To strengthen and solidify the physical and psychological connection with the group in order to move and speak as an ensemble on stage
To understand and practise the “you and the new” method in order to neutralise the Italian accent
To lay the foundations for listening in English and the ability to identify specific sounds
To develop and practise techniques for creating a character
The ability to interpret and perform a piece of modern text in English
To stay focused and present in an improvised scene
To learn and practise techniques for creating original theatre
Deliver two contrasting 20th/21st century monologues in English.
Have the basic skills for creating his/her own work.
Choose his/hers preferred method for creating a character.
After completing the “you and the new” method the students will be in the position to identify their strengths and weaknesses. It is not intended that they speak English with a perfect RP, but understand how to train and develop independently. It also expected that they have a full knowledge and understanding of the phonetic alphabet.
In the second year the students will continue physical training, vocal technique, improvisation and text study with two additional modules; character study and devising.
Physical training
The students will explore the use of objects and props on stage and how they can enhance a scene or be used by a character. They will work on a piece of Greek tragedy to explore the possibilities of the ensemble, choral movement and choral speech.
Voice technique
With the confidence of speaking in English gained in the first year, the students will now be able to develop and fine tune the RP accent. They will engage in listening exercises and by using the phonetics alphabet they will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses in their ownspeech. They will follow a method called “you and the new” to adapt and change their own voices.
Character study
The students will learn how to physically and psychologically create a character focusing on Chekov’s centres work, Stanislavski and LeCoq’s elements and animal studies.
Text study
In the second year, the students will be working on 20th/21st century monologues. The students will choose the monologues themselves with guidance and support from the teacher. They will learn how to analyse and interpret a piece of modern text and how this differs to working with a piece of Shakespeare.
Devising
In the second year the students will be exposed to “devised” theatre. A method of working that is widely used by the British theatre companies. This method of approach is fundamental in actors training and will encourage the students to think, write, listen and speak in English. This element of training will sharpen the student’s ensemble, improvisation, writing and acting skills. They will explore techniques such as; working with a theme, working with a stimulus and devising from costume/materials.
Assessments
– Performance of two contrasting contemporary (20th/21st century) monologues (Chosen by students with guidance from the teacher). The students must also provide written evidence for the research and method/methods chosen for finding the character.
– Performance of a devised piece (min 15 minutes, max 30). Throughout the year the students will gather tools and exercises for creating theatre. This final piece will be an original production created by the students with guidance and direction from the teacher.
– The first part of each lesson will be devoted to articulation and physical and vocal training which will also include a warm-up and exercises for concentration. The second part will be devoted to text-based activities.
– At the beginning of the year the training will be more substantial and progressively it will be reduced in order to dedicate more time to the monologues and the method of devised theatre.
– After the first month of work, the teacher will have got to know the students better and will be able to advise and suggest suitable monologues.
– Consistent feedback and direction throughout the year with specific feedback on monologues and the devising process.
– Being mother-tongue English, the teacher will also monitor and correct the student’s grammar and pronunciation.
Totale 50 ore annue