Sightreading skills for audition

Using sightreading skills to deal with all situations when auditioning for TV, film, theatre, commercials and rehearsal readings. This is a follow-on from 'Sightreading skills for actors' or can be a stand-alone course.

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Key course information

Dates
23/02/12 - 29/03/12

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
DP051*

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2542

Course outline

What is the course about?

The aims of the course are:
- to bring about a noticeable improvement in your ability to give a performance whilst reading a text at sight;
- to enable you to show your understanding of, and sense of identification with, a character when auditioning for television, film, commercials, the theatre or rehearsed readings.

You will be encouraged to 'live in the moment' by concentrating on the character's changes of thought and emotion.

What topics will we cover?

Mastering the 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:

Be aware of and know how to respond to the differing requirements and skills involved in TV, film, commercial and theatre auditions whilst sight-reading.
Physically handle a script to optimum advantage.
Give the appearance of only referring to the script intermittently.
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.

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 and 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?

Your tutor will show you what to do and what not to do whilst sightreading at auditions, as well as how to prepare beforehand. You will be videoed reading for TV, film, commercial castings, theatre auditions and rehearsed readings and be shown the differences and similiarities of the differing situations. You will view your results during the playback and receive constructive feedback.

You will be encouraged to learn from watching other performers, and to contribute positive feedback and constructive criticism when invited to do so.

Scripts from actual TV programmes, films, plays and commercials will be provided, and you should practise between classes.

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

Texts are supplied by the tutor.
Students are requested to provide themselves with 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 has the opportunity to practice sight-reading during each session of the course, and receives immediate oral feedback from the tutor and from fellow-students on all aspects of her/his performance, so that individual student progress is continuously monitored and assessed.

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 should afford 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.