Courses
ADVANCED DIPLOMA
Professional and Performance Skills
Acting
The development of each actor's individuality is central
to acting studies at LSDA. It is essential that each student finds a way
to develop and utilise his or her own resources. They will be helped by
the use of exercises and techniques based on the works of some of the most
renowned theatre practitioners: Strasberg, Meisner, Stanislavsky, Brecht,
Hagan, amongst others. There are several different acting classes in any
given week, each one covering different aspects of actor development. Some
of the techniques covered include the development of creative and honest
transformation, the process of inhabiting the character, becoming aware
of habits and tension points and how to find relaxation while being looked
at. Through various exercises you will be encouraged to take away the pressure
to create and freeing up the ability to listen and respond truthfully, you
will experiment with simplicity and effectiveness. You will also look at
observing behaviour, understanding and applying given circumstances and
the actor-audience relationships. Scene study, sight-reading and monologues
modules are also covered.
Voice
Voice is a vital component for the professional actor to be heard. Within
the structure of the course you will explore release and use of tension,
breath capacity and effectiveness, development of tone and resonance, clarity
and articulation, muscularity of the word, connection and credibility and
use of the voice in varied texts. Voice blends with the acting and all other
disciplines within the year training ensuring that students will leave the
course able to analyse and use the voice whatever demands are placed on
them as professional vocalists. On this course there are three different
voice classes; Practical Voice, Technical Voice and Voice and Text.
Dance/Movement
An awareness of the physical self is essential in order to be able to change,
shed and gain a new physicality in the process of character building. An
actor needs to be physically fit, strong and have flexibility in order to
have full dramatic expression. The Movement class starts in term one with
exercises in trust and exploratory movement. This develops into exercises
to increase spacial awareness and workshops in shadow work, gesture and
physical characterisation leading to a Physical Theatre project in term
3. In Dance you will study a variety of Jazz, Latin and ballroom styles
of Dance such as Waltz, Swing, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha, Rhumba/Mambo, Argentine
Tango, Quick Step and Tap. You will also work throughout the year on posture,
basic fitness; strength & stretch, walking/posing and Eurhythmics.
Singing
The singing class is intended not only to develop the singing voice but
also to improve the voice by increasing flexibility, improving pitch and
experimenting with phrasing and tone. Students are taught to achieve a solid
technique, the understanding of breath control and sound projection, and
in such a way so you understand how to put it into practice to perform and
interpret a song.
Text Analysis
During the year students will study most of the important periods of theatre
from Classical Greek to Modern British, from Shakespeare and Restoration
to the playwrights of the Spanish Golden Age. Textual analysis will address
historical, political and social relevance, varying developments in styles
of theatre and why writers were writing as they did.
Improvisation
The art of improvisation enables the actor to
act spontaneously in a scene. Even the most courageous actor has inhibitions
in one form or another. Classes in improvisation allow these to be overcome
in a creative and dynamic way. Students will use a host of exercises to
open up imagination and allow quickness of thinking on ones feet.
Camera and Radio Techniques
The acting industry has changed dramatically throughout the 20th and 21st
Centuries. Theatre is no longer the main focus. Today, actors need to be
familiar with techniques for the camera and radio while also obtaining a
solid foundation in the theatre arts. In Camera classes students will consider
technical aspects through exercises including frame size, hitting the mark
whilst also building on their confidence by exploring various scenes and
camera exercises. Scenes will be recorded, reviewed and analysed. A Mike
Leigh process of improvising scenes will also be included. In Radio students
will work on the delivery of various texts for the purpose of Radio. Sonnets,
poetry, narrative, adverts and monologues will be explored. This will lead
to the recording of a voiceover showreel in the third term.
Guest Tutors
Guest tutors across the profession will be invited
to teach sessions each week. Students benefit from meeting working actors,
directors, casting directors, agents and other industry professionals who
will give practical advice and information on different aspects of the acting
world.