It has been said that to perform Shakespeare ‘all you need is a passion and a plank....and you can do without the plank’. We believe that adage applies to all performance. For passion read belief, understanding and confidence; add a little technique and good voice to the mix and you have a piece of theatre.

A comprehensive range of classes is on offer to promote all of the above and allow performers to develop their skills.

Acting

There are no set pieces and scenes may be taken from any play or dramatisation of a novel. The dramatisation may be either published or of your own devising. Sketches are not acceptable. Props essential to the action may be used but we advise against an excessive number.

Solo* – from under 8 - 21 years
Duo – from under 10 - 21years
Group – from under 12 - 21 years

Shakespeare

No syllabus would be complete without Shakespeare. Entry ages are a little higher in this section reflecting the need for an understanding of the language and style. A speech or scene from any play may be used.

Solo* – from 13 - 21years
Duo – from 13 - 21years

Classical

Introduced in 2009 to encourage the study of classical playwrights, this class has proved very popular. Any play excluding Shakespeare from 16th, 17th, 18th or 19th Century may be used.

The class is open to 14 years and over.*

*Please note that entrants over 14 years in Solo Acting, Solo Shakespeare and Classical Drama may be eligible for the Actors Award – see awards for further details

Repertoire

As its name suggests this is not just about acting. It allows performers to put together a varied performance of Verse, Prose and Drama woven into a loose theme with an introduction, linking words and a conclusion, adding music, sound effects or props if desired.

Because we appreciate the amount of preparation involved, work entered into other classes can be incorporated into the presentation.

The class is open to 13 years and over

Please see syllabus for appropriate class number and time limit