Stanislavski: beginners

About this course

The course examines key elements of Stanislavski’s system, including tasks and action, given circumstances, relaxation, sense memory, emotional authenticity and dramatic analysis. Learners apply these ideas to character development and a short scene from a contemporary text. Teaching combines tutor input, exercises, improvisation, physical expressivity work, group discussion, text analysis and rehearsal. Activities may be completed individually, in pairs or in groups, with opportunities to examine how character, action, circumstances and structure shape a scene.

What you'll learn

• Apply selected principles of Stanislavski’s system to character development and scene work.
• Analyse a dramatic scene in relation to its wider story, character, action, circumstances and structure.
• Use personal experience as a creative resource when approaching character and emotional demands.
• Make and adjust characterisation and scene-interpretation choices during rehearsal and performance.
• Express physical and psychological impulses more freely in performance.

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for learners who have completed an acting beginners course or have suitable experience. It involves cooperative work in pairs and groups, reading and discussing texts, physical exercises, and preparation and rehearsal outside class.

• Prior beginner-level acting study or suitable experience is required.
• Learners should be able to communicate clearly and respond to instructions and feedback.
• The course includes text reading, discussion and scene analysis.
• Some preparation and rehearsal is required between classes.

Before you go

• Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows free movement, with trainers or plimsolls.
• Bring a notebook and pen, plus a pencil and rubber for script annotations.
• A copy of Uta Hagen’s Respect for Acting may be useful.
• Weekly homework preparation extends the techniques covered in class.
• Some activity may be vigorous at times.