Drama classes London: Acting course London: City Lit

Sightreading skills for actors

Do you want to be able to pick up a script and read intelligibly, with confidence and conviction, at sight? The aim is to act rather than read at sight, bringing the essentials of a character to life.

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Key course information

Dates
12/01/12 - 16/02/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
6 weeks

Time
18:40 - 21:40

Fees
Full fee: £95
Senior fee: £95
Concession: £46

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DP011*

Availability
Contact department

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

The aim of the course is:
- to bring about a noticeable improvement in your ability to give a performance while reading a script at sight;
- to enable you to understand and identify with a character;
- to help you move freely and creatively around the stage whilst sight-reading.

You will be encouraged to 'live in the moment' by concentrating on the character's changes of thought and emotion. You will also learn from watching other performers, and contribute positive feedback and constructive criticism when invited to do so.

What topics will we cover?

Practice at mastering the 'three step' reading techniques required for successful sight-reading.
Preparation of a character's emotional journey through moment-by-moment analysis of thought and emotional changes, leading to the discovery of climactic points in the dialogue.
Analysis of how the actual layout of the text, and shape of the dialogue, can give clues to the emotional structure of a scene and a character's situation or state of mind.
Analysis of how vocabulary, sentence structure and punctuation can contribute to a further understanding of character.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Physically handle a script to optimum advantage.
Give the appearance of only referring to the script intermittently.
Move freely and creatively around the stage whilst sight-reading.
Glean from a short piece of text indications of a specific character's situation, status, mood and personality traits.
Evaluate a text with regard to a specific character's 'emotional journey' through, and objective within, a scene or speech.
Interact creatively and confidently with fellow actor or with the audience, whichever is required.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Some experience of acting and the acting process is an essential requirement and you should be able to read and speak English well. The course requires commitment, enthusiasm and regular attendance.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Listen actively and communicate clearly.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and analyse scripts to find meaning and clarity.
• Take notes.
• Use numbers to recognise rhythm.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will have demonstrations of script management and the 'three step' technique of reading at sight and then acting without appearing to be visually tied to the text.
Sight-reading practice with a wide variety of texts, both monologues and duologues.
You will analyse and discuss a character's main personality traits, status, changes of thought and emotion, and objectives as evident in specific monologues or scenes.
You will practise and receive guidance for free and creative movement around the stage whilst sight-reading.
You will be advised to practise between classes.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Texts supplied by the tutor.
Please bring a note-book and pencil with rubber.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. If numbers permit, every student will have the opportunity to practise sight-reading during each session of the course. You will receive immediate feedback from both the tutor and fellow students on all aspects of your performance.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Participation in any text-based course would give you the opportunity for continued practice and further development of your sight-reading skills.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2542

drama@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in advice During term-time: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 17.30 - 18.30 Non term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
12/01/12 to 16/02/12	Thu	18:40 - 21:40	6 weeks	£95	£95	£46	DP011	Contact department	» Select
26/04/12 to 24/05/12	Thu	18:40 - 21:40	5 weeks	£79	£79	£38	DP012	Contact department	» Select