International Drama Foundation

Following on from our highly successful Drama Foundation in association with RADA, the International Drama Foundation is a preparation / access course for UK universities, specifically aimed at International students witha lower IELTS level.

Students may also progress onto CSVPA’s Drama Foundation in association with RADA, subject to a successful audition.

Find out more:

• course overview
• sample timetable
• audition guidelines
• course modules

Course overview

Using the same vigorous training techniques as our Drama Foundation in association with RADA, the International Drama Foundation will train students in the core disciplines of:

• acting
• dance
• musical theatre.

Alongside these disciplines there will be a strong emphasis on English Language enhancement with a particular focus on English in drama, taught by qualified English tutors with a drama background.

The International Drama Foundation will not involve the study of Shakespeare as the Drama Foundation in association with RADA does.

The International Drama Foundation is an intensive and physically demanding programme of study.

Course Structure

The International Drama Foundation will involve:

• physical theatre
• movement
• voice (related to clarity and diction)
• Received Pronunciation (R.P.)
• dance (both classical and modern)
• singing.

Based on a 40 hour week, students will receive:

• 20 hours of English Language
• 5 hours movement
• 2 hours dance
• 6 hours acting
• 5 hours voice
• 2 hours singing + individual singing

Back to top

Example timetable

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
09.00-10.00	Dance	Voice	Movement	Movement	Movement
10.00-11.00	Dance	Voice	Movement	Voice	Movement
11.00-12.00	Acting	Singing	Voice	Acting	Acting
12.00-13.00	Acting	Singing	Voice	Acting	Acting
13.00-14.00	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
14.00-15.00	EFL	EFL	EFL	EFL	EFL
15.00-16.00
16.00-17.00
17.00-18.00

Back to top

Audition guidelines

Candidates must present two modern pieces recited from memory.

The candidate should select two contrasting monologues for audition:

• one modern (1850-1950)
• one contemporary (1950-current)
• no more than 2 minutes in length.

These monologues should be committed to memory ready for performance and should not be read.

The candidate may be asked to read an unprepared speech and / or improvise a scene chosen by the Head of Drama at audition.

The candidate should bring with them a copy of their chosen pieces.

If you are unable to make an audition in person in the UK a recording (dvd / film) will be accepted.

Auditions should be in English and copies of the chosen pieces should be sent with the recording.

Back to top

Course modules

Acting

An introduction to the basic analysis of the acting craft (as defined by Stanislavski and other influential theatre practitioners) and to the ways in which the actor can use his or her mind and body to tell stories.

You will explore poems, monologues and scenes. Games, workshops and improvisations are used to build trust within the group and to build self-awareness and confidence. 

Voice & Text

Voice classes will encourage you to find good alignment, breath support, control and energized resonance.

Text classes will initially focus on clarity of speech and diction, and gradually shift to match good vocal technique with character work and textual interpretation.

Theatre in Context

Theatre in Context involves learning the context of a play - for example, the society, culture and historical events taking place when particular plays were written.

You will participate in seminars, lectures and workshops and will explore theatre from Ancient Greek to the present including World Theatre.

Movement

You will develop an awareness of your body so that it becomes an instrument for interaction, character development and good storytelling.

You will work to develop strong, flexible, expressive bodies through various movement paradigms such as Laban and Le Coq.

Dance

An introduction to the professional skills required in musical theatre, dance or acting.

You will be taught to understand how to control your body, develop coordination, isolations, musicality, fluidity, centre and balance, enabling you to broaden your physical versatility.

Singing 

Singing classes will include professional techniques such as breathing, warm up exercises, ear training and vocal techniques.

Theatre excursions

Theatre excursions form an integral part of the International Drama Foundation and are arranged throughout the year.

Back to top