Sightreading skills for audition (drama)

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.

» Be the first to write a review.

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
31/05/12 - 28/06/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
5 weeks

Time
18:40 - 21:40

Fees
Full fee: £79
Senior fee: £79
Concession: £38

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
DP052*

Availability
Contact department

Interview required before you can enrol

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.

Call 020 7492 2542 or drama@citylit.ac.uk

Course outline

What is the course about?

The aim of the course is: to further improve one’s sight-reading skills and audition technique. We will also investigate several tricks that will enable the actor to shine at rehearsed readings.
Though the main focus of the class will be sight-reading we will also look at the audition interview and character impro’.
We will also examine the problem of making the most of your character, when the person you are working with is less than generous.
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?

The difference between auditioning for camera and theatre.
Sight-reading on your feet.
The audition interview.
Sight-reading monologues.
Sight-reading duologues.
Sight-reading multi character scenes.
The importance of reaction, whilst the other actor(s) are reading.
Dealing with an awkward partner.
The importance and appropriateness of changes in mood and pace.
Taking direction.
Highlighting and mastering the particularly difficult and important sections of the script.
Comic timing and delivery.
Getting technical when it comes to not throwing lines away.
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:

Read and interpret a script in a confident and professional manner.

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?

This course is a little more advance than the previous one, though it’s not essential that you have taken the previous course before enrolling on this one it is recommended that you do so. Exceptions can be made if you are particularly experienced.
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.
Sight-reading practice with a wide variety of texts.
We will analyse and discuss each character's status and objectives.
Students are encouraged to practice the techniques taught outside the class.

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

Texts supplied by the tutor.
Please bring a note-book and pen.

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. 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 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.