GRADUATE COURSE - OVERVIEW

CLASSICAL ACTING

Graduates of Sydney Theatre School and (other drama schools) may apply to audition for our advanced course in Classical Acting. The program offers a unique opportunity to further your training; develop the vocal and analytical skills required for acting in classical performances and to enhance your CV with showcase productions directed by high-profile professional directors.

THE PROGRAM

Classical Acting focuses on the demands and skills required to successfully perform in Shakespearean and other classical theatre productions. Actors who work regularly with classical texts are able to stretch their 'acting muscles' and thereby enhance employment prospects. The program will bring your performance skills alive and enable you to draw on a wide range of processes, techniques and disciplines (with a strong focus on vocal technique) that will lead to increased confidence and power on stage.

PERFORMANCES

You will embark on three performance projects during the year - exploring, rehearsing and performing Shakespearean and other classical texts under the watchful eye of highly experienced professional directors. The showcase productions are supported by intensive voice and movement exercises that are integrated into the rehearsal period. This production-based process is complemented by individual research and theoretical discussion when required. You will investigate the social, cultural and historical context of each play as well as its structure; its language and imagery; and its qualities of heightened and rhetorical discourse.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is delivered part-time (6 hours per week) over one year and is divided into three twelve-week terms. There is a two-week break between each term. The dates and times for 2009 are as follows:

DATES:

Term 1: 2nd February - 26th April 2009
Term 2: 11th May - 2nd August 2009
Term 3: 17th August - 8th November 2009

CLASS TIMES:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3.30pm - 5.30pm

COURSE CONTENT

Students rehearse and perform one scene-work showcase production for an invited audience each term. The content is as follows:

CORE UNITS

Term 1: Shakespeare Scenes
Term 2: Chekhov Scenes 
Term 3: Classical Scenes (other than Shakespeare or Chekhov)

INTEGRATED UNITS

  • Classical Acting
  • Advanced Voice
  • Text and Language
  • Stage Combat (when necessary)
  • Professional Practice 2

The exercises and activities designed to develop skills in the above areas are integrated into the rehearsal process. This ensures all learning opportunities are made relevant and put into immediate context.

 
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