First Year Acting in English

Students will be introduced to the fundamental elements of acting technique, the psychology and process of acting, as well as major practitioners/schools of thought, scene study, and ensemble work. Rehearsal techniques will be reviewed and students will be encouraged to develop an individual approach to preparation and the work.

This year is about process rather than presentation or performance. Emphasis is on building an actor’s toolkit and expanding knowledge of the profession. 4 assessments - called “échéances” - punctuate the year.

From screen to stage: During the first module, you'll work on scenes from series and films, focusing on technical aspects, breath, and body work.

One and many: You will perform a monologue and create a narrative chorus with the entire class. It can involve physical theatre, poetry, songs, dance...The notions of objectives, actions and tactics are to be introduced, so you can start getting the grasp of the necessary storytelling awareness.

Group contrasts: You will get to work on collective scenes from the modern era (1854 - 1970), and learn to carry the arc of a scene over a longer time. Each student will be a part of two different scenes, once as a main character, then as a supporting character.

Scene and Monologue: For your final module, you will focus on a 21st century dialogue scene. The technical elements of breath, physical freedom, objectives, actions, tactics and stakes should be present in your work.

Camera Workshop: An introduction to acting in front of the camera. You will explore how the skills you have gained this year have to be adapted to fit a different storytelling medium