All skill levels, age 18+
Saturday 25 May 2024
Day course, 10:00–17:00 GMT
Online
ÂŁ60
Unlock the secrets of compelling character development in this one-day, online masterclass. You’ll explore a range of techniques and methodologies employed by professional actors in the theatre, film and television industries to create authentic and memorable characters. The workshop has been designed to equip you with the tools and insights necessary to breathe life into characters, in turn allowing you to foster a deeper connection between you as the actor and your audience.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions. The support and feedback available from your tutor will help you develop your natural talents and confidence in performance.
In acting, detailed character exploration is the key to transcending from performer to storyteller. Within this masterclass, you’ll discover the profound impact of immersing yourself in a character’s world, gaining the ability convey genuine emotions and creating a lasting impression on the audience.
On this course you will:
> Gain an understanding of the importance of script analysis by learning how to extract valuable information from the text to inform your character choice and actions.
> Explore the physical and vocal aspects of character portrayal, learning how body language, gestures, and voice modulation contribute to a character’s authenticity.
> Uncover how to create the psychology of character, gaining insights into the motivations, fears and desires that drive a character’s actions.
> Engage in improvisation exercises designed to unlock creativity and spontaneity and appreciate how improvisation can be used as a tool for character exploration and development.
> Put your newly-acquired skills into practice through exercises and scene work and witness how character development transforms performance.
You’ll receive constructive feedback from both the course leader and your peers. There will be opportunities to collaborate through group activities and discussion with fellow participants to refine and enhance your character development skills.
Alec Fellows Bennett
Alec is an alum of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and has enjoyed a wide-ranging career in theatre as an actor, director and teacher. He has worked at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, Manchester Royal Exchange and Birmingham Old Rep, where he was Artistic Director from 2017 to 2022. Alec has taught and lectured widely at conservatoire drama schools and universities across the UK and the United States.
This course is an overview of how to develop a character by investigating text. This is useful for those auditioning for drama school as well as anyone in the industry.
As an online course you will need a laptop or computer with a strong internet connection and access to Google Meet. You will be sent a link to log in to your session seven days in advance.
Each participant must have purchased a ticket to the course. Whilst you are taking part, please ensure that no one else is sitting in on the course. No recording of this course is permitted at any time.
Applicants must be aged 18 or over by the time of the course start date.
If you wish to cancel your place on the course, you will receive a full refund if you notify the school at least 7 days prior to the start of the course. For cancellations, contact [email protected]