Diploma in Performing Arts

This course aims to produce students who demonstrate an understanding of performing arts, a capability in performance skills and related productions skills, and the ability to apply these to a range of performing arts situations in a New Zealand multicultural context.

Year One 

BMA120 Research Fundamentals
This paper focuses on the skills necessary to research a topic from secondary sources and develop ideas into a format suitable for  Students will identify and analyse information on a selected topic of work and present their interpretations. 

BMA190 Staging Fundamentals I
The aim of this paper is to introduce knowledge of different performance spaces, both historical and current, and of conventions and terminology that are associated with them. 

BMA191 Actor Instrument - Voice, Singing, Movement and Dance I
The aim of this paper is to provide the fundamental knowledge and skills required to become a successful actor.  Students will experiment with voice and movement to gain confidence to explore and apply these skills in more depth throughout the programme.

BMA192 Text and Performance I
The aim of this paper is to give students the skills to research texts and to introduce students to texts which demand bold choices in character, and depth and breadth of emotional response from the actor e.g. Shakespeare. Professional and technical skills development necessary for the planning and management of external performances are also introduced. 

BMA193 Theatre and Screen Studies I
The aim of this paper is for students to analyse the texts that they are performing in and to be introduced to practices and techniques for theatre and screen. Students develop knowledge of theatrical performances and are significantly involved in the development of a digital video (DV) project.   

BMA194 Traditional and Contemporary Māori Performance
The aim of this paper is to provide students with an introduction to Te Reo, traditions, performance skills and the full life of the Marae. Students will be encouraged to apply the arts and traditions that lie on the Marae to contemporary drama.   Contemporary Māori practitioners and their work are researched in the context of Máori and western performance traditions. Traditions of powhiri, Whaikorero and Waiata Tawhito are researched while traditions of haka, poi and waiata are demonstrated and then developed. Students examine the issues of biculturalism and the roles they will take as emerging artists and practitioners of drama within the context of Aotearoa. 

GEN100 Introduction to Academic Skills
This paper aims to provide students with an introduction to academic writing and presentation requirements for degree level study. It will provide students with the necessary skills to support their learning in other papers in the areas of writing, communicating, and presenting. The use of relevant technology in academic study for both delivery of information and as a source of information is also an element of this paper.

Elective Study 1

A paper may be chosen from another programme at Level 5 or above. This paper allows students the opportunity to explore alternative areas of study which are complementary to their field of knowledge.  All elective options must be approved by the programme manager. Prerequisites may apply.

Year Two

BMA200 Communications II
Students will learn to apply the theories, principles and practical skills associated with effective intrapersonal, interpersonal, oral and written modes of communication. They will recognise cultural differences and develop strategies for effective intercultural communication and learn to work effectively in a group as a team leader and member, using conflict resolution techniques if necessary. 

BMA290 Staging Fundamentals II
The aim of this paper is to develop knowledge of two of the principal sectors of the audio industry, recording studio and live sound reinforcement. Students are provided with a theoretical and technical background into studio and live sound operation.

BMA291 Actor Instrument -  Voice and Singing II
This paper builds on the voice and singing skills introduced in BMA191 and the integration of these skills with movement. Students will develop flexibility and accuracy of articulation and will control articulation with reference to more complex text. The emphasis on singing is two fold, lyrical singing incorporating character and narrative work, up to public performance standard and ensemble work combining part singing with movement and choreography.

BMA292 Text and Performance II
The aim of this paper is to further develop knowledge of texts and character development introduced in BMA192. Students will conduct their own comprehensive research of plays and characters including focus on the historical development of the arts in New Zealand. They will apply theory and performance techniques to explore, shape and publicly perform scripted theatre and television works, work collaboratively in characters demanding extremes of emotion and be challenged with sustaining a dramatic musical performance.

BMA293 Theatre and Screen Studies II
The aim of this paper is to develop and apply skills introduced in BMA193. Students will explore a variety of theories and methodologies that underlie the practical applications of drama in education and will produce, under their own directions, one act plays, or scenes from major plays.

BMA294 Actor Instrument - Movement and Dance II
The aim of this paper is for students to build on the skills introduced in BMA191 in order to develop a method of approach for exploring the physical character to a professional standard.  Students will be provided with skills training in contrasting disciplines and choreographic styles which enhance the range of understanding of qualities of movement and dance and to apply them with precision, confidence and flexibility. Students will form links between imagination and physical expression and develop a secure theatrical and physical understanding of terminology and method. They continue to collaborate with other areas of training to encourage an holistic understanding. 

GEN200 Research Statistics
This paper aims to prepare the student for professional practice by presenting research as a uniting strategy for practice, theory and scholarship.  Students will be introduced to several approaches to research, both qualitative and quantitative.  Students will also be assisted to develop skills as a beginning researcher.

Elective 1
Elective paper may be chosen from another programme at Level 5 or above (to be approved by programme manager; prerequisites may apply).

Graduates of the Diploma in Performing Arts will be equipped with a range of practical and theoretical skills in many aspects of the performing arts field.  They will be able to seek employment in acting, directing and related production roles in theatre, television, film and related professions, or undertake further educational opportunities. 

All applicants will participate in a selection process, which includes an interview and audition, to demonstrate to the panel an aptitude for and interest in performing arts such as to provide students with a reasonable chance of success.

Applicants under 20 years

Students under 20 years old must have:

• A minimum of 14 numeracy credits at Level 1 or higher in mathematics or Pangarau on the National Qualifications Framework.
• Fifty credits at Level 2 or above with at least 12 credits in each of three subjects including a minimum of 8 literacy credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori. Four credits must be in reading and four credits must be in writing.  The literacy credits will be selected from a schedule of approved achievement standards and unit standards.
• Or, equivalent to the above to be administered at the discretion of the programme manager under delegated authority from the Head of Faculty.  Particular aptitude indicated in previous experience outside the formal qualification system may be taken into account.

Applicants over 20 years

Mature entry applicants will have achieved the age of 20 years by 1 March of the first year of enrolment in the programme.  Personal attributes or experience such as to undertake the course with a reasonable chance of success.  

International Students

Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, must provide evidence of having successfully completed English instruction to a level deemed appropriate by the Head of Faculty. Evidence may include official transcripts and/or recognised English test results, such as IELTS and TOEFL. 

For students to be considered to have satisfactorily completed this programme, and to be eligible for award of the qualification Diploma in Performing Arts they must have:

• Demonstrated competency in all prescribed local modules making up this equivalent two year programme.
• Attended for not less than 80% of the timetabled class hours and other scheduled class activities in all papers passed related to the programme.

(Please note: students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours will forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.)

For a student to be considered to have satisfactorily completed the Certificate in Performing Arts they must have:

• Demonstrated competency in all the modules making up the first year of study.
• Attended for not less than 80% of the timetabled class hours and other scheduled class activities in all papers passed related to Year 1.

(Please note: students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours will forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.)

FIONA FORREST - Programme Manager

MA Dramatic Arts, Dip Dramatic Arts, Dip Teaching.

A graduate of East 15 Acting School and Central School Of Speech And Drama London, Fiona is the Artistic Director of the Sir Anthony Hopkins School of Dramatic Arts. A 2010 recipient of a Civic Honours Award for international services to Performing Arts, her artistic career is wide ranging and extensive.

As actor and director, her work has embraced professional and fringe theatre, production touring, theatre in education, community and youth theatre, film, television and radio in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Career highlights include – Flower in ‘Forever Flowers’ directed by Wilson McCaskill- Chimera School of Acting Australia, Lucky in ‘Waiting For Godot’ directed by Wilson McCaskill –Chimera School of Acting  Australia, Woman in ‘Reigen’ Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Minnie Fay in ‘The Matchmaker’ Young Vic Theatre, London and workshops with Globe Director Mark Rylance at London’s Globe Theatre in the early stages of it’s construction.

Screen highlights include ‘Wedding Season’ – WATV Australia, ‘Shark In The Park’ - Gibson Group TVNZ, ‘Lord of The Rings trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, ‘Two Little Boys’ directed by Robert Sarkies, ‘The Weight of Elephants’ directed by Daniel Borgman.

Recent Research Outputs:

• 'Jack and the Beanstalk' presented at the Southern Institute Of Technology  Research Symposium 2011.