This course has been introduced in response to the steady resurgence, throughout the twentieth-century, in the expansion of international theatre which has become more physical, expressionistic and focussed on re-defining theatrical traditions and text-based performances.
BA Physical Theatre provides students with the opportunities to acquire a wide skills base in acrobatics, mask, puppetry, clowning, aerial work and mixed media, in addition to traditional acting skills. Students also develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of voice and movement, and are introduced to the process of physical and vocal preparations, and warm-up exercises
Applicant information
BA Physical Theatre would be particularly suited to those who are interested in movement and using their bodies, who have the potential to use these skills in a creative context throughout the performing arts and cultural industries. Applicants must be able to face the rigours of a degree which will include strenuous physical effort.
First Year
Mime is explored through the work of modern practitioners such as Jacques Copeau, Etienne DeCroux and Jacques Lecoq. Further modules introduce students to appropriate techniques for creating narrative through play and improvisation, and foundations are formed for exploration of regular training.
Students explore processes for devising stories through physical and vocal techniques.
Second year
Further articulation of specific skills becomes one of the focuses in the second year with studies in Meyerhold’s Biomechanics, masked play of Commedia dell’Arte, circus and acrobatics. Students are required to apply these skills in a dramatic context in collaboration with each other and guest directors.
Third year
In addition to the continuation of acting skill development, the third year explores Acting for the camera, including the altered perspectives of the camera, the manipulation of the image through the creative process of making video, and the creative application of video to live performance. A variety of applications for recorded performances within live theatre will be considered and students will develop their own proposal, script and basic storyboard.
Students will also be introduced to self-management as an artist and as a member of a small company. In addition, issues relating to preparation of a CV, establishing and maintaining contacts, and creating and managing companies are addressed.
BA Physical Theatre requires a successful physical workshop audition plus A-level grades of EE, BTEC National Certificate grade of PP or equivalent qualification
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