Block I
Week 1-3
•The first three weeks focuses on practitioner history (acting teachers and their methods: Stanslavski, Uta Hagen etc.) and theatre history.

•These are also the crucial weeks where you will pick your pieces (two classical and two modern) and we work on script breakdown and basic character work.

•The exercises will be Stanislavski based (the grandfather of modern acting as we know it) and we will work on identifying the character’s objectives, the 'imaginary what if…' etc. We will also do some basic Laban (physical work on character tempo) and some Meisner (acting and reacting).

•We will also work on text (iambic pentameter) and de-dramatizing Shakespeare (including a master workshop).

Block II
Week 3-6
•By this point, your pieces will be memorized and we can focus the attention on the body, as acting requires your entire being to be engaged and connected.

•This block will include tools such as: Physical character rhythm, animal work (basing your character on an animal), basic mask (finding a neutral and stillness) and singing (including picking your song, working with a coach and acting your way through it).

•We will also touch upon interview and audition technique in these sessions. We will do more in-depth work on the chosen pieces using the physical skills, and work on handling modern language and cold reads i.e. new material that you have just been given. This will also include learning the wonderful tool of transitive verbs, i.e. finding an action for each individual line.

Block III
Week 6-9
•The third block is dedicated to finalising and polishing the chosen pieces and more in-depth character study including 'fourth wall' exercises. This includes improvisation in character (placing the character outside of the scene, off-stage partner and hot-seating) and learning to respond to new direction swiftly and making clear adjustments.

•Block three also includes meeting with current drama school students and getting the chance to ask them about the process in a question and answer session. DSPC students also get the opportunity to meet a professional actor and ask them about the training, the business and the agents in a Q and A. We will also bring in some voices from the industry (including a professional director and actor) for feedback on the pieces.

•The last sessions take place in January, by which time the work will have sunk in, making you ready for the drama school audition process to begin.