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
26/04/12 - 24/05/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
5 weeks

Time
18:40 - 21:40

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

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DP012*

Availability
Contact department

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 aim of the course is: To bring about a noticeable improvement in your ability to give a believable performance whilst sight-reading a script.
The course will reveal the techniques/tricks involved.
Once completed, not only will you be capable of giving an extremely confident reading of your own part; you will also have the confidence to look at the person you are reading with and not be tempted to bury your face in the script.
We will also look into the problem of making the most of your character, with little or no information to go on.

What topics will we cover?

Sight-reading monologues.
Sight-reading duologues.
Sight-reading multi character scenes.
The importance of reaction, whilst the other actor(s) are reading.
The importance and appropriateness of changes in mood and pace.
What ingredients regarding your character is it essential for you to know?
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.
Be able to make the most of your character when very little is known.
Sight-read a script in such a way that it is hardly noticeable that you are actually reading from a script.

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.
• 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. 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