Keep your skills honed and your actors instinct sharp in this short course designed for those with experience. Explore text and scenes under the guidance of an experienced tutor and working actor in...
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
The sessions are suitable for actors looking to re-energise their performance. Also, emerging actors seeking to develop their skills for professional performance. Actors lab can expands your skill set, whether you are looking to boost confidence in performance or sharpen your text skills. Each session we will explore the traits of a different playwright this could be engaging with the rapidity of Mike Bartlett, or exploring the emotional depth of Duncan Macmillan’s work. We will delve deep into how to approach, prep and deliver scenes and consider approaches to both monologues (including classical) and two-handed scenes. There will also be a focus on getting the most out of auditions looking at how to get the work up and off the page. Handy tips to aid cold reading will help you deliver on the day. We can also work with you on any material you may have for auditions that are upcoming for you. Please let the tutor know and bring any material or text with you to the session.
What will we cover?
-Insights into analysis and performance of classical as well as contemporary text. -Appreciation of the most contemporary playwrights writing for theatre right now.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Perform confidently. • Utilise more of your acting range. • Audition confidently. • Have a greater knowledge and understanding of contemporary playwrights.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is designed for those who have completed a recognised course of professional training or have some experience.
• 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?
Individually, in pairs and groups.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Scripts and scenes will be supplied. Please bring anything with you that you would like to work on to the first session. Comfortable clothing and soft shoes for the studio is ideal. A notebook and something to write with for script annotations.
Simon has worked as a professional actor since 2003. Working extensively in theatre, he has acted with companies including The Royal Shakespeare Company, Out of Joint, Paines Plough and played numerous theatres up and down the country and overseas. He is also an established voice actor, specialising in audio books and has numerous television credits to his name. Simon's specialist area is working largely in the realm of audition technique, scene study and professional practice. At City Lit he teaches Audition Ready and the the intensive Audition module on the Acting Diploma (Level 3). Simon has also directed the showcases for accredited drama students. Over the last 5 years simon has been an Acting and Professional Practice teacher/facilitator at The Arts Educational Drama School and Buckinghamshire New University.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/actors-lab2491333Actors' Labhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/https://www.citylit.ac.uk/static/version1763044829/frontend/WilliamsCommerce/citylit/en_GB/Magento_Catalog/images/product/placeholder/image.jpg119119GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Acting and theatre/Courses/Performing arts/Acting and theatre/Professional skills for actors22851314131513181228513141315Keep your skills honed and your actors instinct sharp in this short course designed for those with experience. Explore text and scenes under the guidance of an experienced tutor and working actor in these 3 workshop sessions.002629563Actors' Lab119119https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/no_selectionInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-02-18T00:00:00+00:00AdvancedFeb 2026Performing artsDPP050119119Actors' Lab11983119Simon Darwenactors-lab/dpp050-2526Keep your skills honed and your actors instinct sharp in this short course designed for those with experience. Explore text and scenes under the guidance of an experienced tutor and working actor in these 3 workshop sessions.0000-Available|2026-02-18 00:00:00The sessions are suitable for actors looking to re-energise their performance. Also, emerging actors seeking to develop their skills for professional performance. Actors lab can expands your skill set, whether you are looking to boost confidence in performance or sharpen your text skills. Each session we will explore the traits of a different playwright this could be engaging with the rapidity of Mike Bartlett, or exploring the emotional depth of Duncan Macmillan’s work. We will delve deep into how to approach, prep and deliver scenes and consider approaches to both monologues (including classical) and two-handed scenes. There will also be a focus on getting the most out of auditions looking at how to get the work up and off the page. Handy tips to aid cold reading will help you deliver on the day. We can also work with you on any material you may have for auditions that are upcoming for you. Please let the tutor know and bring any material or text with you to the session.Keep your skills honed and your actors instinct sharp in this short course designed for those with experience. Explore text and scenes under the guidance of an experienced tutor and working actor in these 3 workshop sessions.-Insights into analysis and performance of classical as well as contemporary text.<br/>-Appreciation of the most contemporary playwrights writing for theatre right now.• Perform confidently.<br/>• Utilise more of your acting range.<br/>• Audition confidently.<br/>• Have a greater knowledge and understanding of contemporary playwrights.This course is designed for those who have completed a recognised course of professional training or have some experience.<br/><br/>• Listen and respond to instructions and feedback<br/>• Communicate clearly in discussion and drama practice<br/>• Read and respond to a variety of text<br/>• Give and receive constructive feedback<br/>• Take notes<br/>• Work within groups and pairs safely.Individually, in pairs and groups.Scripts and scenes will be supplied. Please bring anything with you that you would like to work on to the first session. Comfortable clothing and soft shoes for the studio is ideal. A notebook and something to write with for script annotations.Please explore our wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/acting-and-theatretarget=_blank">Acting and Theatre</a> courses.Acting and theatreProfessional skills for actorsvirtual11911983DPP050NONEWed18/02/26 - 04/03/2618:15 - 21:1518:1521:153 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetSimon DarwenAdvancedAvailable courses2026-02-18T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2026Performing arts119119Actors' Labactors-lab/dpp050-2526Keep your skills honed and your actors instinct sharp in this short course designed for those with experience. Explore text and scenes under the guidance of an experienced tutor and working actor in these 3 workshop sessions.0000-Available|2026-02-18 00:00:00The sessions are suitable for actors looking to re-energise their performance. Also, emerging actors seeking to develop their skills for professional performance. Actors lab can expands your skill set, whether you are looking to boost confidence in performance or sharpen your text skills. Each session we will explore the traits of a different playwright this could be engaging with the rapidity of Mike Bartlett, or exploring the emotional depth of Duncan Macmillan’s work. We will delve deep into how to approach, prep and deliver scenes and consider approaches to both monologues (including classical) and two-handed scenes. There will also be a focus on getting the most out of auditions looking at how to get the work up and off the page. Handy tips to aid cold reading will help you deliver on the day. We can also work with you on any material you may have for auditions that are upcoming for you. Please let the tutor know and bring any material or text with you to the session.Keep your skills honed and your actors instinct sharp in this short course designed for those with experience. Explore text and scenes under the guidance of an experienced tutor and working actor in these 3 workshop sessions.-Insights into analysis and performance of classical as well as contemporary text.<br/>-Appreciation of the most contemporary playwrights writing for theatre right now.• Perform confidently.<br/>• Utilise more of your acting range.<br/>• Audition confidently.<br/>• Have a greater knowledge and understanding of contemporary playwrights.This course is designed for those who have completed a recognised course of professional training or have some experience.<br/><br/>• Listen and respond to instructions and feedback<br/>• Communicate clearly in discussion and drama practice<br/>• Read and respond to a variety of text<br/>• Give and receive constructive feedback<br/>• Take notes<br/>• Work within groups and pairs safely.Individually, in pairs and groups.Scripts and scenes will be supplied. Please bring anything with you that you would like to work on to the first session. Comfortable clothing and soft shoes for the studio is ideal. A notebook and something to write with for script annotations.Please explore our wide range of <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/acting-and-theatretarget=_blank">Acting and Theatre</a> courses.Acting and theatreProfessional skills for actorsconfigurable
13181315Professional skills for actorshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/catalog/category/view/s/professional-skills-for-actors/id/1318/1/2/285/1314/1315/1318/Courses/Performing arts/Acting and theatre/Professional skills for actors
