Part-time adult education, evening classes: London: City Lit

Introduction to Stanislavski (acting)

Using games, improvisation, personal experiences and a simple text, we will begin to explore the basic methods and principles of Stanislavski's acting technique.

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Key course information

Dates
24/04/12 - 26/06/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
10 weeks

Time
18:30 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £128^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DF039

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?

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

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course provides a foundation in the system of realistic acting that most professional actors use today — the approach to actor training, characterisation, and rehearsal technique developed by Konstantin Stanislavski.

What topics will we cover?

We will explore the major principles and techniques of Stanislavski’s ‘system’, examining each of its elements in isolation at first. These include tasks and action, given circumstances, relaxation in performance, sense memory and emotional authenticity, dramatic analysis and interpretation, and the uninhibited expression of physical and psychological impulses. We will then apply these skills to the development of a character and the preparation of a short scene from a contemporary British film.

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

Relax under pressure and immerse yourself more fully in an imagined reality.
Use your self as a creative resource in the development of characters and in meeting the emotional demands of a scene.
Express yourself more fully and uninhibitedly in performance.
Analyse a dramatic scene in relation to the story as a whole and extract significant information about character, action, circumstances, and structure.
Make appropriate choices about characterisation and scene-interpretation, with particular regard to the shaping of an engaging story, and adjust your performance in relation to them.

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

This course follows-on from our term-long “Introduction to Acting” course — you will need to have completed that or a similar course or have some experience of acting. You will need to be able to take notes and to work within groups and pairs safely. You will need to be able to express yourself and communicate clearly and fluently in spoken English and have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts in large and small groups. You will be willing and able to do some preparation and rehearsal outside the class. The course involves some physically-based exercises, so you should be prepared to participate in them and have a level of fitness and flexibility appropriate for an actor. You will need to be able to listen and respond to instructions and feedback and be interested in listening to, and learning from, the responses of other students to the work discussed, observed, and performed. You will have a commitment to developing your performance, analytical, and expressive skills.

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

We will use games, improvisations, characterisation and physical expressivity exercises, tutor input, group discussion and analysis, and the rehearsal of scenes from contemporary British films. This is a practical course in which students will work alone, in pairs, and in groups, according to the exercise. Each week, detailed homework preparations are given that extend and develop the techniques covered in class and prepare you for what we will explore in the following session. This will be supported with advice, guidance, and feedback via group emails. .

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

You will need a copy of Uta Hagen’s book Respect for Acting (either the first or second edition which you can borrow from the library or buy), a notebook, and a pencil. You will also need to be dressed in loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely and wearing trainers or plimsolls.

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

No.

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, with particular emphasis on the implementation of skills in scene rehearsal and an informal presentation of the work. At the end of the course, you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

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?

This course enables you to progress to the advanced “Stanislavski Workshop” and “Method Acting” courses. The “Acting for Camera Stage One” and “Introduction to Brecht” courses also provide an appropriate route for you to develop the skills learnt in this course further.

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.