Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit of study lays the foundation for the fundamental processes and skills of voice and movement and is designed to support acting classes and project work. You will engage in a range of practical classes that will encourage an imaginative and methodological approach to body and voice for performance. Classes emphasise the rigorous nature of actor training and you will be expected to develop a method of integrating the elements taught. During this unit you will work individually and participate within and contribute to the ensemble. Seminar discussion will interrogate aspects of the practical work at appropriate moments of each programme and introduce supportive research material. Classes in this unit will involve a certain amount of repetition as you gain an understanding of the potential of your body and voice as essential tools for the actor. Self and peer evaluation are introduced as developing skills.

Outline Syllabus – Voice
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit:

This unit introduces you to the basic foundation of training in voice and speech linked to breath, impulse, sound and expression. We will be exploring a range of exercises including:

• Voice and Choice: the difference between the habitual and the potential voice
• Vocal anatomy 
• Breath support, posture and relaxation
• Freeing the Voice
• Exploratory voice through psycho-physical imaginative experimentation 
• Resonance 
• Articulation 
• Introduction to Phonetics
• Text Interpretation

Outline Syllabus – Singing
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit: An introduction to basic musicianship, terminology and singing techniques:

• Breath – capacity and control 
• Vocal support Resonance and placement 
• Evenness of tone quality through a minimum of 1.5 octave range 
• Intonation, rhythm and dynamics
• Textual narrative in song 
• Basic repertoire to include solos and duets

In Chorus

• Harmonic awareness 
• Balance of sound 
• Musical styles 
• Integrated team-work

Outline Syllabus - The Body
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit:

Exploration of a range of physical, imaginative and collaborative skills will develop:

• A neutral posture from which to develop an awareness of the expressive potential of a strong, free and articulate body
• Basic spatial awareness in relation to other performers and the audience
• The dynamics of movement: energy – space - rhythm
• Alertness, focus and concentration 
• Awareness of your imaginative resources introducing you to the principles of play, spontaneity and curiosity 
• Powers of observation to form the basis of character work 
• Awareness of breath, physical tensions and release and how these affect performance 
• The use of the body in a free and expressive manner

Method of Delivery
Studio Practice, lectures, group learning, physical skills classes, independent learning, peer and self- evaluation

Aims

A1 To introduce you to progressive training in the study of vocal and physical skills
A2 To introduce you to the potential of your body and voice as essential tools for the actor
A3 To enable you to explore imaginative and methodological approaches to body and voice for performance
A4 To establish the foundations for collaborative practical work
A5 To develop professional practice and self-discipline in order to meet the demands of the course

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate a competent level/use of all the skills taught
LO2 Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of your voice and body and its relationship to the given environment
LO3 Demonstrate an awareness of your imaginative, physical and vocal resources
LO4 Work collaboratively with and for other actors, and to create a mutually supportive, critical and healthy work environment
LO5 Understand the commitment and discipline required of the course

Reference Material

VOICE
Key
Rodenburg, P. (1997). The Actor Speaks. London: Methuen.

Recommended
Berry, C. (2000). Voice and the Actor. London: Virgin. 
Houseman,B. (2002). Finding Your Voice. London: Nick Hern Books. 
Linklater, K. (2006). Freeing The Natural Voice. London: Nick Hern Books 
Morrison, M. (2001). Clear Speech. London: A&C Black. 
McCallion, M. (1998). The Voice Book. London: Faber & Faber. 
Rodenburg, P. (2001). The Need for Words. London: Methuen.

BODY 
Key 
Lecoq, J. (2000). The Moving Body. London. Methuen. 
Newlove, (2003). J. Laban for All. London: Nick Hern Books.

Recommended
Dennis, A. (1995). The Articulate Body. New York. Drama Book Publishers. 
Feldenkrais, M. (1990). Awareness Through Movement. London. Arkana. 
Laban, R. ( 1971). The Mastery of Movement. Plays; 3d ed. Macdonald & Evans.
Murray, S. (2003). Jacques Lecoq. London: Routledge.