Methodology includes investigation into theatre methodologies such as Konstantin Stanislavski’s method of physical actions and Jacques Lecoq’s poetic body alongside elements of popular theatre like Commedia dell ‘Arte, clown, bouffon, melodrama, tragedy, street theatre and improvisation. Somatic movement technique from dance teacher and choreographer Fleur de Thier and research conducted by Dr Pedro Ilgenfritz on the concept of the actor’s game and its application to theatre creation complete this dynamic programme.

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Movement-Based Training:

• Acrobatic movement

• Strength, balance, stability, dexterity.

• Articulation, sustaining, economy, coordination

• Isolation, stamina, flexibility

• Psychophysical training

 

From Neutral Mask to Physical Action: Physical Presence, Movement Analysis, Principles of Physical Action and Neutral Mask.

• Engagement, contact, movement analysis

• Sustaining

• Attitudes

• Transition and levels of play

• Plateau and chorus work – The Tragic hero

• Neutral mask – physical action

• Journey of the mask through natural environment

• Identification to the elements, materials and animals

• Melodrama

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Mask Training: Improvisation and Creation:

• Physical States

• Form, Space and Action

• Larval Masks.

• Expressive Masks.

• Half Masks: Character masks, Topeng/Bondres, Commedia dell ‘Arte, Aotearoa dell ‘Arte.

• Object Masks made of found materials: Abstract masks.

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Comedy – The Game of Clown and Bouffon:

• The actor’s game – structure, rules and creation.

• Red nose clown – the mask and physical action

• The august and white face clown.

• Flop and audience relationship

• Clown dramaturgy and development of scenes

• Mystery, the Grotesque and the Fantastic

• Bouffon dramaturgy and development of scenes

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Final Project:

• Development of short theatre works

• Public presentation.

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Hagley Theatre School - One Year Acting Training Course 2025 Application Form:​

The deadline for the application for the One Year Acting Training Course is Wednesday December 4. Candidates must complete the Hagley College online application form and send in an application letter explaining their reasons for wanting to attend the course. Candidates will then attend a day-long audition workshop on Saturday December 7 comprising a practical group class in the morning and a personal interview in the afternoon. Results of the admission process will be announced Friday December 9.

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Please follow instructions on the Hagley College website, download the application form, save it on your device, fill it in and send it back to: keenonhagley@hagley.school.nz

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Additional Documents:

Send application letter to: Mary.davison@staff.hagley.school.nz

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Fees:

Enrolment Fee: $ 220
One Year Acting Training Course: $ 1800

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Under 19 students: Enrolment fee and donation.
Te Puna Wai o Waipapa—Hagley College subsidizes students under 19 and exempts them from paying course fees. However, HTS suggests that they donate a percentage of the total study cost of their choice to the school.