Rebuild - Restore - Renew!
WHO WE ARE
CORE is a professional level training company in physical theatre and acting with a solid emphasis on the classical “Theatre Apprenticeship” training model. With 30+ years professional performing arts experience and using proven training methods, combined with our unique mentoring approach, we develop the whole person, in order to equip our trainees to identify their God-given calling and use their gifts to impact culture and society for good.
EQUIPPING YOU FOR LIFE
One of our unique qualities lies in our ability to identify your strengths, regardless of your experience and training, and develop you further. You will be challenged, receive practical skills and confidence to make your next step, whether you want to take qualifications with Trinity College London, train as a teacher or get an agent as you step into the challenging world of the performing arts. Training groups are kept small to ensure individual attention and you receive a wealth of transferrable skills to equip you for life in the workplace.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH
CORE's uniqueness lies in our attention to individual coaching, personal and professional development whilst maintaining a culture of excellence and rigorous discipline. We engage trainees in professional productions for on and off stage experience, and in collaborative works with other artists and musicians. Admission is by audition only (min age 16) no educational qualifications required, as admission is based on Potential, Passion and Perseverance that are essentials required to thrive in this industry and in life!
THEATRE ARTS MODULES
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PHYSICAL THEATRE, MIME & STAGE COMBAT
Firmly established in movement-theatre and contemporary theatre-arts genres, using the influences of Grotowski, Darius and Decroux/Lecoq, the dynamic training and shared development experience draws on universal traditions as well as highly unique, cutting-edge learning processes. It blends techniques, styles and themes across a spectrum of theatre, movement, and gestural arts creativity.
The module offers a rare opportunity to also focus on the creative process of practical experimentation in addition to contemporary techniques and passionately encourages trainees to realise their full creative potential through experiencing collaborative approaches to creating work and developing professional skills, in a safe, yet challenging environment.
ACTING, THEATRE & VOICE
Based on the highly acclaimed and empowering methods of Viola Spolin, acting is approached through improvisation applied to specific acting skills, eg. internal and external action, physicalisation and expression of drive and emotion, and freedom of action to apply to any character work.
We incorporate methods by Stanislavski, Boal and Hagen and approach scripts using the "Guideposts" of Hollywood Casting Director, Michael Shurtleff. By the end of the course, trainees will have key tools and in-depth understanding and confidence in acting skills to take them to their next level. The acting modules are compatible with the methods taught in the physical acting and physical theatre modules so that cross cultivation is natural.
DEVISING THEATRE
In this highly practical module we explore and develop a range of inter-disciplinary skills and approaches to physical theatre devising techniques, providing a transferable foundation for creating a quality physical theatre performance; outlining how the individual ‘being’ carries meaning, and how each individual and group can learn to define and utilise their own unique instruments.
Trainees practically explore aspects of physicality; the key to form, style, atmosphere and emotional palette in contemporary performance, composition and practical use of the physical performance space. Trainees will learn aspects of staging, including weakest and strongest points on stage, emotion centre as well as dramatic irony, symbolism, rhetorical stance, theatrical stimuli and practical application of a performance concept.
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Qualifications
If you wish to gain formal qualifications we prepare and enter you for Trinity College exams with the option of Acting or Performance Arts (which includes physical theatre, mime and other disciplines).
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Trainees in year 1 (Foundations) received exam preparation for entrance into Level 3 (grade 6-8) or, if they show exceptional ability, Level 4 (Associate Diploma) exams,
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The Intermediate level Trainees enter Level 4 (Associate Diploma)
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Advanced Trainees enter Level 6 (Licentiate Diploma) which is the equivalent to a degree.
Teacher Training
Trainees in year 2 and 3 (intermediate and advanced: NVQ level 4 and upward) automatically receive teaching experience in the lower level classes under supervision.
Those who show a desire and ability to train as teachers we prepare for the Associate and Licentiate Teaching Diplomas with Trinity College London (level 6, degree equivalent).
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The courses are all aimed at helping trainees to find direct entry into the industry.
Foundation and Intermediate Trainees immediately qualify for Student Equity Membership.
Advanced Trainees qualify for student membership of Spotlight (NVQ level 5+)
CORE endeavours to assist and advise trainees, including work experience with our Partners and with CORE’s performing companies: TouchPoint Productions and PointZero Physical Theatre.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & MENTORING
All courses and programmes include one-one and small group mentoring and coaching. Our Trainees find this investment in their individual lives not only inspiring but also equipping for the rigours of the performing arts industry.
S.I.M.A. Coaching (System for Identifying Motivated Abilities) is available to those who want to identify their unique motivations, strengths and core capabilities and gain confidence as well as informing choices for best role and job-fit in the industry
LECTURING & WORKSHOPS
Subjects covered include:
What is a Professional?
V.I.P. (Vision - inspiration - potential)
Identity and Calling
Masks (identity) workshop
Theatre Arts Practitioners
Systems of Rehearsal
Additionally: practical advice on setting up your own Company, Show reels, finding an Agent and other industry-related topics.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN THE AUDITIONS?
This is a tough industry and requires a lot of passion, commitment, a good attitude and resilience. We look for what a Director for a show or film would look for:
PASSION AND COMMITMENT
There's no room for 'maybes' - and every director wants to be able to rely on his cast to show up, be fully committed and give 100%!
POTENTIAL
Talent doesn't work without a willingness to grow it, to learn and to take correction - potential is only effective when it is realized!
PERSEVERANCE AND RESILIENCE
Artists need to be able to take 'rejection', to persevere when things don't look promising and to pick themselves up and keep going when they appear to be 'failing'!
The Audition Process
Part 1: Workshop
Within a group setting – minimum of 2 hour's participation. The workshop will give you a taste of what we do as well as show us how you work in a group setting. It will involve physical theatre, mime and acting exercises.
Part 2: Short Monologue
You will present a two minute monologue of your choice showing your acting skills.
Part 3: Skills and Strengths Questionnaire
This can be done remotely: you will answer a short questionnaire to give us a sense of who you are, your interests and strengths beyond the performing arts. This enables us to see your potential in a broader perspective.
Part 4: Interview
We want to meet you personally! We want you to get a chance to talk about yourself and your hopes and fears, as well as give you a chance to ask us questions. (This can also be done remotely if you live a long way away)
AUDITION CREDITS
If you take part in one of our TASTER workshops or open day workshops, you can be assessed for credits which count towards the audition process:
10 credits = you only need to do part 3 and 4 of the audition process
5 credits = you need to do parts 2, 3 and 4 of the audition process
0 credits = you must do the whole audition process.
HOW TO GAIN AUDITION CREDITS
In the taster workshop or open day we will look for:
ATTENDANCE: Were you on time, reliable, communicative about attending your audition?
ATTITUDE: Did you have a positive attitude about yourself and others? Did you show willingness to work with othes and not compete? Did you have respect for the trainers and the others in your group?
APPLICATION: Did you show willingness to listen, apply instruction and take correction?
The Individual Development Programme (IDP)
The Apprenticeship Training Programme (ATP)
The Individual Development Programme is a bespoke programme that has been used since 2009 with Individuals from both the UK and internationally.
It is exactly what its title infers: a programme to help any individual develop personally, professionally, creatively and spiritually – using carefully selected initiatives, activities, exercises, discussions, projects and coaching to bring out the person’s individual potential and talents.
For Individuals
This programme is designed to provide an apprenticeship style tuition model, preparing the trainee for a classical Apprenticeship with a professional performing company. The trainee learns and develops various and specific skills, insights and performing arts conventions, in conjunction with a tutor/mentor, also offering practical training from within the “market place”.
It is designed to be a self-motivated learning experience. The trainee will be taught, inspired, challenged and nurtured by the tutor(s). However, he/she will be encouraged to seek out various opportunities, take initiative and press-in with full commitment at all times. The trainee will therefore need to be self-disciplined, focused, flexible, able to work unsupervised, as well as with a team and fully dedicated to the professional learning process.
Structure
This is a highly flexible training module, tailor-made to suit the needs, skills and theatrical objectives of each individual trainee. Applicants can choose for a duration of 6 - 12 months (shorter terms by arrangement).
All trainees will receive evaluation and regular individual assessment and critique throughout the development programme. The trainee will also receive a certificate on completion of the course.
The programme is bespoke to the needs, skills and career objectives of the individual
Eligibility
Individual Coaching
There are a number of adults who flourish as actors and performers in their later years, actors particularly only get better as they get older! Those who've been in community theatre, amateur theatre or in the market place often relish having personal coaching in their craft and we have a good deal of experience in bringing out the best in these individuals - aged anything from 30 - 70s!
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Holistic Individual development (the IDP) see this link
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Coaching for performance
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Preparation for exams (eg. Lamda and Trinity grades 6 - diploma level)
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Coaching for Auditions
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Advice and support in getting an agent, getting work and putting together a CV.
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Audition opportunities to work with our companies
The ATP is open to those who have either a minimum of 1 years' training with CORE or equivalent (eg. a level 3 qualification in performing arts practice.)
FEEDBACK
"What a special, key, part of my life journey… you both were not just alongside me, you triggered, facilitated, co-directed the walk on a new and different level of my path. I feel I can dare to extend myself, looking beyond the horizon now, because of this journey. Thank you for being the extraordinary wonderful personalities you are in the various roles you naturally and individually took on to inspire, encourage and challenge me." (Apprentice - now film maker and actress)
Danny and Mary both are outstanding teachers - Danny being able to challenge and bring people beyond their limits whether they are young or old, lay people or professionals... with a unique gift to unfold their potential physically and spiritually-mentally. Even students or mentees who don't believe in a "therapeutic" effect or art beyond techniques are amazed to find themselves enriched and grow in all artistic and personal areas.
Mary is a genius with young people and has enormous experience in teaching .... She has a great heart for taking "hot" issues all of us are dealing with and metamorphosing them into art, into emotions, great stories, unique roles... I've seen so many students (even old professionals) finding their identities and callings, new inspiration and their hearts and dreams anew in workshops of the Scotts. ... I can highly recommend any of you to participate in the CORE theatre arts lab!" (Arts and Youth Event Organiser)
"The way in which Mary and Danny devote themselves to their students and are generally concerned for their growth was very moving. I think I have been re-inspired and spurred on in my own creative-spiritual journey, and it was uplifting to see these guys just trying to bless others and maintain close to God in life, whilst striving after theatrical excellence, and looking always to improve themselves and others. I was also encouraged by meetings I had with them, where they offered advice on my future and encouraged me as a person and an artist." (Placement Student - now actor and drama teacher)
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The teacher picks up on learning points from each improvisation and explains it to the class. The Teacher demonstrates the technique very effectively. The students appeared awestruck by the teacher’s acting – very inspirational.
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An excellent lesson. All students were very willing to participate in discussion and acting exercises. The Teacher has created a very ‘safe’ environment in which student feel comfortable to participate. A well plan and very well delivered session in which students made excellent progress.
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Good teacher subject knowledge, communication and confident delivery. Good relationships with students. Much enjoyment of session evident. Very positive attitudes to learning. The teacher adapts the lesson continuously in the light of student responses to exercises and gives good feedback both during and after improvisation.
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A lively and enjoyable session, producing very good responses from students.
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The teacher skilfully allows students to take part in activities, then makes pertinent learning points. The teacher has created an atmosphere in which students feel comfortable to participate and share, there is no difficulty in getting volunteers to take part and the ‘audience’ watches attentively. Excellent focus enjoyment, engagement and response.
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The teacher’s questions effective bring previous knowledge to focus. She modifies the lesson plan appropriately. An excellent lesson, well planned, much participation, engagement and enjoyment. The teacher very skilfully uses student activities to illustrate important learning points.
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You modelled and used Q&A to explore the task. Your Q&A on eg. movement/tone of voice encouraged them to physically portray status and role. You asked ‘critical’, ‘searching’ questions. Some very imaginative interpretations of the task – encouragement to think outside the comfort zone, building creative interpretation, team collaboration in the group task. You guided the set up before they got going on the exercise. You used peer evaluation of the improvisation, geared the comments to be specified and you clarified eg. how to feed information to their partner. You deepened/widened the reflection about the task by doing this. Q&A after each role play: formative assessment to build skills and you pushed them on reflecting via critical questions. You used good methods to keep the class focussed.
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Hands on, pacey, use of humour and encouragement, good rapport.