MA in Training Actors (Voice or Movement)

Introduction to Programme

This programme is designed to train voice and movement teachers to work in the acting profession. It is a two-year part-time course, led by Patsy Rodenburg (Head of Voice) and Wendy Allnutt (Head of Movement), in association with professional theatre companies and leading drama schools.

Drawing on a long tradition of actor-training in the UK and abroad, this programme aims to develop a new generation of theatre craft teachers to work with actors in training and in the profession. A maximum of four students (two for Voice and two for Movement) is enrolled, each able to develop their knowledge and skills under close guidance. Students enjoy close links with the Acting Programme and with the professional theatre. At the core of the programme is intensive observation of actors in training. Contact time is approximately 20 hours per week, but it is not possible to predict in advance when these hours will be. Students should, therefore, have considerable flexibility in their arrangements to be able to gain the most from the programme.

Observation of classes and rehearsals is supported by seminars and tutorials; practice-based research; development of the student's own knowledge and skills; placement in a major theatre company and/or drama school. Students specialise in either Voice or Movement throughout the course. They follow an integrated modular programme, with emphasis on their chosen discipline within each module.

Year 1
Total credit value: 85

Three modules are studied concurrently from September to July, with students having approximately 20 contact hours per week during three 12-week terms.

The core of the Programme is the module Teaching Methods and Content, which is based on the observation of classes in Voice and Speech or in Movement on the three-year Acting Programme, underpinned with tutorials, reflective practice and private study. In Term 1 students concentrate on developing their own knowledge, skills and understanding. In Term 2, they begin to focus on the acquisition of teaching skills. These skills are further developed and tested in Term 3, when they run a series of workshops for trained actors, culminating in a practical teaching exercise and a viva voce which form the assessment. Students must pass the practical teaching component before starting Year 2.

Other modules are designed to develop further knowledge, understanding and communicative skills in the subject areas. They are: Contextual Studies including anatomy and physiology of voice and movement, Voice Analysis or Movement Analysis and Play Study.

Year 2
Total credit value: 95

Two modules are studied concurrently from September to March, with students having approximately 20 contact hours pers week.

The first module is Psychology and Practice of Coaching. In Term 4, students observe rehearsals and performances of projects and productions on the Acting Programme. They focus on observing correctional work and developing skills in diagnosis and assessment, as well as negotiating the appropriate role for the voice or movement coach in relation to the director and the acting company. At the discretion of the directors concerned, they undertake supervised teaching, coaching, leading warm-ups etc. (Normally this includes specific work on plays of the Restoration period.) These skills are further developed and tested in Term 5, culminating in a practical teaching/coaching exercise arising out of a specific rehearsal project and a viva voce which form the assessment.

Students are encouraged to take other opportunities to develop their work as voice or movement coach. During Terms 4 and 5 they also work on a Practice-based Research Project assessed through dissertation and oral presentation.

The programme culminates in a Professional Placement of four to six weeks, when students are attached to a professional theatre company or a drama school, monitoring classes and rehearsals, leading warm-ups, coaching actors, as required.