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Drama Classes

Junior: 7 - 9 year olds | Wed 4 - 5pm
Intermediate: 10 - 12 year olds | Thurs 4 - 5pm
Senior: 13 - 15 year olds | Tues 4 - 5pm
Advanced Senior: 16 - 18 year olds | Mon 4 - 5pm

Drama Classes are divided into two 1hr streams: Spontaneity and Theatre Training, both of which are offered at each of the above age levels (enrolments permitting.)

Spontaneity classes are limited to twelve students per class. These classes are taught by senior members of The Court's permanent improvisation troupe, The Court Jesters, and provide a comprehensive grounding in performance skills. Through the study and practice of improvisation techniques such as narrative understanding, mime, character and voice work and body language study, students gain the ability to perform confidently and charismatically, in such areas as acting, impromptu speaking, debating, MCing, and directing. Classes are perfect for (but not limited to) those who may wish to have a career in the entertainment industry - be it writing, performance or another avenue entirely - and communicate skills we believe to be taught nowhere else in the country. Students will have the chance to explore departments of The Court during the year, gaining practical knowledge of lighting, designing and staging performances. In addition, class trips to evening performances at The Court are regularly scheduled throughout the year, and are very popular with students.

Theatre Training classes are limited to four students per class. These classes have a focus closer to traditional, "Speech and Drama" training, but with a broader and more varied curriculum. Throughout the year, students will rehearse a variety of age-appropriate scenes from famous plays: exploring and becoming familiar with playwrights from Shakespeare to Mamet. High-level vocal and physical coaching is also provided, ensuring that students graduate with the range of skills necessary to succeed in theatre. Combined class trips (along with the Spontaneity classes) to performances at The Court are also regularly scheduled, to ensure that students are able to witness the skills they are studying in performance. Tuition is conducted by actors from The Court, and as such is focused on acting for the stage - although the skills learned in this class are easily transferable to screen or film acting.

Important dates for 2010

Terms run for a series of eight to ten weeks as follows:

Juniors: Wednesdays 4-5pm (Spontaneity: $110 inc. GST per term; Theatre Training: $160 per term)

Feb 10 – March 31 inclusive (8 weeks)
April 21 – June 23 (10 weeks)
July 21 – Sep 22 (10 weeks)
Oct 13 – Dec 1 (8 weeks)

Intermediates: Thursdays 4-5pm (Spontaneity: $110 inc. GST per term; Theatre Training: $160 per term)

Feb 11 – April 1 (8 weeks)
April 22 – June 24 (10 weeks)
July 22 – September 23 (10 weeks)
Oct 14 – Dec 2 (8 weeks)

Seniors: Tuesdays 4-5pm (Spontaneity: $130 inc. GST per term; Theatre Training: $180 per term)

Feb 9 – March 30 inclusive (8 weeks)
April 20 – June 22 (10 weeks)
July 20 – September 21 (10 weeks)
October 12 – Nov 30 (8 weeks)

Advanced Seniors: Mondays 4-5pm (Spontaneity: $130 inc. GST per term; Theatre Training: $180 per term)

Feb 8 – March 29 inclusive  (8 weeks)
April 19 – June 28 (excluding June 7) (10 weeks)
July 19 – September 20 (10 weeks)
October 11 – December 6 (excluding October 25)  (8 weeks)

Available Places

Below are listed available places in our drama classes for Term 1, 2010. Please note that we do run a waiting list system, and in some cases may consider scheduling a second classs.

Enrolment Information

If you wish to enrol in one of the above classes, please fill out this enrolment form and email to education@courttheatre.org.nz or send to Education Manager/The Court Theatre/PO BOx 268/ Christchurch 8140. Please check that a place is available in your chosen class before sending in payment.

PLEASE NOTE: Enrolment numbers for all classes are restricted - but we do run a waiting list system.

If you have any further questions or queries feel free to contact me at 963-0884 (phone), 963-0890 (fax), or email education@courttheatre.org.nz.