中央演讲与戏剧学院伦敦大学

About the course

Designed primarily for students with previous experience and/or training, the MA Acting - Contemporary masters programme at Central is a creatively, physically and intellectually demanding, advanced level, conservatoire acting programme specialising in Contemporary plays.

Perform in two fully-realised public productions and an industry showcase
Hone the individual technical craft of the actor, and release your collaborative and imaginative creativity within a small ensemble company (typically 14-16 students)
Take part in practical group classes in acting, movement and voice, undertaking separate stage combat training
Follow the basic structure of ‘intensives’ and ‘studios’ with classes examining particular theatrical forms combined with physical and vocal training, and individual research.

The Contemporary course addresses the actor’s relationship with the writer, from Early Modern times to the present day through the exploration of:

> Shakespeare and his legacy

> Chekhov, Stanislavski and the birth of naturalism

> the actor and 20th century playwriting

> new writing and the development of new work.

The course combines teaching in practical voice, movement and acting techniques with an exploration of some of the key playwrights who have helped forge the canon of Western theatre, from the Elizabethan and Jacobean dramatists to Chekhov, and from Beckett to Kane and beyond.

Uniquely it explores the relationship between the two artists at the core of much Western theatre: the actor and the writer. Plays are frequently developed in collaboration between actors and writers, sometimes directly and sometimes mediated by a director. You are encouraged to explore your role as a creative artist in relation to writers and the written word, as well as exploring your role as a theatre maker.

Throughout the course, you will have the chance to work with, and alongside, writers on plays in development, both the next generation of playwrights on the MA/MFA Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media course, and established playwrights with a track record of produced plays.

Assessment

Assessment is through a mixture of practical assessments, including clown improvisations, scene studies and public production work. To complete the MA Acting, you will also submit a Sustained Independent Project, which may include elements of solo performance and critical writing.