"Every single RADA Short Course has changed me": interview with Ashlee Barbuto
We caught up with Short Courses participant Ashlee Barbuto to hear about her experiences, what she loves most about RADA and why she keeps coming back.
I've been involved with RADA’s Short Courses since 2021.
I started online, at the end of COVID, and it was my first time doing any acting. The very first one I did was on poetry. I was so nervous going into it, I didn't know what to expect. But I felt at home as soon as I logged in. I absolutely loved it and booked onto another course straight away.
I've since done the Actor's Workout courses a few times because they are really, really good.
You learn so many different tools that you can use – you do things like animal work, actioning, lots of insight into developing characters. It's very helpful to help create a set list of things you can go back to.
Every single teacher I've had at RADA loves what they do.
I had absolutely zero confidence when I started, but the support I’ve had with each teacher through the process has been incredible. It’s so refreshing. It’s because of them and their enthusiasm that I have continued to grow and learn and take more classes.
Whenever I talk to somebody on a course with me, they're like, “the teachers here…”; there’s just something different.
This is nowhere else. It's only here. Short Courses participants come from all walks of life and yet everybody has the same feeling of home and unity and action.
I really resonate with the teaching style.
You learn that it’s not about putting a character onto you. It’s more like you're working from yourself. Which means that by doing the courses, you’re growing as a person as much as you're growing as an actor. It all works together.
RADA’s holistic approach reminds me of practicing yoga and Pilates.
I had done a lot of both prior to starting acting and I saw so many similarities. Especially with yoga. We talked about breathing techniques and chakras and energy and it felt like, “oh, this is language that I'm used to.” And being around people that speak the same way is so wonderful.
I moved to London earlier this year, so now I have experienced both online and in-person training.
It’s very different, but both methods have been incredibly beneficial for me. If I hadn't had all the experiences I had through the online courses, I would not be where I am in my training now. I’ve made so many friendships and had so many amazing moments. Online learning is a huge resource of positivity.
For my first in-person course I did the Shakespeare Summer School.
It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. We learned a little bit of everything: Meisner, Chekov, monologues, sonnets, scenes, voice, movement, singing. It was so many things and it helped me so much. I loved the energy of that time – everybody was buzzing, it was so alive and so amazing to be a part of. Especially putting on a play in one week, that was incredible. I loved it so much. I wanted to do that every single day. When it ended, I was like, “what do I do now?”
At the moment I’m working through the Meisner Technique courses.
I started with the Intermediate and am now doing the Advanced, as are about half my group. It's one of the best things I've ever done because of the connection you get with people. We talk a lot about the continuum of things. Like there's an echo when someone leaves the room and when someone enters the room, stuff like that. It’s made me feel so much more connected to my surroundings.
Every single RADA Short Course I've ever done has changed me.
What I really appreciate is how all of the teachers have the same mindset. I learn best by hearing things multiple times to let it sink in and understand, and every RADA teacher has the same approach, even if each course is delivered differently.
The reason I keep coming back is because of the teachers.
The energy and the support I get from them – they don't baby you or treat you like a child, they treat you like a professional acting adult. I really appreciate that because you can just feel the room change when everybody starts to take the work seriously. That’s the big thing they tell you: take the work seriously, but not yourself.
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Experience RADA's world-leading training, whether you're a total beginner, an aspiring actor or a working professional. Discover our range of Short Courses delivered in-person at RADA or online, wherever you are.
Questions? Get in touch with us shortcourses@rada.ac.uk.