Module Directory

The module consists of three units: Movement, Dance and Stage Combat. The second year of Movement training is about deepening movement vocabulary and physical potential. You will learn to expand your range of physical choices in a variety of theatrical styles. Psycho-physical movement training becomes more specific and precise and this work continues alongside spontaneous body exploration. Alignment work is re-emphasised and applied to both acting challenges and movement improvisations. Relationship between text and movement, impulse work, as well as experience of deep listening to partners will be explored. Students will be introduced to different devising techniques.

The movement unit of this module is intended to develop appropriate levels of physical, emotional and imaginative agility and stamina in students. It is designed to encourage students to develop good movement practices, empowering them to look after their bodies and to sustain body alignment. By the end of the module students will have developed a working technique for physical characterisation.

The Dance unit is an investigation into dance historically and socially. You will look at the physical relationship between the economic and sociological climate of the day and its effects on dance style with the objective of integrating the investigation into an actor's process.

The Stage Combat unit will focus on unarmed as well as armed sequences.

The aims of this module are to encourage students to:

• Sustain an appropriate level of physical, emotional and imaginative fitness


• Work the ‘technical/spontaneous body’ with precision and organicity


• Eliminate blocks and challenges of physical weakness in the body


• Expand movement vocabulary in relation to a range of character choices and theatrical styles

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate focus and professionalism: ability to maintain concentration and focus during the class. Attends and arrives for class in a timely manner with the body and mind in a state of readiness to work.


2. Engage in partner/ensemble work: work well with others – does not judge partners when working, creates a robust and productive work environment. Is able to lead and follow.


3. Show alignment, dynamics and body confidence: working towards a physicality that is free of excess muscular tensions and imbalances. Centered body with core stability and ease in alignment. Brave and willing to take the space with a fully-energized presence. Has confidence in the use of body and awareness of connection to the space and others.


4. Demonstrate creativity: uses the body as an integral part of a creative process and is rigorous, inventive, and original in the development of an idea. Able to adapt and take on other forms and qualities of movement.


5. Demonstrate inner life: Connects the physical to the emotional, is able to reveal their own and or character's interior life through embodied expression.

Students work with movement tutors in group practical classes. Learning also takes place through presentations within the class environment. Students are expected to work on movement techniques and development in independent study and practice. Students receive verbal or written feedback from tutors. Students might be filmed within the classroom and then given the opportunity to study the footage alongside feedback from the tutor.