Drama Summer School

The Guildhall School of Music & Drama is one of the world's leading conservatoires. Former acting students include Dame Eileen Atkins, Orlando Bloom, Daniel Craig, Daniel Evans, Joseph Fiennes, Rhys Ifans, Sarah Lancashire, Damian Lewis, Alistair McGowan, Ewan McGregor, Ben Miles, Fay Ripley, Clive Rowe, Simon Russell Beale, David Thewlis and Dominic West. The School maintains its high standards through the expertise of its tutors and directors, who have strong links with the profession.

Applications for the Drama Summer School 2010 have now closed. Applications for 2011 will open in autumn 2010 on this page.

Our two summer school courses in 2011 will each offer three weeks of stimulating and inspiring training in acting. Both courses include class work or workshops with many of the School's core staff including Wyn Jones (Director of Acting), Patsy Rodenburg (Head of Voice), and Wendy Allnutt (Head of Movement). Students work as an ensemble in groups of not more than eighteen.

The Guildhall School is situated in the City of London within the Barbican Arts Centre, which houses two theatres, a concert hall, cinemas and galleries. It is also within easy reach of West End theatres, the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal National Theatre and Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank, Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Tate Galleries.

Acting in Shakespeare & Contemporary Theatre

Three weeks of intensive tuition, workshops and rehearsals. Students have craft-based classes for half of the day; for the other half they work as an ensemble with a director to explore short scenes from Shakespeare and a contemporary play, investigating the texts through group exercises and improvisation. The aim is to demystify Shakespeare and commit to truthful acting in modern drama. The course concludes with a presentation of work-in-progress to students and staff (not open to the public) which may take the form of a workshop or open class.

Acting in Musical Theatre

Three weeks of intensive tuition, workshops and rehearsals. Students have craft-based classes for half the day; for the other half they work as an ensemble with a director and musical director on a project exploring a selection of scenes, songs and some dance. The focus of the course is upon the craft of acting within the context of song. It will conclude with a presentation of work-in-progress to students and staff (not open to the public) which may take the form of a workshop or open class. The course is led by Martin Connor (Senior Acting Tutor) who directs the School's annual musical.

Craft-based classes and workshops for both courses include:

  • Acting - using exercises which explore some basic techniques of acting
  • Voice - developing exercises which are fundamental to interpretation and vocal health
  • Movement - actors' movement based on Laban and Litz Pisk
  • Improvisation - employing exercises which illuminate character and truth
  • Character Mask - developing a physical approach to character
  • Combat - an introduction to safe, controlled stage fighting

Theatre Visits
Two visits to attend performances in London theatres are included in the fees of both courses.

Certificate
A certificate will be awarded to all candidates who attend and complete the course.

Comments from Summer 2009

"Brilliant"

"The tutors have so much enthusiasm and are truly inspiring"

"I loved it to bits"

"The focus on the ensemble is what makes Guildhall unique"

"I feel as though I have improved so much as an actor and as a person"

"The best ever!"

"An incredible, eye-opening, exciting three weeks"

"Unforgettable!"

Dates
Both summer school courses start on Monday 18 July and finish on Friday 5 August 2011, Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm (approx.) with some evening activities. Weekends are free.

Participant Requirements
Applicants must be 18 years of age or over on the first day of the course in order to be able to manage the long hours, intensive nature of the curriculum and adult content of some of the material covered; the work requires that participants have high levels of maturity and life-experience. Unfortunately, this is something for which we can make no exceptions.

A fluent standard of spoken English is essential.

We invite participants from all over the world and they may have various levels of acting experience - including those wishing to be introduced to the craft of acting and those who have already had acting experience.

Accommodation
Sundial Court, the School's Halls of Residence, offers student accommodation and a canteen serving pre-booked breakfasts and evening meals. The residence is located in the centre of London and is a few minutes' walk from the School. Local amenities, including supermarkets, bars, restaurants and two underground stations are all within easy walking distance. The student self-catering rooms are all single occupancy with shared shower room, toilet and kitchen facilities. Bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils and crockery are provided. Sundial Court also has a launderette, communal TV lounge with satellite TV and 24 hour on-site security. Accommodation and meals are not included in the course fee but the affordable rates are highly competitive for central London accommodation.

Fees
The Acting in Shakespeare & Contemporary Theatre and Acting in Musical Theatre courses have the same fee of £1700 (which includes theatre visits). Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any bursaries or grants for the Drama Summer School.

Application

Applications for the Drama Summer School 2010 are now closed. Applications for 2011 will open in autumn 2010 on this page.

There is no audition, interview or reference required for the summer school. In order to support full and diverse participation in our summer courses, and as places are not offered on an applicant's individual merits, we offer the same number of places to men and women until April after which date all remaining places will be given to applicants of either sex on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no deadline and applications will be accepted until the summer school is full. If there are no places left you will be put on a waiting list. Demand is high, so you are strongly advised to apply early. A deposit of £350 is required of successful applicants.

Insurance
It is recommended that students take out insurance cover, including cover for theft and the loss of fees in the event of illness or accident. If you need help finding an insurance company, you might try www.students-insurance.eu/

Assessments
Should you wish to use your participation in the summer school as credit for a university or college course you are undertaking, this would be a matter for you to agree with your current institution. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer assessments.

Enquiries
Email: dramasummerschool@gsmd.ac.uk