YOUNG ACTORS’ SUMMER SCHOOL

Please note there are no RADA scholarships available for short courses.

COURSE OVERVIEW

A series of four courses that give you a real taste of what life is like in a leading drama school.

In a friendly and supportive environment, you can study up to three of the four elements of the course: Shakespeare, Contemporary Text, Musical Theatre and Devising Theatre.

These courses are aimed at anyone between the ages of 16 to 18 who are either thinking of applying to drama school or have an interest in theatre and would like to explore the craft further.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are not asked to audition, but each applicant needs to complete the questionnaire on the application form, giving information about his or her experience (or otherwise) of acting. Fluent, confident knowledge of the English language is essential.

COURSE DETAILS

Tutors are drawn from the Academy's senior staff and distinguished directors from the profession.

- EXPLORING SHAKESPEARE

WEEK ONE

Have you ever given up trying to read Shakespeare or sat through a class struggling to make sense of pages of verse? Are you put off by all the great claims made for Shakespeare and would rather watch television? We address this problem by regarding Shakespeare as a living playwright and encourage students to get up and speak his words. It is when you do this, naturally and simply, that great writing comes alive. During the week you will work on scenes, monologues and sonnets as well as voice, movement and stage fighting.

- CONTEMPORARY TEXT

WEEK TWO

How is the world around us reflected in contemporary writing for the theatre? You will be encouraged to bring your own experience to the workshops in order to explore the world in which we live as well as to imagine the lives of others. Scenes are selected from suitable plays written for young actors. In addition to Scene Study classes, you will work with the Academy's staff on voice, acting and movement.

- MUSICAL THEATRE

WEEK THREE

RADA's Musical Theatre work has rapidly achieved a distinguished reputation among musical theatre professionals. Recent graduates have taken leading roles in West End musicals and now it's your turn! You will work on solo and choral pieces with professional musical directors, exploring the diverse styles of Musical Theatre. You will work with the Academy's staff in Movement and Acting classes.

Or

- DEVISING THEATRE

WEEK THREE

Collaboration is a fundamental skill to all theatrical practice. Making theatre and film depends on a deep understanding of how to work together effortlessly and efficiently.

This week long course explores and develops the necessary skills for effective collaboration.

A theme will be picked at the beginning of the week and the participants will develop a piece of narrative-based theatre centering around this theme. Narrative form, different genres, and various theatrical textures will all be explored. In addition there will be classes in movement, voice, improvisation and singing.

This course prepares students for the demands of AS and A-level, both of which have a strong collaborative element. It is also the chance to create a unique piece of theatre under the guidance of a skilled practitioner, and explore a rewarding process while at the same time honing essential acting skills.

HOURS OF WORK

Classes generally take place between 10:00am and 6:00pm from Monday to Friday. Classes are not optional and a certificate stating the minimum number of contact hours is awarded on successful completion of each course.

The course is not a casual undertaking: complete and consistent commitment to punctuality, discipline and preparation is required from every student.

WHAT TO BRING

Further details will be sent once you have been accepted onto the course/courses.

It is important to note that the Academy does not accept responsibility for students beyond the scheduled teaching hours on the RADA premises. Parents are therefore advised to ensure that adequate supervision of activities undertaken in the evenings and at weekends is provided, as appropriate, for the duration of the course.

CANCELLATIONS

Please see the application form for more details about our cancellation policy.

INSURANCE

It is strongly recommended that all students insure themselves to cover the loss of fees in the event of illness, for which the Academy cannot accept any liability.