BA (Hons) Acting and Stage Combat

Your first year combines an intensive focus on stage combat and physical training along with acting techniques working from the East 15 philosophy, which is rooted in Stanislavski principles, character work, and the creation of a fictitious yet truthful world. You will also:

• Acquire and practice skills in numerous theatrical weapon systems

• Train in physical skills such as martial arts, contact improvisation, and gymnastics

• Experience methods of acting from the traditional inside-outside methodology, as well as exploring outside-in approaches

Your traditional performance training is supplemented with voice, movement, Commedia dell’Arte, devising, and contextual studies which help you to understand the skills you learn in terms of their historical significance and contemporary potential.

Your second year continues to combine aspects of stage combat and physical training with the development of your acting abilities. This includes:

• Skills such as voice, singing, and movement for actors

• Different methods of rehearsal and further exploration into the scenic unit from a choreographic standpoint

• Introduction to film and screen work

• Exploring advanced weapons systems and continued training in martial arts

• Further gymnastics training alongside learning the principles of acrobatics and tumbling, as well as classical and social dance and storytelling using a variety of physical skills

Your core skills training is integrated into performance and refined through projects in Shakespeare, animal studies, and devised work. In the final term, students have the opportunity to apply their skills in a professional performance environment.

All work is supported with classes in contextual studies covering 20th Century Performance and the History of Fights on Film.

Final-year students will immediately notice the change in focus from the units of the first and second years. There is no longer an intense focus on building skills in specific weapon disciplines. The goal of the final-year student is to combine combat training, acting skills, and enhanced creativity in given circumstances.

You will move from being performers of stage fights and explore choreography, which will call upon a variety of physical and contextual skills. You will study the logic and progression of storyline and character action within a stage fight and explore the different presentational requirements of a variety of performance venues in a range of scenarios and production briefs. You will be given opportunities to put your ideas into practice and will learn how to communicate your ideas to others.

You will be introduced to another group of theatre practitioners who will directly affect your practice: the technical department consisting of designers, costume and wardrobe, stage managers, etc., and experience the demands of sustaining performance in technical production.

Throughout the year you will:

• Perform in a number of public productions, including text-based performances and a devised show

• Harness and develop your skills through further study of stage combat in performance - looking specifically at choreography and fights for film

• Continue on-screen work by performing in scenes for the camera

• Create your own devised work through a graduation project

You will also prepare for the professional arena with sessions in audition technique, personal management skills, and the process of production preparation.

The year culminates with an Industry Showcase for an invited audience of influential agents, casting directors, theatre companies, and film, TV, and theatre directors. East 15 continually liaises with industry professionals to ensure the format for the event accords with the changing landscape of the industry.