Movement for actors

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.

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.

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 Acting: Foundation course.