Curious about studying Acting for Stage and Screen - CertHEat University of Essex? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Certificate of Higher Education - CertHE
Southend Campus
Full Time
Oct 2026
1 Year
This course provides a foundation in acting and can prepare you for further study, either at East 15 or at other acclaimed acting schools. The intention is to help create actors who will have an intellectual as well as a vocational life in the theatre, introducing you to the concepts and mechanics behind each. The Certificate of Higher Education in Acting for Stage and Screen is a highly focused exploration of acting techniques and aims to introduce you to the context that gives each theatrical era its distinctive identity. This includes (on a practical level) movement, music, improvisational skills and acting. Overall, it is an intensively practical scheme. Throughout the three terms, students undertake a number of compulsory modules. These cover audition technique, movement, voice and singing. During the first two terms at the Southend Campus, you are also introduced to acting courses that specialise in Stage Combat, Physical Theatre, Community Theatre and World Performance. In addition to exploring the history and theory of theatre and its relation to other arts forms, you have regular opportunities to attend performances of plays, music and dance, as well as to visit art galleries, films and relevant historic sites.
E Grades/points required
Not currently available, please Contact University for up to date information.
4.3This acting module takes place during the first term of the course. The module aims to encourage students to explore imaginatively various means of communication. It teaches students the roots of theatre and its functions of story-telling and celebration. The work of this first term module is designed to further your understanding of yourself by stretching your emotional, physical and vocal range and to encourage spontaneity through improvisation.
Use of research: You explore the uses of research to stimulate and inform imagination and to help create the world of a play. Use of improvisation: You learn how to improvise truthfully and to give and take with others. You also learn the value of improvisation as an aid to the rehearsal process. Approaches to text: This part of the module introduces you to the use of the text to discover information – about the play, its themes and characters. Approaches to relationships: Focussing on play texts from Shakespeare and others, you learn how to demonstrate truthfully expressed relationships.
Understanding the structure of a play: You learn how to break down a play into ‘units of action’ and how to apply this learning to the rehearsal process. Approaches to deeper characterisation: Character analysis, characters’ objectives, finding a character’s ‘through line’. Incorporation of skills. Rehearsal processes, recreating rehearsed work.
This module is fundamental to the CertHE programme’s aim to prepare you to enter the next level of full-time acting or similar training for the professional theatre. Work begins in Term One with an overview of drama training provision, focussing on ‘accredited’ schools and courses. You learn how to find audition pieces and explore criteria for assessing their suitability. You begin the work of acquiring a repertoire of audition pieces specifically aimed at drama school audition environments. You work on general presentation skills, including interview technique, for drama school auditions. You begin rehearsal of material selected in Term One. Under the guidance of your tutors, with regard to your preparedness in terms of audition pieces, you select suitable courses and apply for further training in Term Two. The work of the final term continues the expansion of repertoire and rehearsal of speeches. As you progress your applications for further training you are encouraged to share your experiences of audition practices at other institutions, your successes and rejections, so that collectively you deepen your knowledge and understanding of audition technique.
Work begins with an introduction to basic anatomy. You begin the work of developing suppleness and stamina. Techniques for the release of emotion in movement are introduced. You develop balance, co-ordinations and rhythm, linking movement and dance with acting. You learn a range of styles and carriage. Finally work covers preparation for physical demands and the extension of physical and dance vocabulary.
The module begins with an introduction to the anatomy of voice production. You begin the work of acquiring good vocal habits through the use of basic vocal exercises. Techniques for direct communication with voice are introduced. You develop the structures used by voice. You work on improving articulation and explore accents and the voices of others. Finally you work on the vocal demands of acting, on developing clarity and power. By the end of the module you will have the ability to assess critically your own vocal capabilities and will have in place vocal exercises and a regime for future use.
The work begins with an assessment of vocal range, introduction to singing techniques and group songs. Later you begin to identify personal needs in terms of performance preparation and audition requirements. You select and work on solo songs and work on improving approaches to singing. You also work on achieving audition standard in two contrasting songs. Finally you work on integration of character into singing, increasing confidence in solo work and extending your personal repertoire.
