City Lit Theatre Company
A wonderful opportunity to be part of a theatre company working alongside an experienced professional director and a team of techical theatre students to stage a play from scratch in six weeks. Use your previous practical training in acting in the context of the performance of a full production in the John Lyons Theatre at City Lit, giving four public performances.
Please make sure you read the details below which gives days and times of rehearsals and performance week.
This term, the play is Hamlet, directed by James Jarrett.
Why do I need an advice session
Choose a starting date
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.
- Start Date: 27 Oct 2025End Date: 06 Dec 2025Mon+Fri+Sun (Evening): 18:30 - 21:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 21 sessions (over -6 weeks)Course Code: DRA140Tutors: James JarrettFull fee £379.00 Senior fee £379.00 Concession £379.00
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.
What is the course about?
Following a successful audition, you will join the ensemble company to work on a production of Shakespeare's Hamlet directed by James Jarrett. You will build character and develop relationships and scenes within the world of the play and in the context of the director’s vision for the piece. The company is governed by professional values and you will be expected to work rigorously, meet all preparation deadlines and give your full commitment to every scheduled rehearsal. Please see below for Audition Guidance and Application form.
Rehearsals begin Monday evening, 27th October.
Rehearsals are for five weeks Mondays & Fridays 18.30 - 21:30 & Sundays 10:30 - 16:30. You are required to be at each rehearsal on time and thus demonstrate professional discipline.
Production week is from Sunday 30th November. You must be available every evening Monday 1 Dec. to Friday 5 Dec. and all day Saturday 6 December (for tech and dress rehearsals and performances including Saturday matinee).
You will be required to take part in rehearsal and production photos which will be used for the purpose of marketing the show.
What will we cover?
We are keen to recruit a diverse group of actors. Essential attributes are enthusiasm, dedication and a strong sense of company. The rehearsal process will be creative, fast-paced, hard work and lots of fun! At audition, you will be required to perform a short monologue from the play from memory. Please email audition@citylit.ac.uk with any questions.
The process from initial rehearsals to performance including:
- Familiarisation with text and director's interpretation of plot in terms of themes and performance style.
- Character-building
- Developing appropriate character voice, movement and relationships.
- Etiquette around technical and dress rehearsals and performances
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...
- Engage effectively with the process and structure, from first rehearsal to performance
- Develop character within this process, contributing to a coherent production
- Demonstrate the director’s concept through practical application of rehearsal work
- Engage appropriately and in a professional manner with the stage management team
If you have any additional queries please email the Drama Department
To apply:
• read this further information: Theatre Co Audition Advice
• download and complete an CLTC Application Form
• take a headshot (photo of yourself including face and shoulders)
• send your completed form and headshot to the Drama Department
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an advanced level course, which requires that students are able to rehearse with full commitment and are able to conduct themselves appropriately in the rehearsal room and throughout the entire project. You will be required to meet deadlines, respect and work to meet directorial requirements, and work co-operatively with cast and crew at all times. Entry is by audition.
Your suitability and skill level will be assessed at audition. 100% attendance at all rehearsals is essential.
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.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn through practical work. The director may utilise a range of rehearsal techniques that might include research projects, improvisation, text analysis, and hot seating. Work beyond the sessions will be necessary in terms of line-learning and script analysis; you will need to know your lines by the official 'off book' deadline. You will need to be free to rehearse and perform during production week (please see dates above).
HEALTH CHECK
You may be asked to participate in rigorous activity. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will be required to purchase a play script.
Theatre Company has a modest production budget, and the creative team and director will use this to cover any production costs including props and costume. Students may choose to augment their costume and personal props with items from their own wardrobe and possessions. Should you choose to do this, please be aware that you do so at your own risk and City Lit cannot take responsibility for damage to anything that you supply. Your personal items should be clearly labelled with your name and you should take them home immediately after the final performance.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can audition for a role in the next Theatre Company production to develop your experience, work with a different director on a different type of play, and build your acting CV. You may be interested in City Lit's Accredited acting courses, or any of our wide range of drama, dance, media and speech courses. Please contact Drama for further advice (contact details in the panel top left).
Dr James A. Jarrett was educated at De Montfort University, Cardiff University and at the University of Essex, where he was awarded a Master’s Degree and a PhD for a thesis on Contemporary Theatre under the supervision of the playwright Jonathan Lichtenstein. James worked as a professional actor before returning to education to lecture in theatre and the Performing Arts. He has taught at the University of Essex and at University College Cork, where he was the first programme director of the innovative BA (Hons) in Acting. He has taught Drama at colleges for over twenty years. James is an expert on Harold Pinter, and has presented numerous papers on theatre and performance at many universities. His publications include essays in George Orwell Studies, The Pinter Review and Performing Ethos. He is preparing articles for publication in a range of journals and books, as well as a number of professional theatre projects. James loves the process of teaching acting and performance skills to adults.
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.