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, dramatic acrobatics, te ao haka 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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Te Ao Haka and Dramatic Acrobatics:

• Acrobatic movement

• Strength, balance, stability, dexterity.

• Articulation, sustaining, economy, coordination

• Isolation, stamina, flexibility.

• Haka, waiata, poi, and mōteatea.

• Concepts of ihi, wehi, and wana.

 

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.

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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 2027 Application Form:​

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Applications for the One-Year Acting Training Course are open until 30 October 2026. Candidates must complete the Hagley College online application form. Candidates will then attend a day-long audition workshop comprising a practical group class in the morning and a personal interview in the afternoon.

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AUDITION DAY - SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2026.

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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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST:

Send email to: Pedro.ilgenfritz@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:
Te Puna Wai o Waipapa—Hagley College subsidizes students under 19. However, HTS encourages a donation of any percentage of the total study cost to support the school.