Linklater Teaching Practice MFA (Voice & Theatre Arts)

A comprehensive training in the Linklater Voice Methodology focusing on an embodied experience of the progression as described in ‘Freeing the Natural Voice’.

Critical analysis and discussion of the role of voice work in its historical aspects as well as present-day contexts will be an ongoing thread. Assessment will be based on demonstration of both theoretical and practical understanding of the work and will include a viva voce.

All aspects of this module will be taught by senior Designated Linklater Teachers.

Movement training for actors focusing on the work of Trish Arnold, sometimes known as Pure Movement, including ensemble and other relevant physical theatre approaches. End of term assessment will be based on demonstration of both theoretical and practical understanding of the work.

Actor training will centre on Michael Chekhov Technique, with explorations in improvisation, ensemble and scene work. Assessment will be through scene sharings and the development of a self-devised studio piece using the techniques presented in the first term.

This module will focus on the work of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed.  Students will attend weekly classes in preparation for a practical intensive workshop. Over the course of the year the cohort will create connections in the Applied Theatre community.

All of these activities will also serve as preparation for the Applied Theatre Creative Attachment to follow. Assessment will be multi-pronged, including some written work, a viva voce, as well as the creation of a performance or workshop with accompanying reflective tasks.

Placements occur between the taught portions of Years One and Two:

• Observe 50 hours of teaching by a senior DLT, meeting with them for regularly scheduled discussions or tutorials. Placements may or may not include some basic elements of practice teaching, like leading warm-ups.
• Intern with a practising company or organisation engaged in social/educational activism to further their practical understanding of Applied Theatre principles.  The internship should involve at least 20-50 hours of engagement.

Following these residencies, students will present two practise-based papers along with a case-study. They will meet remotely with the Course Leader during these placements.

This module is self-directed and can take place in the location of the student’s choice, as long as there are appropriate placement opportunities in that location. The final choice of placements will be mutually decided by the student and core faculty members.

Students will enter into an observed practice teaching stage, demonstrating their ability to teach each step of the Linklater Method. They will work with the Course Leader and their peers to refine their practical and theoretical knowledge. Detailed one to one voice tutorials will be held, as well as teaching practice support tutorials.

Students will also engage in independent practice teaching work with community groups, peers and/or other Rose Bruford students, with ongoing feedback from the Course Leader and other Designated Linklater Teachers. Selected practice teaching sessions will be observed and critiqued.

The cohort will create a collaborative Applied Theatre project engaging with others in a creative endeavour.

This taught module will end with a self-led period of creation developing ensemble and individual pieces of performance that evidence mastery of principles explored within the training.

Students will work together to create performance work that is about, and impactful upon, the world around them. These projects will demonstrate understanding of the pedagogical practice and its artistic value.  The final capstone performance piece will be presented publicly.

Year 1 comprises 730 hours of contact time, totalling 120 credits. There are three workshops during term three: a two-week intensive in classical text, incorporating Shakespeare and other writers; intensive work in Sound & Movement, including Louis Colaianni’s Phonetic Pillows; and an Applied Theatre intensive.

Year 2 involves 500 hours of contact time, totalling 120 credits. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials, portfolios, and two papers.