Foundation Studies in Performance - Drama Centre London

Course description

The Foundation Course at Drama Centre London is aimed at those who wish to improve their acting, directing and other performance skills in order to make informed decisions about their future careers. This course is part of the Access to HE and Progression programme.

Foundation Studies in Performance enables you to experience the rigour and variety available in the field of drama and to test your expectations and aspirations against the realities of vocational training. On completing the foundation course, students will normally expect to go on to study in higher education, mainly at vocational drama schools.

During the foundation course you will enhance your capacity to learn in a disciplined, organised manner and develop skills leading to self-reliant learning. You will also develop your critical awareness of contemporary performance and will learn to express your ideas clearly and articulately.

Foundation Studies in Performance is fully based in the practice of performance, delivered within a leading drama conservatoire, thus benefiting from the high levels of expertise of the professional staff at Drama Centre London.

Foundation Studies in Performance is "diagnostic" in nature: that means that the tutors will seek to help you widen your understanding of the various opportunities for careers in the field of drama. You may already feel that you are determined to pursue a career in acting or directing, for example. In this case, the course will help you to test your commitment and define your expectations. On the other hand, you may feel that, while attracted by the idea of working in drama, you are not yet sure of what the profession has to offer and of how your talent can be developed. If this is the case, then Foundation Studies in Performance will help you explore the opportunities available and enable you to make informed decisions about future studies.

Comments from this year's students

"The knowledge and experience I have gained from the course is phenomenal. It's an incredible start for anyone considering a career in performance"

"I definitely feel it's great value. It's world class training that has prepared me for a BA course"

"Worth every penny and I feel lucky to have gained a place here at Drama Centre."

"The tutors have taught me to challenge myself."

"The intensity was what I needed, the course was challenging and extremely beneficial."

"The Drama Centre course has allowed me to express myself physically and emotionally in a safe and creative environment. The foundation has given me invaluable tools that will carry me through my career."

"I got to know myself a lot better, physically and mentally in a safe and collaborative environment."

Autumn term
Tuesday 29 August 2017 – Friday 3 November 2017
Holiday: Monday 6 November 2017 – Friday 10 November 2017
Spring term
Monday 13 November 2017 – Friday 2 February 2018
Holiday: Monday 19 December 2017 – Monday 1 January 2018
Summer term
Monday 5 February 2018 – Friday 20 April 2018
Holiday: Monday 12 March 2018 – Friday 23 March 2018

Foundation Studies in Performance is structured in three stages and includes units in:

• Acting
• Acting for Camera and Recorded Media
• Rehearsal and Performance
• Improvisation
• Movement
• Voice
• Text Interpretation
• Introduction to the Performing Arts Business
• Monologue Study
• Scene Study/Rehearsal Methodology
• Singing
• Directing/Writing options
• Preparation for Auditions

The first, exploratory, stage introduces you to core areas of performance: interaction; physical expression; communication of ideas. You and your colleagues arrive at a shared understanding of the essential nature of performance and its various media, periods and styles. Focused visits to theatre, dance, film and other performance opportunities are followed by group discussions designed to provide a contemporary and historical context. Sustained acting, voice and movement classes begin to develop a sense of 'play', character and circumstance and stage relationships.

The second, pathway, stage invites you to focus on a range of projects, studying the creative, technical and vocational aspects of the different performance media, reflecting your individual interests and potential. Scene and monologue study, recorded media, more advanced movement and voice, contribute to the deepening of the understanding of the art and skills which enable communication between performer and spectator.

The third, confirmatory, stage encourages you to adopt an autonomous, proactive approach to your future development as a performer. You undertake a significant piece of work and assume within it roles that reflect your future aspirations for work and/or further study. You continue to develop and put into practice your own ideas, informed by the experience of the first two stages. Personal, professional and promotion skills are put into practice in order to support your applications to drama schools and elsewhere.

Detailed course information: Foundation Studies in Performance (PDF 229KB)‌

Studio Theatre

• Costume

  Find out more about the Costume facilities at Archway

• Studio Theatre

  Find out more about our Studio Theatre

Staff

Course Leader
Richard Williams