Foundation Course in Performance - Acting Modules
The course consists of six modules, delivered over three terms, with regular half-term breaks and holidays. Within each module students take classes in Acting, Voice and Movement. For example, students currently take 5 hours of Acting classes, spread over 2 evenings, with a third ‘skills evening’ comprising Voice and Movement sessions. At the end of each module students are assessed on practical work. Regular feedback is designed to help everyone get the most from the course, and is constructive rather than pressurised.
Throughout the course students keep a Working Notebook. Students also complete two case studies, looking in more detail at specific aspects of their work. These written aspects of the course are designed to encourage personal reflection, and do not require formal writing skills.
Module 1: Readiness to Act (5 weeks)
We look at the fundamental components of performance, preparing students to work with their voices and bodies in space. The work helps students to develop a confidence in their presence and physicality, and an awareness of others. They are encouraged to question their assumptions about what acting is, and how we can learn to be better at it.
Module 2: Truthfulness and Text (5 weeks)
Students use their developing skills to bring text to life. We explore the initial approach to a text, and the process from analysis to credible performance. The work draws on texts based in psychological realism, from a range of periods. As part of the module students work on a contemporary monologue suitable for auditions.
Module 3: Shakespeare Without Fear (5 weeks)
We address the difficulties many actors perceive when approaching Elizabethan and Jacobean drama. Students become familiar with the disciplines and exciting possibilities of verse, and begin to fully inhabit classical text. We look at heightened language in action, and at the relationship between actor, space and audience. As part of the module students work on a classical monologue suitable for auditions.
Module 4: Different Demands on the Actor (5 weeks)
Students are challenged to apply what they have learnt to other theatre texts which depart from realistic representation. Students explore different styles, focusing on maintaining their credibility and emotional engagement in new contexts. For example, this work may include exploration of absurdist, expressionist, or choric text.
Module 5: Short Projects (5 weeks)
A: The Actor-Creator (2.5 weeks)
Students develop their creativity and ownership of their craft by generating original material. We explore the devising process, and develop students’ collaborative and playful performance skills.
B: Acting for the Camera (2.5 weeks)
We explore how the size of the frame affects the actor’s performance. Students learn to be confident with their on-screen presence. As part of the module students record a short, filmed duologue.
Module 6: Performance (7 weeks)
Students take part in a rigorous rehearsal process, leading to a short run of performances with technical support and in front of a live audience. Students get to put what they have learnt over the year into practice in the context of a complete production process, and can invite friends and family to see their work.
