DERBY ACADEMY OF ACTING
All classes are on a Sunday and at the following times:
AGE 22+: 10.30am and 12 noon
AGE 16-21: 3pm
UNDER 16's (From age 13): 1.30pm
CLASS FEE: £56 per half term payable in advance (7 weeks). Each class lasts 90 minutes.
SCHOOL WORKSHOPS: Devised to meet curriculum needs for your particular age and ability groups.
PRIVATE TUTORIALS BY APPOINTMENT: UNDER 18: £30 per hour ADULTS: £40 per hour
ALL OUR YOUNG STUDENTS ARE PUT FORWARD FOR THE ARTS AWARD (recognized qualification)
Students study the craft of acting with an emphasis placed on understanding text, practicing the techniques required to establish motivation and develop character, and the importance of being fully engrossed in the world of the play. Students will be introduced to the teachings of a number of theatre practitioners, including Stanislavski and Brecht, as well as more modern approaches. They will learn some of the basics of professional presentation skills with practical applications to the acting industry, like learning the essentials of a cold reading, the important aspects of audition preparation and how to deliver a compelling performance of a rehearsed monologue.
Students will be taught the rudiments of improvisation with an emphasis placed on how to listen in a heightened state of awareness and how to trust one's gut instinct. Also how to drop the internal critic, gain confidence in the creative process and embrace the moment more fully.
Each class includes training in relaxation technique, vocal care and physical alignment. Through a series of classes students will gain confidence in their abilities while conquering the challenges of being authentic and fusing acting skill with instinct, imagination and emotion. Collaborative storytelling, character development and plot construction will be taught in the context of theatre games and open-form scenes.
There will be occasional performance opportunities where students will have the chance to demonstrate what they have learned. There will also be opportunities for students to perform rehearsed scenes for fellow students and invited guests.
The classes require a commitment to maintain regular attendance to support other students and maximize their own potential.
SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
Neale has been the Director of Education for a large scale touring theatre company since 1996, devising and leading curriculum centred workshops for students in key stage 3, 4 and 5. These workshops are practical, interactive and can focus on a range of topics. These include classical and modern texts set for GCSE, AS and A level English and Drama examination, theatre practitioners and acting methods and practice. He is an experienced workshop leader having worked for the RSC and the National Theatre and has been a consultant for numerous regional and touring theatre companies. His workshops are adaptable to suit the particular needs of each group he works with while giving valuable insight into texts and acting techniques.
PRIVATE TUTORIALS
In private tutorials Neale provides expert professional training and guidance on a one to one basis. He teaches the student how to define success on their own terms and how to achieve high standards of excellence. In a safe, supportive and positive environment the student is invited to discover more about their real potential and how to achieve it. Each student is encouraged to engage fully in the craft of acting through scene study and training in theatre and television techniques. Neale’s wide experience in the profession makes for a thorough introduction to the business of the acting world. The private acting coaching sessions are highly recommended to individuals who are passionate about acting and have a deep desire to enter the profession.
