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Open days
Open days for MA Screen: Acting, Directing, Writing:
9.45am – 3pm, Back Hill, Clerkenwell, EC1
November 21st 2008 - fully booked
11.15am – 3.30pm, Back Hill, Clerkenwell, EC1
February 13th 2009
Booking is essential, call 020 7514 7022/7023 or email info@csm.arts.ac.uk
To confirm your booking, please include your name, email address (if applicable), full postal address and telephone number.
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How to apply
You can download an application form by clicking on the relevant link at the bottom of this page or request an application form from our Information Office +44 (0)20 7514 7022, info@csm.arts.ac.uk. The application form contains detailed information on the application process. Please return your completed application to: Admissions, Back Hill Administration Office, Drama Centre London, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, 10 Back Hill, London EC1R 5LQ.
Auditions will be held between March and September. We recommend that you apply as early as possible to avoid any disappointment.
Please note that Acting candidates are required to present two contrasting speeches, each lasting no longer than three minutes. Both speeches should be from material written later than 1870. Screenplay excerpts are appropriate but not compulsory.
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When to apply
Auditions will be held between March and September. We recommend that you apply as early as possible to avoid any disappointment.
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Financial aid
There are a number of publications and sources of information on obtaining funding for your course. For details of these, please visit the University of the Arts Student Services website: www.arts.ac.uk/student
You may be able to apply for an Arts & Humanities Research Board bursary. If you would like to apply you should ensure that we receive your application for a place on the course by 1 March in order to allow enough time for your audition/interview and subsequently for the grant application deadline of 30 April.
If you live outside the UK you can get advice on funding your course from your local British Council office. See www.british council.org.uk for a list of British council offices worldwide or contact British Council Information Centre:
tel. +44 (0)161 957 7755, fax +44 (0)161 957 7762,
general.enquiries@britishcouncil.org
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English language requirements
All classes are conducted in English, so you will be required to have a fluent understanding of the language. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability. We strongly advise international applicants to take an IELTS test as soon as they consider studying in the UK. Minimum scores for entry on courses at the Drama Centre are as follows:
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 7.5
• TOEFL (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language): hand written test: 688-637, computer based test: 241-270.
You can now study English online at the British Council website - please visit http://www.learnenglish.org.uk
We provide free tuition in English for international students. We also offer a number of short courses that enable students from overseas to improve their performance-related and English skills before applying to their chosen course.
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Accommodation
The University of the Arts currently operates nine properties throughout London, providing bed spaces for 1594 students. Our managed accommodation offers a range to suit all budgets and tastes. Should you wish to stay in privately rented accommodation or not be allocated a place in halls, Housing Services has a vast range of detailed information on their services and initiatives such as house hunting workshops and flat share schemes to assist you in the task of finding a home for yourself. The Housing Services team is based in the Accommodation Advice Centre, which is located on the first floor of the University of the Arts building at Davies St. They will assist you in finding the right accommodation, before you arrive and during your time at Central Saint Martins.
For more information, contact:
The Accommodation Advice Centre
University of the Arts London
65 Davies St
London W1K 5DA
Tel: +44 (0)207 514 6240
Opening Hours
Monday 9am to 4pm
Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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International students
If you are from outside the European Union contact Central Saint Martins International Office. Our International Office deals specifically with the needs of students from overseas. They will be able to assist and advise you on accommodation, visa requirements and much more:
International Office, Central Saint Martins,
Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AP
tel. +44 (0)20 7514 7027, fax +44 (0)20 7514 8013
international-office@csm.arts.ac.uk
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Contact
For further information, please visit our web site at www.csm.arts.ac.uk or contact:
Information Office
Central Saint Martins
Southampton Row
London WC1B 4AP
tel: +44 (0)20 7514 7022
fax: +44 (0)20 7514 7254
email: info@csm.arts.ac.uk
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Interviews
Drama Centre London seeks to audition and interview all applicants. Once we have received your application form, you will be sent an audition/interview pack. You must complete the form contained in the pack and return it with the fee of £40.
It is recommended that you choose as early an audition date as possible. From November onwards, updates on the availability of audition dates (between March and September) and application deadlines will be shown on our website. Auditions/interviews for MA Screen: Acting, Directing, Writing are Pathway specific and information on how to prepare for the audition will be sent to you upon application.
Candidates must state their chosen pathway on application. However, part of the admission process will include a discussion on the appropriateness of the choice and candidates who wish to make alternative and/or different choices may do so following their interview. Audition/interview panels normally include at least one member of the relevant profession. There are two stages of interviews, with an initial selection of candidates occurring between Stages I and II (on the same day).
On audition/interview days, you will be looked after by fellow students who will do their utmost to guide you around the Centre, answer your questions and help you relax so that you can give the best account of your potential. Auditions/interviews normally involve at least one member of the profession.
Please note that auditions sometimes finish around 7.30pm and you may need to make appropriate travel arrangements.
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