Level 1 Acting Course in Colchester
- For beginners or those without any formal actor training
- For all ages over 18
Typically includes:
- Basic Acting Techniques
- Introduction to Improvisation
- Difference Between Stage and Screen Acting
- Industry Advice and Knowledge
- Confidence Building
- Stanislavski Building Blocks
- Vocal Training
- Learn how to self-tape for auditions
Course details:
Duration10 week course (10 sessions + 1 showcase)
First Session of Term
- Tuesday 6th May
Half Term (No Session)
- Tuesday 27th May
Final Session of Term
- Tuesday 15th July
End of Term Showcase
- Either Friday 18th, Saturday 19th or Sunday 20th July
Day/TimeTuesday evening every week, 7pm – 9.30pm
VenueSt Mary's Colchester91 Lexden Rd, Colchester, CO3 3RB
PriceOnly £425 (incl VAT) - Limited Places* Payment plans available
Summary:
Our Level 1 course introduces the basics of acting, building confidence and skill through a supportive environment. Guided by a Core Tutor and industry professionals, you’ll explore different roles, collaborate with various actors, and work with different directors and styles to enhance your versatility and adaptability.
The course fosters relaxation, creativity, and playfulness, creating a safe space for taking creative risks and building trust with peers and instructors. This mindset encourages exploration and confidence, allowing you to grow as a performer.
Each week, you’ll develop a toolkit of acting techniques, starting with Stanislavski’s building blocks and expanding into movement, vocal techniques, and creative decision-making. You’ll also learn to create self-tape auditions, adapting your performance for different media. By the end, many students are surprised by their rapid growth and deeper connection to their work.
The course concludes with a showcase, where you'll present short scenes in pairs or small groups to fellow participants, tutors, and family. This informal performance helps manage stage nerves and celebrates everyone’s progress, strengthening the sense of community within the TAL group.
Meet the Core Tutor
James Jarrett
Dr James A. Jarrett was educated at De Montfort University, Leicester and Cardiff University, where he received his teaching qualification. At The University of Essex he was awarded a Master’s Degree with distinction. He also holds a PhD for a thesis on Contemporary Theatre, which he completed under the supervision of the celebrated playwright Jonathan Lichtenstein.
James has worked as a professional actor in theatre, on television and on film, before returning to education to lecture in Drama and the Performing Arts. He has taught at the University of Essex and at University Centre Colchester, where he was the first programme director of the innovative Creative Performance honours degree programme in Acting. He has taught Drama in colleges, universities and elite schools for over 25 years.
James is an expert on the playwright Harold Pinter, and has presented numerous papers on theatre and performance at many universities. His publications include essays in George Orwell Studies, The Pinter Review and Performing Ethos. He is currently preparing articles for publication in a range of journals and books, and is directing a number of professional theatre projects. He is currently the tutor for Acting at The City Literary Institute, London. James has a passion for teaching adults acting, and for sharing the great ideas of great people!
