This unique and highly challenging course is dedicated to producing articulate and skilled performers who have the competencies necessary to create vital new work and to realise their own artistic inclinations. It was opened in response to demands for a training that would prepare actors for the challenges of new and emerging ways of working in the performance arts. The training relates in methodology to the work of contemporary companies such as Complicite, Improbable Theatre and Kneehigh.
Recent practitioners who have been involved on the course include actor and writer Ken Campbell, actor Edward Woodall and playwright April de Angelis.
Applicant information
BA Contemporary Theatre offers eclectic training that is inspired by such practitioners as Lecoq, Gaulier, Grotowski, Meisner and Boal. It is aimed at those who want to experiment, explore and participate fully in the creative process. The course attracts multi-talented actors who, while developing their skills as performers, experiment with creative writing, European physical theatre, music, criticism, devising, parody and post-modern tragedy.
First year
During the first year students share all their work with BA Acting and BA Community Theatre students, following the traditional East 15 training and focusing on the development of authentic character work.
Classes are given regularly in voice, singing, movement and research, and this continues throughout the course.
Second year
In the second year the focus shifts to familiarisation with form and style. Led by visiting practitioners from the industry, students experiment with expressionism in text, Commedia dell'Arte, creative writing, physical comedy, mask and puppetry. They explore the relationship between film and theatre, as well as theatre as a tool for social change. The year ends with a site-specific production of a classic text.
Third year
The third and final year focuses on staging new work. Led by distinguished practitioners from the industry, students develop ideas, staging work of contemporary writing, physical and visual expression, documentary theatre, and parody. Preparation for the professional world is given, together with opportunities to stage students' original work in the public arena.
BA Acting and Contemporary Theatre requires a successful audition plus A-level grades of EE, BTEC National Certificate grade of PP or equivalent relevant experience
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk