Lyric Drama Studio 2016-17

LYRIC DRAMA STUDIO 2016-17

(18-25 YEAR OLDS)

BACKGROUND

Drama training for young people was central to Mary O’Malley’s vision of the Lyric Theatre. Today, despite the fact that there are some tertiary institutions in Northern Ireland which offer a range of Performing Arts training, there is no full-time, specialist actor training available. The Lyric Drama Studio (from 1980 onwards) has helped bridge that gap and many former members continue to work professionally within the creative industries.

We strongly encourage and support Drama Studio members in applying for Drama School and are delighted that in the last 4 years,22 previous members have recently secured places at major institutions egthe Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, East 15, Guildhall, Bristol Old Vic, Central, The Lir Academy and the Stella Adler Studio in New York.

The programme is funded by the Lyric Theatre through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council and is currently offered free to successful applicants. There is a non-refundable fee of £100 for those who accept a place. This isto cover the cost of processing applications and administration, but the weekly workshops are currently provided free-of-charge.

APPLICATIONS

Applications are welcomed from young people aged 18-25, who have left school. Because of the commitment required to complete the course, please note that students on full-time courses will only be able to accept a place on the Drama Studio with the permission of their academic tutor.

The demand for places on the programme is high – usually around 60 applications for 14 places.

Applicants must be able to convince the panel at audition that they are keen to develop the robust, resilient and determined qualities an aspiring young actor will need.

There is a possibility that we may offer places on a shorter 6 week programme, specifically designed for those applying to Drama School, to those who have not gained a place on the main Course.

AIMS

The programme aims to provide participants with a realistic appreciation of the discipline and commitment required by a successful professional actor. Through skills workshops, we aim tosupport and nurture acting talent by equipping young actors, serious about pursuing a career in professional theatre, with the skills that will help them make clear choices and ultimately realise their ambition.

It would be naïve to suggest that the course is an alternative to full-time training, but we hope that members will become aware of just how much there is to learn about the craft of acting and cultivate a desire to make the most of learning opportunities throughout their careers.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

A: THE TRAINING COURSE

The course runs from September until December. Classes are held on Saturdays from 10.00am until 6:00pm.It is essential that you are available to attend all of these. There is considerable competition for places and it is inappropriate to take up a place and then not make the most of the training on offer. Occasional Sunday classes may also be scheduled.

A high degree of commitment is expected. The classes are intensive and rigorous and those who do not show the commitment required willnot be allowed to continue with the course.

A range of visiting tutors – all experienced, professional theatre practitioners – offer classes in acting technique (Michael Chekhov), voice and movement. Opportunities are often offered to talk to actors and directors working at the Lyric.

Successful applicants will be required to sign a contract and the Lyric Theatre reserves the right to suspend the membership of anyone in breach of this.

There is no guaranteed progression from one part to the other: those who have successfully completed the training course this year or in the preceding year may audition for the production.

B:THE PRODUCTION

The production takes place in the Lyric’s Naughton Studio – usually in late March/early April - and is supported by the theatre’s Creative and Technical teams.

In addition to rehearsals & workshops on Saturdays, cast members must demonstrate reasonable availability during the weekand will need to be free for two full weeks before the production.

While Drama Studio members are encouraged to invite agents and industry professionals to the showcase performance, the Lyric Theatre does not bear any responsibility to promote individual participants.

AUDITIONS FOR ENTRY

First round auditions: Thursday 18th, Friday 19th & Saturday 20th August 2016

Applicants should prepare TWO 2 minute pieces of their own choosing: 1 classical (preferably Shakespeare) and 1 contemporary. These will be delivered to a panel of 2-3 people and may be filmed. A short interview will follow.Please be prepared to talk about your choice of audition piece and why you have applied to the course.

Second round: Saturday 27th August 2016

A half-day, group workshop following whicha limited number of places (normally around 14) will be offered to suitable candidates.

The course will begin on Saturday 3rd September2016.

Philip Crawford, Head of Creative Learning,May 2016

DRAMA STUDIO APPLICATION FORM 2016-17

Name………………………………………………………………………………
Address…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Postcode…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
TelephoneHome…………………………………………. Mobile ………………………………………………
Email…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Age (at time of application) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….….. Current employment/ Education …………………………………………………………......

EDUCATION (post GCSE):

Year (From/To) / Level
(eg A Levels/degree/diplomas) / Subject / Grade Obtained

THEATRE & DRAMA EXPERIENCE: (Please note that previous experience is not a requirement)
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WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GAIN FROM THE COURSE?

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WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BRING TO THE COURSE?

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WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR AND WHY?

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LIST FIVE QUALITIES YOU THINK AN ASPIRING YOUNG ACTOR MUST HAVE.

REFERENCE:

Please give the name and contact details of someone with whom you have recently worked, who would be willing to act as a referee for your application.

Name………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Address………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Postcode………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Position………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
TelephoneHome…………………………………….Mobile ………………………………………….
Email ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I have read the accompanying notes and would like to audition for a place on the Lyric Theatre’s Drama Studio course.

Signed ………………………………………………………………………..Date ……………………………………

Deadline for applications is Monday 8th August2016.Once completed, please return this form to:
Pauline McKay, Lyric Theatre, 55 Ridgeway Street, Belfast, BT9 5FB or Email