Acting

Departmental Handbook
2017-18

This handbook is relevant for all students working in the Technical Theatre Department.
Please note that the information contained within may change in subsequent years.
Contents
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 4
The Programme Handbook ................................................................................................................ 4
SECTION 2: STAFF & KEY CONTACTS - DRAMA ........................................................................... 5
Acting Department Staff – Full Time ............................................................................................... 5
Acting Department Staff – Part Time .............................................................................................. 5
Director of Technical Theatre ............................................................................................................ 6
Stage Management and Costume Supervision ............................................................................. 6
Design Realisation ................................................................................................................................ 6
Theatre Technology.............................................................................................................................. 6
Production Managers .......................................................................................................................... 6
Technical Theatre Tutors ..................................................................................................................... 7
Associate Producer ............................................................................................................................... 7
Performance Venues (Head and Technical Supervisors only) ................................................... 7
Drama Administration Staff ............................................................................................................... 7
Other Useful Contacts.......................................................................................................................... 7
SECTION 3: WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU ...................................................................................... 9
Attendance and Participation ............................................................................................................ 9
Punctuality .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Agreed Absences .................................................................................................................................. 9
Withdrawal or Intermission from the Programme ....................................................................... 9
The Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures ....................................................10
Other Commitments ...........................................................................................................................10
Outside Work ........................................................................................................................................10
SECTION 4: PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS ................................................................................... 11
Structure of the Academic Year ....................................................................................................... 11
Student Communication Policy........................................................................................................ 11
The Student’s Union ............................................................................................................................ 11
The Library ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Health and Welfare ............................................................................................................................. 11
Class Preparation .................................................................................................................................12
Personal Hygiene .................................................................................................................................12
Time Management and Energy ........................................................................................................12
Behaviour in Rehearsals .....................................................................................................................13
Research .................................................................................................................................................13

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 Writing ....................................................................................................................................................13
Asimut – Timetables and Room Booking ......................................................................................13
Security .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Changing Rooms ................................................................................................................................. 14
First Aid and Accidents ...................................................................................................................... 14
Emergency Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 14
Smoking (including E-Cigarettes) ....................................................................................................15
Noise .......................................................................................................................................................15
Litter ........................................................................................................................................................15
Footwear ................................................................................................................................................15
Telephones ............................................................................................................................................15
Computers/IT ........................................................................................................................................15
Noticeboards.........................................................................................................................................15
Pigeon Holes .........................................................................................................................................15
Tickets for Guildhall School Drama Productions .........................................................................16
SECTION 5: PEER SUPPORT ...............................................................................................................16
Peer Support .........................................................................................................................................16
SECTION 6: ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................................. 17
Conduct of assessment....................................................................................................................... 17
Extenuating circumstances ................................................................................................................ 17
Late hand-in penalties ........................................................................................................................ 17
Resits .......................................................................................................................................................18
Plagiarism and academic misconduct ............................................................................................18
Academic appeals ................................................................................................................................18
SECTION 7: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS IN RECEIPT OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS.... 20
Named Scholars & Guildhall Scholars ........................................................................................... 20
Communication about awards ........................................................................................................ 20
Requirements for Named Scholars ................................................................................................ 20
Requirements for Guildhall Scholars ............................................................................................. 20
Acknowledgement of support ..........................................................................................................21
Further information .............................................................................................................................21

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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

This Handbook is relevant for all programmes in the Acting department

The Programme Handbook

This handbook is a general guide to the Acting department. It contains staff contact details, what
the department expects from you in terms of attendance and engagement, practical arrangements,
assessment in Acting and information for students in receipt of scholarships.

The information given in this handbook is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change
as new developments occur.

It should be read in conjunction with the following publications, which can also be found on the
student intranet:
 Programme Handbook which provides information that is specific to your academic
programme
 Student Handbook which provides detailed overarching information relevant to all students
 Students’ Union Guide
 Academic Regulatory Framework which provides information about policies and
procedures, including the course participation regulations.

Please ask any member of staff if there is anything else you want to know about the Programme or
the School.

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SECTION 2: STAFF & KEY CONTACTS - DRAMA
If calling from within the School, dial the last 4 digits only

Acting Department Staff – Full Time

Name Telephone Email
Christian Burgess – Vice Principal & Director of Drama X7220 (Via Ellen Paine) Christian.Burgess@gsmd.ac.uk
Wyn Jones – Director of Acting X7173 (Via Lisa Evans) Wyn.Jones@gsmd.ac.uk
Martin Connor – Head of Acting Studies X6190 Martin.Connor@gsmd.ac.uk
Danny McGrath – Head of Movement N/A Daniel.Mcgrath@gsmd.ac.uk
Annemette Verspeak – Head of Voice N/A Annemette.Verspeak@gsmd.ac.uk
Eliot Shrimpton – Head of Academic Studies (Drama) X7201 Eliot.Shrimpton@gsmd.ac.uk
Tom Morrison – Voice Tutor N/A Thomas.Morrison@gsmd.ac.uk
Leah Muller – Movement Tutor N/A Leah.Muller@gsmd.ac.uk
TBC – Acting and Widening Participation Tutor N/A TBC
Acting Department Staff – Part Time
Professor Patsy Rodenburg – Professor of Text & Poetry N/A Patsy.Rodenburg@gsmd.ac.uk
Wendy Allnutt – Acting/Movement Tutor N/A Wendy.Allnutt@gsmd.ac.uk
Professor Ken Rea – Professor of Theatre N/A Kenneth.Rea@gsmd.ac.uk
Richard Kwietniowski – Screen Acting Tutor N/A Richard.Kwietniowski@gsmd.ac.uk
George Hall – Singing/Music Hall Tutor N/A Annemette.Verspeak@gsmd.ac.uk
Helen Ireland – Singing Tutor N/A Helen.Ireland@gsmd.ac.uk
Linda Hutchinson – Singing Tutor N/A Linda.Hutchinson@gsmd.ac.uk
Sue Lefton – Historical Dance Tutor N/A Sue.Lefton@gsmd.ac.uk
Emma Annetts – Show Dance Tutor N/A Emma.Annetts@gsmd.ac.uk
Jonathan Waller – Stage Combat Tutor N/A Jonathan.Waller@gsmd.ac.uk

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Name Telephone Email
Director of Technical Theatre
Ben Sumner 020 7382 7206 Ben.Sumner@gsmd.ac.uk
Alison Camilleri – EA to the Director of Technical Theatre Alison.Camilleri@gsmd.ac.uk
Stage Management and Costume Supervision
Gill Allen – Head of Stage Management & Costume Supervision Pathway 020 7382 7151 (X7576) Gill.Allen@gsmd.ac.uk
Karen Kerr – Lecturer in Stage Management 020 7628 2571 (X7443) Karen.Kerr@gsmd.ac.uk
Caroline Moores – Lecturer in Stage Management 020 7382 7488 Caroline.Moores@gsmd.ac.uk
Sue Hudson – Lecturer in Costume Supervision 020 7382 7216 or 7984 (7198) Sue.Hudson@gsmd.ac.uk
Vanessa Lingham - Lecturer in Costume Supervision 020 7382 7216 or 7547 Vanessa.Lingham@gsmd.ac.uk
Manuela Rey-Alvarez - Lecturer in Costume Supervision 020 7382 7216 or 7984 Manuela.Rey-Alvarez@gsmd.ac.uk
Kate Russell – Stage Management Assistant Kate.Russell@gsmd.ac.uk
Design Realisation
Vanessa Cass – Head of Design Realisation Pathway 020 7628 2571 (Ext 7983) Vanessa.Cass@gsmd.ac.uk
Pat Shammon – Lecturer in Props 020 7628 2571 (Ext 7982) Pat.Shammon@gsmd.ac.uk
TBC – Lecturer in Scenic Construction 020 7628 2571 (Ext 7952)
Andy Wilson - Lecturer in Construction Management 020 7628 2571 (Ext 7953) Andy.Wilson@gsmd.ac.uk
Tom Downing – Design Realisation Assistant 020 7628 2571 (Ext 7983) Tom.Downing@gsmd.ac.uk
Emma Glithero - Design Realisation Assistant 020 7628 2571 (Ext 7983) Emma.Glithero@gsmd.ac.uk
Theatre Technology
Andy Taylor – Head of Theatre Technology Pathway 020 7628 2571 (X 7946) Andy.Taylor@gsmd.ac.uk
Nick Peel – Lecturer in Lighting Design 020 7382 7957 (X 3297) (7154) Nick.Peel@gsmd.ac.uk
Jon Armstrong – Lecturer in Lighting Design X 7946 Jon.Armstrong@gsmd.ac.uk
Sam Bull – Lecturer in Stage Technology Sam.Bull@gsmd.ac.uk
Kate Yoland – Lecturer in Video Design Kate.Yoland@gsmd.ac.uk
Dan Shorten – Lecturer in Video Design 020 7628 7152 Dan.Shorten@gsmd.ac.uk
Production Managers
Julia Bermingham – Production Manager 020 7382 7153 Julia.Bermingham@gsmd.ac.uk
Rhian Jones – Production Manager 020 7382 7283 Rhian.Jones@gsmd.ac.uk

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Benjamin Wallace – Production Manager TBC Benjamin.Wallace@gsmd.ac.uk
Technical Theatre Tutors
Susannah Henry – Lecturer in Design N/A Susannah.Henry@gsmd.ac.uk
Andrew Killian – Lecturer in Theatre History N/A Andrew.Killian@gsmd.ac.uk
Associate Producer
Stuart Calder 020 7382 7088 Stuart.calder@gsmd.ac.uk
Performance Venues (Head and Technical Supervisors only)
Chris Wheal (Head) 020 7382 7205 Chris.Wheal@gsmd.ac.uk
Rob Pell-Walpole 020 7382 7156 Robin.Pell@gsmd.ac.uk
Daniel Whewell 020 7382 7156 Daniel.Whewell@gsmd.ac.uk
Greg Borell 020 7382 7156 Greg.Borell@gsmd.ac.uk
Drama Administration Staff
Gareth Higgins – Head of Drama Administration 020 7382 6127 Gareth.Higgins@gsmd.ac.uk
Lynne Buckley – Deputy Head of Drama Administration 020 7382 7149 Lynne.Buckley@gsmd.ac.uk
Charlotte Hurt - Deputy Head of Drama Administration 020 7382 7171 Charlotte.Hurt@gsmd.ac.uk
Ellen Paine – Drama Administration Manager 020 7382 7220 Ellen.Paine@gsmd.ac.uk
Lisa Evans – Drama Administration Officer 020 7382 7173 Lisa.Evans@gsmd.ac.uk
Lucy Hussey-Bergonzi – Drama Administration Assistant 020 7382 2323 Lucy.Hussey-Bergonzi@gsmd.ac.uk

Other Useful Contacts

Patsy Carter – Head of Facilities 020 7382 7218 Patsy.Carter@gsmd.ac.uk
Elliott Barnes – Deputy Head of Facilities 020 7382 7217 Elliott.Barnes@gsmd.ac.uk
Facilities Managers 020 7382 7818 FacilitiesManagers@gsmd.ac.uk
Silk Street Reception Desk 020 7382 7942/7194 FrontDesk@gsmd.ac.uk
Stage Door Milton Court Ext 3001 StageDoor@gsmd.ac.uk

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Maintenance (engineers@gsmd.ac.uk) 020 7382 7190 Engineers@gsmd.ac.uk
IT Helpdesk (ithelpdesk@gsmd.ac.uk) 020 7628 2571 ithelpdesk@gsmd.ac.uk
Sundial Court Reception 020 7382 7163 N/A
Student Affairs Reception 020 7382 7219 N/A

8
SECTION 3: WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU

Attendance and Participation

Attendance at all classes, tutorials, meetings, rehearsals and performances is compulsory. If you are
unable to attend through ill health, you must telephone the Drama Administration Office (020 7382
2323 – 24 hour voicemail). A message via another student is not acceptable unless you are bedridden
and unable to get to a phone. You must phone in before 9.30am on each day of your absence, and if
you leave a voicemail message you must state clearly who you are and what department you are
working in. A medical certificate will be required in case of an absence through illness of 5 days or
over.

Half day sickness absences (i.e. being absent for the morning, but wanting to come in during the
afternoon) will not be permitted. Your wellbeing and the safety and wellbeing of other students you
may be working in close contact with is our primary concern and you should ensure that you are
sufficiently recovered before coming back to scheduled activities.

If you are absent for more than 5 consecutive days or are absent for an assessment component (e.g. a
test or presentation) you must provide a medical certificate.

In the case of persistent attendance and/or punctuality problems the Programme Participation
Regulations will apply.

Punctuality
Punctuality is essential. You are required to swipe in every day using your student ID cards at the
terminals located at Stage Door in Milton Court and at the end of the foyer in Silk Street. Failure to
do so will result in the Course Participation Policy being invoked.

In the event of unavoidable lateness, it is normal professional practice:

a) to attempt to inform the group and its tutor/director beforehand;
b) in classes: to provide an apology and an explanation to the tutor/director concerned;
c) in rehearsals: to provide an apology and an explanation to the director.

Explanations for lateness must also be made to the Drama Administration Office (020 7382 2323).

A student who is late without good reason more than three times in any one term may be subject to
the Course Participation regulations.

Agreed Absences
You are not allowed to be absent from the school during term-time without permission from the
Head of your Programme.

If you need time off to attend a GP appointment or family emergency for example you must
complete an electronic ‘Agreed Leave of Absence’ form, which is available on the student eGo
system. This must be approved first by the relevant staff prior to the proposed absence. Please give
as much notice as possible to allow for the consideration of your request.

Applications will be considered on a case by case basis and in all cases the decision of the Head of
Programme is final.

Withdrawal or Intermission from the Programme

Please refer to The Student Handbook or see the Drama Administration Office who can provide
further information.

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The Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures
This can be found on the Intranet and sets out your rights and responsibilities while you are a
student at the School. You need to read these statements and ensure you understand yours and the
School’s role in maintaining the best conditions for your learning and studying. Please see the Link:
Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures

Other Commitments
You will be working long and irregular hours; therefore it is not wise to make social commitments
without checking with staff whether you will be free.

Outside Work
If you wish to undertake any work outside of scheduled activity, please discuss with your head of
Programme. You should let them know the type of work you are undertaking and the hours you will
be working.

This is not intended to stop you earning money or gaining experience but is to protect against your
coursework or health suffering due to overwork.

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SECTION 4: PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS

Structure of the Academic Year

Please see below for details of the official School term dates in the academic year 2017-18.

Autumn Term
Term Starts Term Ends
11 September 2017 1 December 2017
Spring Term
Term Starts Term Ends
8 January 2018 30 March 2018
Summer Term
Term Starts Term Ends
23 April 2018 13 July 2018

Third year student on the BA/MA Acting programme may be required to work during ‘Make-up’
weeks where a rehearsal period commences before the start of term. A make-up week is the week
immediately before the start of a term. So make-up week for the summer term would be week
commencing 16 April 2018.

Student Communication Policy

It is very important that students ensure that the School has their current address. Students can
update their contact details (addresses and phone numbers) through the student information system
student portal - eGo.

The School will contact students by the following means:

Term-time: Noticeboards
Student School email address (NOT your personal email)
Student Pigeonholes (MC Student Common Room)
Contact address (if posted)

Out of term-time: Permanent address

Student School email address
Personal email address in cases of emergency

IMPORTANT: You must check your School email regularly, including times when you are outside of
the School. As well as important information regarding your course, we will also email details of any
discounted theatre tickets and promotions to your Guildhall email account. If you have a
smartphone you can ‘sync’ your School email account with your phone. Further details are available
from the IT Department.

The Student’s Union

Please see The Student Handbook.

The Library
Please see The Student Handbook.

Health and Welfare

The Head of Student Affairs is responsible for all student welfare in the School, including health,
counselling etc. Staff include; a Student Life Officer, Student Health Advisors and Counsellors.

The Student Affairs Office is located in Sundial Court.

11
The Student Life Officer has a list of approved accommodation, including availability within Sundial
Court itself, and in an emergency they may be able to help you within with accommodation issues.

If you have unforeseen financial problems the School has a ‘hardship fund’ for occasional difficulties.
If you experience financial problems at any point in your course please make an appointment to see
the Head of Student Affairs. The Drama Administration Office can help you arrange this.

It is important that you look after your health. You must register with a local doctor otherwise you
will not be able get medical attention promptly if you need it. If you are having problems registering
with a doctor close to where you live, please speak to the Health & Welfare Officer.

As well as your physical health you should ensure that you look after your mental wellbeing. If you
feel that talking to your friends or to staff is not enough, you can talk to a School Counsellor in
confidence if you wish. Most people find at some time that their problems are overwhelming,
whether they are caused by their work, their family, their personal situation or by living in London.

Further information about the Student Affairs department can be found in the Student Handbook.

Class Preparation
Lack of proper preparation can be destructive both to the individual actor and the group effort. It is
important:
 to be properly equipped, with appropriate rehearsal clothing (e.g. T-shirts with slogans can
be unhelpful to concentration; very tight clothing, overlong trousers or short skirts can
impede ease of movement); pen, pencil, eraser and paper; script or research material;
 to have completed preparation required e.g. learning a speech, song or movement sequence,
reading a play, researching a topic;
 to be warmed up before the time for class or rehearsal, in order to be alert and in a state of
readiness and concentration for the work in hand;
 to complete and present any written assignments by the required time, so that you do not
build up a backlog of work, affecting concentration on the next task.

Personal Hygiene
As you are working in close proximity to your fellow actors, it is extremely important to keep your
clothes and yourself clean and fresh. Footwear must be worn at all times when not required to go
barefoot as part of your classwork.

Time Management and Energy

Work in the theatre is often done within a framework of tight schedules and rigid deadlines. Heavy
demands are placed upon an actor's physical, vocal and imaginative capabilities, requiring enormous
amounts of energy. Actors are expected to arrive at rehearsals and classes energised and ready to
begin instantly whatever tasks are required.
As with punctuality, it is a normal courtesy to explain to tutors or directors and fellow actors the
cause of any unavoidable malaise. Hangovers, inadequate sleep or nutrition are not considered
unavoidable.

Good time management skills are vital to success in the theatre. Actors are expected to take total
responsibility for making efficient use of time inside and outside rehearsals and working hours. You
will have many demands on your time. It is important that you plan the use of it very carefully,
giving due consideration to your personal and social needs.
You should also bear in mind that you will work long hours on the programme and this can include
evenings and weekends, which should be taken into account if you are seeking part-time work. As
you progress on the programme you will find that the hours increase. The training should be your
number one priority at all times, missing a Saturday rehearsal to do part time work, for example,
will not be tolerated.

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Behaviour in Rehearsals
An important aspect of your training is that you should be prepared to experiment and to fail in
doing so. You can learn a great deal by failing. In order to fail, however, you need the
understanding of your group. Actors do not have to like each other or their tutors or directors, but
they must always show the proper respect for each other's efforts.

Attentiveness, awareness and concentration are vital ingredients in a good rehearsal. Reading
newspapers, lounging, whispering, having private jokes, sneering, or being overcritical are examples
of behaviours which can be destructive. Others will not be prepared to make themselves vulnerable if
they know that you are looking for ways of criticising or sapping the energy from the room.

Research
Research is fundamental to actors. There are as many ways of researching as there are of acting. It
can take many forms: reading, talking to people, observing them, looking at paintings, watching
television and films etc. Keep notes of your research, especially the precise source, so that you can
find it again if necessary, or refer someone else to it.

Working with a group of actors, you will often be asked to share your research and ideas. Develop
the skills of putting your thoughts across simply and clearly, listening to other people and
contributing to discussion in a courteous and constructive way. These skills will also be useful if you
are involved in publicity for a production; for example, doing a radio interview, or in auditions.

Writing
Get into the habit of writing up class and rehearsal notes as soon as you can. Use your own
shorthand methods, including diagrams, illustrations, mind maps etc. for recording and preparing
practical work.

 You will have some opportunities to develop your writing skills. These are useful in several
ways:
 You have an opportunity to reflect on work you have observed or participated in;
 You develop skills in devising and scripting your own work;
 There are many occasions in the profession when you will need to communicate in writing;
for example, when applying for funding.

Asimut – Timetables and Room Booking

Staff and Students at the School use Asimut for timetable and room booking information. Asimut
can be easily accessed via your computer, smart phone or tablet and you will be given an induction
during your first week to ensure you are able to access and use this web-based programme. Your
username and password are the same as your School Account.

Display screens around the School show daily room information and activity in the building. The
system updates in real time, so please ensure you check regularly for updates. DO NOT take a
screenshot at the start of the week and rely on that for your timetable information as it is quite
common for last minute scheduling or room changes to occur.

You can access Asimut by clicking or the following link, or entering it into your web browser:

gsmd.asimut.net

Once logged in you will be able to:

 View personalised schedules
 Find rooms for specific classes or teachers
 Reserve rooms in advance
 Export a calendar feed and access it anywhere

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  Check your schedule on any desktop or mobile device

In order to ensure equity all students at the School have the following rules in place when booking
rooms for themselves:
 You can only book up to 72 hours in advance
 You have a rolling quota of 8 hours.
 Minimum booking length of 15 minutes
 Maximum booking length of 120 minutes
 Minimum gap of 60 minutes

Security
This is always an issue in any large institution. Under no circumstances should you leave your
belongings unattended. Please look after all your possessions, being especially careful to keep your
valuables close to you or under lock and key.

You must take responsibility for the security of your belongings while they are in the School, they
will NOT be covered by the School’s insurance. We would advise you to take out your own personal
possessions insurance.

You have to pay a £10 deposit for a locker which will be returned to you at the end of the
programme, if you return the keys. If you lose one or both of the keys, replacements will be issued at
cost.

Changing Rooms
The Changing Rooms must be kept clean, tidy and uncluttered at all times; they will be monitored
and further actions may be taken if they are not maintained appropriately. Please ensure that you
remove all your belongings from the changing rooms at the end of each term as these will be in use
outside of term times by other departments. At the end of every term the changing rooms will be
cleared and the contents disposed of.

First Aid and Accidents

All staff on the Reception Desk are trained First Aiders and you should contact them on
Milton Court 3001
Silk Street 7818, 7942 or 7194

You may also be required to fill in an accident form reporting what happened. This is so that we can
monitor accidents and take steps to prevent them happening in the future.

If you have had to use a First Aid Kit in an emergency please after following the above protocol
inform Facilities at Stage Door that you have used the equipment so that it can be appropriately
restocked. For non-emergencies, please ask for plasters or bandages at Stage Door – do not take
these from First Aid Kits.

Emergency Procedures
In the case of an emergency, or an emergency drill follow the procedures given on the public address
system which are to leave the building by the nearest fire exit and make your way to your assembly
point.

The assembly point for Milton Court is the Foyer of the Silk Street Building, and for Silk Street the
assembly point is on Lakeside. You should get together in year groups so that you can be checked
off against the signing in sheets.

14
Smoking (including E-Cigarettes)
It is against the law to smoke on the premises and anyone not complying will follow disciplinary
procedures. There is also a policy regarding smoking as part of a production which can be found in
the Health and Safety handbook

Noise
As the School is situated in a residential complex, we ask you to consider the residents whenever
you leave the buildings and to keep noise to a minimum, this includes Sundial Court.

Litter
For health and safety reasons we ask that you dispose of all litter in a safe and responsible manner,
using the bins provided around the School.

Footwear
Many of your classes will require you to work barefoot, however footwear must be worn at all other
times.

Telephones
Mobile phones must be turned off during classes and rehearsals.

Computers/IT
PCs are located in the Computer room on Level 5 in Milton Court. There are also networked
computers in the Library and Student Common Rooms. You will have your own log in and
password, which you should keep secure and not divulge to others.

Once you have logged on you will have access to 2 areas:

 The student I drive, where you have your own secure area for programme work and
personal documents, and;
 The student O drive for shared folders

Photocopiers can be found in the Student Common Room at Milton Court and Silk Street.

Please note that due to network security, students do not have access to staff computers, nor staff to
students.

Noticeboards
There are various notice boards around the School which you should refer to regularly. They
contain the following information:

Level -2 Milton Court – General memos, social events/student notices; casting, photographs of all
students; special offers for tickets to see various productions/West End musicals; job opportunities.

Other Notice Boards:

The Principal currently has notice boards in the Silk Street foyer which give details on information
and news regarding staff or students, for competitions won, achievements made, awards given,
special concerts etc.

The Student Union notice board can be found in the Common Room on the second floor and gives
details on accommodation, special offers, items for sale, clubs to join, etc.

Pigeon Holes
Post trays for Drama students are located in the Student Common room at Milton Court. These are
for all students in the Drama Department and are arranged alphabetically by first name.

15
Tickets for Guildhall School Drama Productions
All Acting students not performing in a production are entitled to one complementary ticket per
production.

Third year students with a role in a production are entitled to up to 4 complementary tickets for
friends and family for that production. Tickets requests for agents and casting directors should be
directed to the Drama Administration Office and students are not required to use their
complementary allocation for agents and casting directors.

All complementary ticketing for Guildhall drama productions is managed by the Drama
Administration Office. Email: Dramaticketing@gsmd.ac.uk

If required, additional tickets may be purchased via the Barbican Box Office.

SECTION 5: PEER SUPPORT

Peer Support
Peer Support at the Guildhall School. Student Affairs recognize the invaluable role students play in
supporting each other throughout their time at the Guildhall School and beyond. Students often
turn to friends and colleagues for emotional support and help thinking through problems, but at
times this can become difficult for their fellow students who may feel out of their depth and unsure
how best to help. The Peer Support programme offers student volunteers the opportunity to develop
essential skills in listening to students and increases the range of options available to students who
wish to talk to someone in a safe and supported environment. To find out more about Peer Support
and how you can access it please contact Student Affairs.

16
SECTION 6: ASSESSMENT

Conduct of assessment
All marking decisions will, where practicable, involve at least two examiners/assessors in addition
to the assessment overview of an External Examiner for work contributing towards a final degree
classification. For recitals and other practical examinations at least two examiners/assessors shall
act together either in person as a panel or through the recording of the event. For written
submissions, as a minimum, there will be one marker followed by internal moderation.

Extenuating circumstances
You are responsible for your own health and wellbeing. If you submit coursework or attend an
assessment event (e.g. recital) you are declaring that you are well enough to do so. Therefore, if
you feel that your medical, personal or professional circumstances are significantly affecting your
ability to prepare for, or take an assessment, you should seek an extension or deferral.

Please contact the Drama Administration Office for further information.

In the case of a medical reason, a certificate from a medical practitioner1 must be submitted at the
first opportunity along with the relevant proforma. Self-certification will not be accepted.

An assessment may only be deferred once for medical reasons unless there are exceptional
circumstances. A request for a third deferral will need to be considered by the full Extenuating
Circumstances Panel with documentation supporting a lingering/persistent illness.

In the case of professional reasons, students must seek permission in advance using the relevant
proforma.

Late hand-in penalties

You are required to submit coursework by the dates published in the relevant programme or
departmental handbooks. Late submission, for assessments submitted as a first attempt, will be
subject to an escalating penalty (as detailed in (b) to (d) below and non-submission more than two
weeks after a deadline (see (e) below) without good cause will result in a mark of zero being
awarded. As resits are already capped at the pass mark, assessments submitted at resit must be
submitted on the due date; a late submission will be considered a fail.

(a) Submissions will normally be scheduled to fall on a Monday.2

At the first attempt

(b) If the deadline is missed, the penalties for late submission on the same week will be as follows:
Hand in on Tuesday deduct 5 percentage points3, but not below minimum pass (40 or 50)
if a pass.
Hand in on Wednesday deduct 10 percentage points, but not below minimum pass (40 or 50)
if a pass.
Hand in on Thursday deduct 15 percentage points, but not below minimum pass (40 or 50)
if a pass.*
Hand in on Friday deduct 20 percentage points, but not below minimum pass (40 or 50)
if a pass.

1 A current medical certificate from one of the following (or their overseas equivalent) will be acceptable, (i) a
practitioner recognised by the GMC, GDC or HCPC, or (ii) a nurse practitioner recognised by the NMC.
2 Any submission after the published time will count as a Tuesday submission. Similarly any submission

received after 4.00pm on Tuesday will count as a Wednesday etc, and will receive the commensurate penalty
for that day. With the agreement of the department, hard copy submission may follow electronic submission
where both are required.
3 A percentage point relates to point on a marking scale of one to one hundred and not a percentage of a mark

on a different scale.

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(c) For the submission of work which is subject to a pass/fail mark only. Failure to hand in work by
4.00pm on the Friday of the first week will be considered a fail and a resit fee will apply for
resubmission.

(d) From Monday to Friday 4pm of the following week (week two), all work of a pass quality will be
capped at the minimum pass mark.

(e) After Friday 4pm of week two a 0 – non submission will officially be recorded, any work received
after this date will be considered, at the discretion of the Assessment Board, resit work (i.e. a second
attempt) and a resit fee will be payable.

Marking and assessment criteria

Each and every programme of study has assessment criteria and the assessment criteria relate to the
learning outcomes of the programme. These can be found in your programme handbook.

In determining a mark for a piece of assessment, whether written or practical, the examiners will
consider:
 the specification and complexity of the assessment task (what have you been asked to do, or
indeed chosen to do in the case of a recital),
 how does it relate to the learning outcomes for the programme and year/level of study
where applicable (what is the assessment designed to test), and
 the assessment criteria (what is the standard you have to achieve in the assessment to be
awarded a given mark).

A holistic mark will be given for each assessment task.

Resits
You will only be permitted a maximum of two attempts at an assessment and the Programme
Assessment Board will determine the method and timing of any reassessment. All reassessment will
be capped at the pass mark.

A resit fee will apply (please see the annual tuition fee schedule available on the internet for full
details).

Plagiarism and academic misconduct

Plagiarism is using another person’s concepts, ideas or words (or photograph or music or any other
intellectual property) and not properly acknowledging that use. It is considered to be academic
misconduct.

However, plagiarism can easily be avoided by the appropriate use of references – see the
Presentation & Referencing Guidelines.

Suspected plagiarism and related academic misconduct (e.g. collusion) will be considered under
Regulation 12 of the General assessment regulations for taught programmes (available from the
intranet). The allegation will be reported to the Programme Leader for investigation and if there is
a prima facie case of misconduct you will be required to attend an Academic Misconduct Panel. In
the event of substantiated academic misconduct penalties will apply, which may include your
assessment being give a mark of zero.

Academic appeals
An academic appeal is a request to review a decision of the School Board of Examiners (e.g. a review
of an award calculation or a module result). Strict criteria apply and there is no appeal against the
academic or professional judgement of the examiners in relation to marks, grades, progression or
award.

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Full details of the appeal regulations (Regulation 14 of the General assessment regulations for
taught programmes) can be found on the intranet. The two criteria can be summarised as follows:
 Evidence of a material error, either in the conduct or the assessment itself, or in the
proceedings of the Assessment Board, and/or;
 Evidence that you were subject to extenuating circumstances at the time of the assessment
which were unknown, for good reason, to the assessment board at the time it made its
decision.

You can only appeal after you have received your official results letter and details about academic
appeals are included in that letter. An academic appeal should be submitted on the AP1 form
available from the student pages of the intranet or from registry@gsmd.ac.uk.

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SECTION 7: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS IN RECEIPT OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

All students who have received financial awards from the Guildhall School Scholarship Fund are
required to satisfy the conditions they have agreed to in the scholarship application form. Please
read this information carefully – if you fail to meet these requirements, your scholarship award will
be withdrawn and you will be required to return the full amount of your award for the year.

Named Scholars & Guildhall Scholars

Scholarship awards fall into one of two categories:

 Named Scholars are supported by a specific Individual, Trust or Company, and;

 Guildhall Scholars are supported by the Guildhall School Trust.

You will be informed if you are a Named or Guildhall Scholar.

Communication about awards

The Development Office will communicate with you by email via your School email address, so it is
vital that you check your School email account regularly. If you need help in accessing your email
account remotely, please contact the IT Department.

It is also essential that you upload your letter(s) and/or end-of-year report(s) via eGo by the
published deadlines. If you do not do this, it will be assumed that you have failed to meet your
scholarship responsibilities and your scholarship award will be withdrawn. Please note that where
applicable it is your responsibility to send letters and reports to your supporters through the post:
the Development Office or Drama Administration Office will not send these on for you.

Requirements for Named Scholars

1. Write and thank the supporters of your award as soon as you receive their details. The
Development Office will provide you with your supporters’ contact details early on in the autumn
term; as soon as you receive these you should write and thank them for their support and upload a
copy to eGo.
DEADLINE: 5pm on Thursday 12 October 2017

2. Attend the Supporters’ Evening. This year’s Supporters’ Evening will take place on Thursday 9
November 2017 from 7pm. The Supporters’ Evening is a reception for donors to the School’s
Scholarships Fund, giving them an opportunity to meet the student(s) they are supporting and chat
to you in an informal setting. You must keep the date and time free unless you are told otherwise by
the Development Office.

3. Write an end-of-year report to send to the supporters of your award giving an overview of the
past year. The report should outline the progress you have made over the past year and include
details of performances and projects you have been involved in. You should send this report directly
to your supporters and upload a copy to eGo. DEADLINE: 5pm on Thursday 10 May 2018

Requirements for Guildhall Scholars

1. Attend the Scholars Recital
This year the School will be holding a Scholars Recital on Wednesday 31 January 2018 from 7pm.
The Scholars Recital is a reception for donors to the School’s Scholarships Fund, giving them an
opportunity to meet Scholars and be thanked for their support. Please keep the date and time free
unless you are told otherwise.

2. Write an end-of-year report addressed to the Principal

The report should outline the progress you have made over the past year and include details of
performances and projects you have been involved in. You should send a hard copy of this report

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directly to the Principal care of the Development Office and upload a copy to eGo. DEADLINE:
5pm on Friday 11 May 2018

Acknowledgement of support
Your award from the Scholarships Fund should always be credited in your biography and CV, and in
publicity for any School-based performances. If you are a Named Scholar please make sure that the
correct title for this appears in publicity.

Further information
If you have any further queries about the requirements for your scholarship award then please
contact Megan Gibbs in the Development Office on 020 7382 7179 or megan.gibbs@gsmd.ac.uk

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