Meisner into Classical Text
Course overview
Discover the simplicity of ‘acting truthfully under given circumstances’ and explore Shakespeare's deep understanding of the human condition with this intensive Meisner course for classical acting.
You will learn to connect your imaginative life with the reality of Shakespeare's characters using Meisner's guiding principle ‘that art expresses human experience’, enabling you to fully commit to the language and release the vivacity from within.
You will immerse yourself in Meisner technique to create powerful connections in classical scenes. Classes in voice, movement, and scene study will provide a robust grounding to support the Meisner practice and empower you to take creative risks.
This is an advanced course. It is essential that you have experience of both Meisner technique and classical acting in order to get the most out of this training.
The Meisner technique can make participants feel emotionally sensitive as it requires a degree of openness, however the technique asks actors to use their imagination, rather than real-life experiences, to inform emotional responses. We are committed to cultivating a supportive learning environment in our classes.
Want to know more about Meisner? We caught up with course director Ian Henderson over on our blog to learn more about Sanford Meisner and what this technique can do for actors.
What will I learn on this course?
- Explore Meisner exercises, including improvisation and repetition, from a classical perspective
- Find ways of connecting truthfully with Shakespeare's characters
- Develop your classical rehearsal technique and professional practice.
Entry requirements
- Selection by application. You must have either 3 professional acting credits; OR the equivalent of at least one year of acting training; AND have experience of both Meisner AND Classical text training. Please see the application form for more information.
- Participants must be over 18 and have fluent, confident use and knowledge of the English language.
Who is this course suitable for?
- Actors who have experience of both Meisner technique and classical acting
- Actors looking to explore Meisner technique from a classical perspective
- Anyone interested in building on their classical acting skills to a more advanced level.
Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about new Short Courses, stories from our participants and upcoming RADA events.
Course information
What are the Terms and Conditions of my booking?
You can read the full Terms and Conditions here.
Will there be anything I need to prepare before the course starts?
No – there is nothing to prepare.
Is there any work to do outside of class time?
Participants will be encouraged to undertake some further personal preparation work and reading after classes and outside of RADA.
What’s included in the fee?
The fee covers the cost of your tuition for the times advertised above and any materials essential to the course (and not specified here as materials you need to provide yourself). The fee does not include any meals or accommodation.
RADA cannot provide written references for Short Course participants.
What materials or equipment do I need?
You need to wear loose clothing that you can move in freely.
I have a disability or access requirement – can reasonable adjustments be made?
We are able to make reasonable adjustments to our training where possible. Many of our courses are highly practical. Most involve movement and some may include work on the floor. You may also be asked to read from various texts. If you have access requirements and/or require more information on access and facilities in our RADA buildings, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk.
Are there any funding or payment plans available?
There are no RADA Scholarships available for Short Courses. We cannot offer payment plans, and full payment is required to secure your place on a course.
Can RADA provide accommodation?
We are unable to provide accommodation for RADA Short Courses.
Please note that in the event of cancellation, RADA can accept no liability for any costs you may already have incurred; and we strongly recommend you purchase insurance cover for any travel or accommodation booked before the start of the course.
Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. A Certificate of Completion is available for this course. Certificates are awarded to students who had no unexcused absences or lateness and operated within the obligations laid out in the Terms and Conditions.
Does the course count towards University credits?
There are no University Credits associated with this course.
What is the attendance policy?
Our attendance policy can be read within our Terms and Conditions. 100% attendance and punctuality are expected for all classes.
How do I register for an in-person course?
You will be providing most of the information we need when you fill in your application form.
On the first day of your course, you will be asked to arrive at RADA up to 30 minutes before the start of your first session, and you need to bring a copy of your passport, and, if applicable, evidence of your right to join a short course in the UK.