Acting is the wonderful process of learning a new skill whilst learning more about yourself. This course incorporates games, improvisation, movement, voice work and more. Feel more confident and relaxed as well as having fun. This beginners course introduces you to various aspects of the acting craft and performance and the process of self-discovery. Via ensemble-building games, improvisation techniques, spatial awareness and movement exercises, voice and scene work, you are encouraged to find the actor within. Students will be introduced to exercises taken from different cultures and hopefully build their confidence in public presentation. This course is aimed at beginners, but also open to those seeking to reinvigorate their connection to the craft. Because of the fast-paced and highly collaborative nature of the course, full attendance and commitment from all students is recommended.
During this course the intention is that the following topics will be covered, but not necessarily in the order given. Due to the variable nature of Adult Education classes, parts of the curriculum may be adapted to suit the needs of the class.
Agenda
- Preparing the body and voice for performance
- Ensemble-building games designed to encourage the group to relax, open up and get to know each other
- Training to engage the audience through commitment and focus
- Developing approaches to instinctive acting and reacting
- How to break down a scene into beats where the action of the scene changes
Session 1
In The Beginning – The Ensemble as the Basis for All Creative Expression
Acting is just a way of making a Living, the family is Life – Denzel Washington
In this first session, we will be establishing the fundamental source of all artistic expression- society itself. Manifest through the microcosmic model of the Ensemble, we will spend this time developing a safe creative space that is based on trust developed amongst new students.
Session 2
Character in Action: The Self as Image-maker and Storyteller
The fact of storytelling hints at a fundamental human unease, hints at human imperfection. Where there is perfection there is no story to tell – Ben Okri
In this session, we will explore your unique traits as a performer. Working through improvisational monologue techniques and physical image-making, we seek to ground your confidence as an artist who is in service of the story- one that only you can create!
Session 3
Stage Presence and Improvisation
Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings – Rumi
We will explore exercises from techniques from different cultural traditions to unlocking our stage charisma in order to find out what engages the attention of theatre audiences.
Session 4
Exploring Scene Structure – Storytelling
Every scene should be able to answer three questions: “Who wants what from whom? What happens if they don’t get it? Why now?” - David Mamet
What makes a ‘well-made’ scene and how does it leave room for the actor to meet the writer halfway? We will be looking at an example of short scene written for the stage and screen. After examining character objectives and intentions within these scene selections, we will evaluate our growth as actors through rehearsing and improvising open scenes.
Outcomes
By the end of the course the student will be able to:
- Gain an insight into the craft of acting
- Put together an improvisation
- Build a character and contribute to a scene
- Work collaboratively with others
- Feel confident about pursuing further acting and performance training
Please bring notebook and pen to first lesson. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement (preferrably black).
PLS NOTE: All classes need a minimum number of students to go ahead. If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled and you will be informed. Courses are usually cancelled, when necessary, 2 working days prior to the scheduled start date.***Please be aware that you maybe be informed of a cancellation &/or change via SMS or E-mail.
