The first term of this compulsory movement module for MA/Postgraduate Diploma in Acting students focuses on the investigation and exploration of the body in space and self as a starting point for characterisation. The term is about opening up physically and emotionally, finding a centred, dynamically aligned and energised body, identifying and inhibiting muscular tensions and poor postural patterns. Various movement theories and techniques are introduced with the aim that the students expand their movement vocabulary in relation to self, then in relation to character.
The second term of the Movement course is about deepening movement vocabulary and potential and expanding individual range of physical choices for characterisation in a variety of theatrical styles. Various techniques are learned including animal study.
By the third term, the Movement course increasingly focuses on the practice of applying the movement techniques learnt in the studio towards performance situations and production challenges. Preparation for the profession and the investigation and exploration of artistic creativity and independence is also encouraged.
Term One
You will understand the structure of a centered, balanced, energised body and be encouraged to create a positive mind/body connection and body confidence. You will learn to identify and develop physical presence of self in the space through a variety of physical warm-ups and explorations. As the term progresses you will develop rhythm, co-ordination, strength, suppleness and a very basic dance/step vocabulary. You will learn to respond honestly to impulses, executing simple, uninhibited physical action and begin to explore thse impulses as a tool for improvisation. You will be introduced to a range of movement techniques and terminology.
Term Two
You will learn how to move economically and expressively with energised, balanced and aligned movement patterns. You will learn to use acquired movement vocabulary (e.g. Laban) to extend the physical and emotional range of the self in improvisation work and performance and to expand movement vocabulary in relation to character choices and discoveries. Animal study will play a key role in character creation techniques this term.
Term Three
In this final term you will learn to select and practise personal warm-up exercises in order to avoid personal injury and to facilitate the fullest use of physical skills in performance. You will acquire the ability to use a dynamically aligned and energised body as a starting point for a character and apply movement characterisation principles to production challenges. In this intensive postgraduate training you will be expected to move rapidly towards taking big physical risks with a bold selection of physical actions as required by the style of theatre performance. By the end of the module you will be able to communicate physically in performance with confidence and assurance. You will have an understanding of your own dominant movement characteristics and those that present problems for the expression of self and problems of proficiency for the stage and you will have developed strategies to address with these shortcomings.
The second term of the Movement course is about deepening movement vocabulary and potential and expanding individual range of physical choices for characterisation in a variety of theatrical styles. Various techniques are learned including animal study.
By the third term, the Movement course increasingly focuses on the practice of applying the movement techniques learnt in the studio towards performance situations and production challenges. Preparation for the profession and the investigation and exploration of artistic creativity and independence is also encouraged.
Term One
You will understand the structure of a centered, balanced, energised body and be encouraged to create a positive mind/body connection and body confidence. You will learn to identify and develop physical presence of self in the space through a variety of physical warm-ups and explorations. As the term progresses you will develop rhythm, co-ordination, strength, suppleness and a very basic dance/step vocabulary. You will learn to respond honestly to impulses, executing simple, uninhibited physical action and begin to explore thse impulses as a tool for improvisation. You will be introduced to a range of movement techniques and terminology.
Term Two
You will learn how to move economically and expressively with energised, balanced and aligned movement patterns. You will learn to use acquired movement vocabulary (e.g. Laban) to extend the physical and emotional range of the self in improvisation work and performance and to expand movement vocabulary in relation to character choices and discoveries. Animal study will play a key role in character creation techniques this term.
Term Three
In this final term you will learn to select and practise personal warm-up exercises in order to avoid personal injury and to facilitate the fullest use of physical skills in performance. You will acquire the ability to use a dynamically aligned and energised body as a starting point for a character and apply movement characterisation principles to production challenges. In this intensive postgraduate training you will be expected to move rapidly towards taking big physical risks with a bold selection of physical actions as required by the style of theatre performance. By the end of the module you will be able to communicate physically in performance with confidence and assurance. You will have an understanding of your own dominant movement characteristics and those that present problems for the expression of self and problems of proficiency for the stage and you will have developed strategies to address with these shortcomings.
- Module Supervisor: Tracy Collier