Acting: scenes to performance

What is the course about?

This course provides an opportunity to deepen and expand your acting skills by working to performance standard. You will have the opportunity to identify and cultivate your individual strengths and improve your weaknesses, to build confidence and challenge yourself in scenes and acting exercises.

What will we cover?

• Practical text analysis
• Character work and development
• Detailed scene rehearsal
• Performance to an invited audience at the end of term.

Please note that acting classes by their very nature can involve exercises and the exploration of material that some students may find challenging.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Effectively explore and analyse text
• Apply this textual analysis in practical work
• Build and sustain a given character
• Rehearse with rigour and depth
• Perform scene(s) with confidence.

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

This course is for students with experience. To be able to participate you should be able to analyse a scene (i.e. answer Stanislavski's key questions, such as identifying given circumstances and scene objectives, be able to action a text etc.) and be confident rehearsing independently.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Listen and respond to instructions and feedback.
• Communicate clearly in discussion and drama practice.
• Read and respond to a variety of text.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Take notes.
• Work within groups and pairs safely.

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

Your tutor will teach though a variety of techniques during this course. Depending on each different acting exercise, this may include work in pairs, small groups, individually and in the whole group.

As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.

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

• You will need a notebook, pencil and eraser.
• Comfortable clothing should be worn.
• You may be required to secure scripts. Photocopies of script(s) will be provided.

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

You can take the course as many times as you wish to build your knowledge of plays and to hone your skills. Different material is covered in each course.
You may also be interested in our Accredited acting courses, City Lit Theatre Company, Stage management and technical theatre, or one of media courses such as Screen acting or acting for Radio.