Higher Certificate in Acting

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Acting is an entry-level higher education qualification that aims to equip learners with industry-standard skills and creativity. The vocational nature of the qualification will allow learners to be sufficiently qualified to find work as actors on stage and or screen, extras and stagehands, with the opportunity to then further their studies. The qualification allows for practical skills and experience to be acquired while also providing foundational academic skills.

The qualification is vocational and has a strong industry-oriented focus. It includes practical components throughout the qualification's duration. The practical components aim to equip learners with the necessary industry-standard skills and competencies to function successfully in a variety of contexts within the industry. The practical component of the qualification is supplemented by relevant theoretical knowledge, providing the learner with basic, introductory knowledge of the different aspects of performing arts, and includes the application methods needed to produce competent professionals.

Qualifying learners, upon successful completion of the qualification, will be qualified for entry-level positions in the industry, having been equipped with an acting showreel, relevant experience and theoretical skills.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Select and understand the various theoretical and practical elements of acting and performance in a range of professional contexts.
• Demonstrate the ability to possess a sound understanding of the fundamental theories, scholarly positions and basic methodologies of Performing Arts.
• Demonstrate the ability to correctly apply the various relevant techniques, tools, and methods in a practical context.
• Demonstrate the ability to operate at an entry level within the industry and effectively interact with others, independently or as a member of a team, in a variety of relevant contexts.

This qualification provides qualifying learners with advanced performing arts knowledge, skills and values to become competent and professional practitioners of performing art in both screen and stage performances and to be employed or self-employed within the Performing Arts Industry.

Rationale

The entertainment industry in South Africa is growing rapidly, and the need for professionals competent in acting and the performing arts is expanding. According to Who Owns Whom, in 2021, 155 films were released in South Africa and saw a box office revenue of R325m, a R95m increase from 2020. This growth is expected to be sustained, if not increased, in the future. The arts and culture industry is experiencing similar levels of growth, with stage performances and live installations at galleries becoming more popular. Similarly, the digital media industry is expanding, and we are seeing the rise of podcasts and private radio stations, as well as advertising industries where actors and performers are being sought out to aid advertising. The gap for actors and performing arts professionals from a wide variety of contexts, ages and cultures competent in performing is growing. This qualification aims to fill this gap.

This qualification is an entry-level higher education qualification that aims to produce performers and professionals who are qualified and competent in the basic introductory knowledge, conceptual tools, and practical techniques needed to successfully enter the industry and fill the growing gap. This Higher Certificate will equip learners with the industry standard skills that will allow them to develop, coordinate and execute creative concepts in a variety of contexts within the industry.

The qualification is aimed at learners who wish to pursue a career in any of the various areas within the industry, from stage to screen, among other fields. The qualification equips learners with the relevant introductory knowledge, skills and practical techniques to successfully function as a performer in their chosen field within the industry. The qualification achieves this through providing the learners with both a strong theoretical foundation as well as practical tools and experience throughout the duration of the qualification. Learners will be equipped with industry standard techniques to successfully fulfil requirements in a variety of contexts and categories in a professional way. Thus, upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to enter the industry market.

Furthermore, the qualification aims to provide learners with access to further their studies in performing arts and related fields from NQF level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification can be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

RPL for access

Access and entry into the qualification can be achieved through the applicants' work and life experiences, which hold particular significance for non-standard applicants.

Evidence of relevant experience must be presented in a portfolio of evidence, including previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring, functions performed, portfolios, work records and performance records. Evidence will be judged according to the general principles of assessment and the institution's RPL policy in line with the national framework.

RPL for exemption of modules

Where formal prior learning has taken place, 50% of the credits achieved will be awarded in accordance with established practices across South African higher education institutions and national standards of Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualification Framework Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits

• Creative Thinking, 15 Credits
• Professional Development, 15 Credits.
• Performance Theory I, 10 Credits.
• Screen Acting, 20 Credits.
• Voice and Movement Studies, 20 Credits.
• Broadcast Announcing,10 Credits.
• Acting and Performance, 30 Credits.

1. Select and understand the various theoretical and practical elements of acting and performance in a range of professional contexts.
2. Demonstrate the ability to possess a sound understanding of the fundamental theories, scholarly positions and basic methodologies of performing arts.
3. Demonstrate the ability to correctly apply the various relevant techniques, tools, and methods in a practical context.
4. Demonstrate the ability to operate at an entry level within the industry and effectively interact with others, independently or as a member of a team, in a variety of relevant contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria 1

• Define and explain the various basic principles, terms, concepts, rules and theories relating to performing arts and acting.
• Correctly apply the relevant theoretical and practical techniques and methodologies to a project to fulfill the brief requirements.
• Explain the various basic principles, terms, concepts, rules and theories using relevant details, examples and illustrations.
• Gather and select information from relevant sources and experience and apply various theoretical and practical contexts related to performing arts.

Associated Assessment Criteria 2

• Identify, justify, and practically apply the relevant theories and scholarly positions to the learners' performances.
• Outline and explain the role that performance art theory plays in practical performances.
• Correctly identify and explain the various scholarly positions, arguments and perspectives in the theory of Performing Arts.
• Illustrate relevant knowledge and understanding of the different socio-political and cultural forces that have influenced contemporary stage and screen performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria 3

• Correctly select and apply the relevant principles, concepts, rules, and procedures and or techniques in a variety of contexts.
• Identify, assess and evaluate different performance situations, types and challenges within a supervised and supported environment.
• Select and practically apply the correct and or relevant acting method, procedure and techniques.
• Present an informed, well thought out argument or piece, for the theoretical and practical contexts within performing arts.

Associated Assessment Criteria 4

• Correctly identify, describe and apply the relevant protocols and skills required to competently communicate within and navigate a variety of professional contexts.
• Display an appropriate level of creativity and independence throughout projects and assessments.
• Practically illustrate independence, effective time management, and self-direction throughout the duration of the course and in the execution of briefs and projects.
• Evaluate own progress or competency, use skills acquired above to critically analyse and improve areas of weakness and to take initiative in preparing for a career in the industry.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

A combination of formative and summative methodologies is applied in every module, integrating theory and practice, such that the learners demonstrate the achievement of the outcomes through the competencies acquired.

As a Higher Certificate, the qualification is primarily vocational, and thus the assessment strategy focuses on practical tasks and assessments which demonstrate learning acquired in simulated industry contexts.

Internal moderation

The lecturers responsible for a particular module are appointed as internal examiners for that module. Internal examiners are responsible for the marking of all assessments related to the module for which they are responsible.

External moderation

All final assessments at exit levels of the curriculum are moderated by the academic staff of public higher education institutions or by appropriately qualified industry practitioners.

Moderation, both internal and external, of all modules at the exit level of the qualification is conducted in keeping with HEQC requirements. All assessors, internal and external moderators are required to be appropriately and adequately qualified, in possession of, at minimum, a degree or equivalent.