Movement for actors
Having an awareness of space and presence and utilising the body to help carve engaging, full-born characters is vital in theatre, whether this be during improvisation, delivering a monologue or throughout the process of a performance. It's important to have the tools to do this!
This course aims to give every member an introductory “toolkit” you can take away with you, freeing your body, exploring character technique, enhancing your improvisational and performance intuition and becoming confident in your craft.
- Course Code: DRB350
- Dates: 02/11/24 - 07/12/24
- Time: 12:15 - 14:15
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Sean Croft
Course Code: DRB350
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
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?
You will learn skills in a playful explorative manner towards finding confidence, spontaneity and a stronger connection to character and your body.
We’ll lay the groundwork for any performer to become connected and in touch with how the body moves, delving into elements of the key factors and tools needed for physical performers through improvisational and technique based exploration.
Guided Improvisation practice and movement games will form a major part of the course.
Throughout the course we will work towards a small 'show back' of skills learned/developed over the course, this will either be in the form of a monologue, duologue or scene around one of the styles of theatre explored during the course.
Although improvisational in nature, there may also be some time for exploring set material and movement sequences as well.
What will we cover?
- generate greater confidence in the body as a source for movement ideas.
- stimulate an appetite for physical instinct as a vital base for embodying feeling and emotion.
- increase body awareness, physical articulation and coordination.
- learn simple stretches or movement patterns.
- learn to use movement as a creative language to communicate with given partners.
- understand and explore response options within the development of improvisational scenes.
- explore and develop techniques for creating characters with physicality.
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...
• Move with an increased sense of physical awareness and confidence
• Use the skills learnt to apply this in future theatre work
• Create a “beginners toolkit” of skills for approaching and developing a character for the future
• Use creative improvisation techniques to build stronger physical presence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Beginners.
However, please be aware that we will be moving through all levels of space and with a variety of speed. Therefore, a good level of fitness and flexibility is advisable.
You will need to be able to follow & respond to verbal instructions, possibly even while moving with eyes closed, therefore understanding of English Language is essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be solo, partner and aspects of group work. The classes build up gradually, starting with a warm up that prepares for and tunes you into the theme of each session.
There will be moments where we work with improvisational techniques.
This process (for the most part) does not require a ‘copy the teacher’ type learning, but instead students are asked to physically engage with and explore given instructions to find a deeper connection into their own body, which in turn will act as a base for communication in pair and small group work.
Regular attendance, punctuality and an open physical commitment is expected, in order to facilitate progress of class material and team work. Some homework may be given to deepen understanding.
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?
Wear comfortable appropriate clothing that allows for ease of movement.
No shoes required, in fact bare foot moving is advised (slip-proof socks are permissible).
As we engage in some contact work with other students, it is essential to observe good personal hygiene and wear clean movement clothes to class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other movement courses include Lecoq technique, Clowning and Mask Technique. You may also be interested in integrated training in movement, voice and acting skills on our Foundation in Drama course.
Sean trained at École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, a world renowned school for physical theatre. Over the two years he trained in devised theatre, ensemble building, character development, mask work, mime, object manipulation / puppetry and clowning, among a vast array of other training. Sean also trained at East 15 Acting School on the BA Hons / Acting & Stage Combat degree graduating in 2011, gaining specialist skills in nine different weapon sets alongside an extensive acting program, in contemporary and classical work and practitioners. Sean works as a performer, director and choreographer, and regularly leads workshops and courses for theatre companies across the UK, Europe and Asia. His approach to theatre follows predominantly from his training at Lecoq, with the body and with a playful curiosity, exploring the space and how the body moves within it. In his courses he hopes to open up a deeper understanding of performance technique, emotional engagement, physicality and the exploration of all aspects of life through theatre and to share his deep profound love of what he does with others.
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.