Characterisation
The unique thing about Margaret Rutherford is that she can act with her chin alone.
Kenneth Tynan
How does an actor create a Character? Is it possible to avoid being typecast by developing strong characterisation skills? How does an actor generate the inner belief to step onstage as another being?
The Characterisation course explores the principal methods actors use to create and sustain characters in a theatre context. It is designed to give students the tools to establish believable characters effectively.
In practical sessions, using costume, mask, improvisation and script students will
- Explore physical and vocal character traits, including accents
- Explore the effect of psychology, narrative transformation and emotion on character.
- Develop the observational skills necessary to attend to a huge canvas of character possibilities that surround us in our daily lives.
- Devise and create original characters
- Develop both the imagination and courage needed to further explore and hold onto these creations in a performance situation.
- Learn how to approach theatre text to isolate and identify essential clues to character that can be read between the lines of a play.
Classes are delivered in a workshop environment which is energetic, supportive and fun. The course aims to give students the confidence to meet the varied challenges of character work in modern theatre with enthusiasm and inspiration.
