Archive for the ‘STAR 1 2 & 3’ Category

10 Ideas for Making Your Own Character in Theatre

Friday, January 19th, 2024

Making and playing a character is one of the most exciting parts of acting training and being a part of a theatre school. One day, you’re a superhero whose mission is to save the world, and the next, you’re playing a wicked witch with a wonderfully scary laugh. There are countless ways to develop your character in theatre, but it can be difficult for an aspiring actor to know where to start. To give you some ideas, this post highlights some of the best ideas to improve your characterisation in drama. 

1. Look for Clues in the Script

When you start making a character, your first step should be to read through your script in detail. The script will help you discover facts about your character, such as their name, age, where they live, and their relationships with other characters. Look out for what your character says about themselves and what they say about others. This will help you to understand their thoughts, feelings, and personality. 

You should also think about the role your character plays in the story. Are they a hero or a villain? In storytelling, 12 archetypal characters commonly feature in literature, film or theatre. From the lover to the warrior, each character has its own strengths, weaknesses and characteristics that make them unique. Try to understand which of the 12 archetypes best fits your character and how you can lean into this.

2. Connect with Your Character

One of the best ways to develop your character is to try to connect with them. In a notebook, write down the information about the character you learned from the script, such as their backstory, age, personality, and beliefs. Then, see if you can relate to anything you’ve written down. For example, perhaps you are in the same school year as your character, or you have the same favourite food. Maybe you both have the same number of siblings or have similar morals and values. Thinking about this can make you feel more confident about portraying your character. If you went through a similar experience to that of your character, consider how you felt and how it affected you afterwards, and draw on that experience for inspiration.

3. Create a Character CV

Using the notes you made on the script, you can create a character CV similar to that used by people applying for a job. Use this format to write about your character’s history, strengths and weaknesses. There may well be information the script doesn’t provide, such as details of your character’s past, but this is a great opportunity to create these for yourself. Thinking creatively about your character and coming up with new details can help you to understand their thoughts, feelings, and personality.

It’s important to note that your character CV doesn’t need to remain the same throughout your acting project. You should feel free to make changes, remove details or add new information while rehearsing and learning more about the story.

4. Explore Using Props

a child using props for acting

Props can be a valuable tool for developing and portraying a character. Not only do they help you discover your character’s personality and background, but they can also help you get into the right mindset when the time comes to take to the stage. For example, where would Dorothy be without her ruby slippers and Toto? You don’t need to leave them to the side until opening night; utilising props during script-reading sessions, acting classes, and rehearsals can help you to get in and out of character quickly while acting.

5. Consider Character Traits

As human beings, we all have certain habits, little things we do that are just “us”. Your character will have these, too. Characterisation in drama is all about deciding on traits unique to your character. Ask yourself how they laugh, walk, sit, stand, eat, and sleep, and feel free to experiment. You should explore including whichever traits make the most sense to you and allow yourself to have fun playing your character.

 

Is your child interested in learning to dance, act, and sing? Discover the term dates at Spotlights Theatre School.

6. Think About Your Character’s “Why”

In every well-written story, each character has a “why”. This is their motivation for behaving the way they do or responding to their surroundings in a certain way. It also helps to explain the part they play in the story. When making your character, write down the reasons you think they might have for acting the way they do. What’s their end goal? What do they want to achieve by the end of the story and beyond? Your answers could be anything from finding fame and fortune to taking revenge on someone who hurt them. 

Once you’ve decided what your character’s “why” is, use this to fuel your performance. It should always be in the back of your mind, helping you to stay true to the person you’re portraying and ensuring your responses to events are consistent and make sense to the audience. 

7. Base Your Character on Someone You Know

Johnny Depp is famous for basing his characters on other famous people. For example, his portrayal of “Pirates of the Caribbean” hero Captain Jack Sparrow is heavily influenced by Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones. This characterisation method can be a great way to build up your character’s traits and personality, especially if you’re struggling with generating ideas. If you find a celebrity particularly engaging or entertaining, perhaps you can incorporate their behaviours into your character. You could also base your character on a friend or family member who inspires you.

8. Set Some Obstacles

Every person experiences hardships in life, and your character is no different. Thinking about the obstacles they have faced in their life and challenges that could come up in the future could not only give you ideas about your character’s motivations, but also their beliefs and personality. Put yourself into your character’s shoes, and think about what obstacles they might have had to overcome previously.

 

If you’re struggling for ideas, try to find a well-known person who is similar to your character, and research their background. What struggles have they overcome? Let this knowledge inspire you.

9. Ask People around You

Sometimes, the best way to get feedback on a character is to ask others. It’s easy to overthink and make the character too complex, so seeking an outside opinion can be a great way to refresh your thinking. Sit down with a friend, family member or fellow actor and tell them what the script says about your character, and then ask what they think their main personality traits might be. They might propose a detail you hadn’t considered or lead to tackling your characterisation from a new perspective.

10. Develop Your Voice

Lastly, deciding on the character’s voice early can be a great way to build their personality. Depending on where the story takes place, they will have an accent; you can use videos and recordings of people from that location to learn the specific dialect and slang. In addition to this, make a note of the character’s age, as this will impact the way they speak. If you’re playing a comedic character, you can have lots of fun with the way they express the dialogue in the script. In contrast, if you’re playing a more serious or shy character, it might be more appropriate to adopt a more reserved way of speaking. The best approach is to experiment and see what works. Whatever you decide, consistency is key — ensure your speaking style is the same throughout the story. 

Learn to Make a Character in Theatre

As you can see, you can use many different techniques to develop a character in drama. From choosing props to embracing their background, the possibilities are endless for making a character your own. It’s important to draw on various different characterisation methods, and you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment. 

If you’re a parent and your child is interested in acting, the prospect of helping them develop their drama skills and achieve their dreams can be daunting. A theatre school offers the perfect opportunity for them to gain confidence, make friends with other aspiring performers, and learn from experts in drama. So, what are you waiting for? We’re ready to welcome you and your young superstar and help them to achieve their dreams.

Contact us and book a free trial class today.

Calling all Young Stars: Unleash Your Talent with a Free Audition Workshop for ‘We Will Rock You

Saturday, November 18th, 2023

Attention, young performers with stars in your eyes! An exciting opportunity awaits as we invite kids aged 7 to 18 to participate in a free audition workshop for the iconic musical, ‘We Will Rock You.’ This is not just a chance to be part of a legendary production but a gateway to a world of creativity, self-discovery, and the exhilarating fusion of drama, dance, and singing.

Audition workshops will take place across our weekend schools on Friday 5th January and Saturday 6th January 2024.

Head over to our classes page to book your child an audition spot!

The Power of Drama

Drama is more than just a stage performance; it’s a transformative experience that builds confidence, fosters creativity, and hones essential life skills. In the audition workshop, young participants will have the chance to delve into the world of ‘We Will Rock You,’ exploring characters, emotions, and storytelling techniques. Through improvisation and scripted scenes, they’ll discover the magic of expressing themselves on stage, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of the dramatic arts.

Groove to the Beat: Dance as Self-Expression

Dance is a universal language that transcends words, and in ‘We Will Rock You,’ it takes center stage as a dynamic and exhilarating element. The audition workshop provides aspiring young dancers the opportunity to learn choreography inspired by Queen’s timeless hits. From high-energy numbers to emotive dance sequences, participants will not only develop physical coordination but also learn the art of storytelling through movement. Dance becomes a powerful form of self-expression, allowing young performers to communicate emotions and narratives through the language of their bodies.

Harmonies that Resonate: The Joy of Singing

For those with a passion for vocal expression, the audition workshop offers a chance to explore the art of singing. Guided by experienced vocal coaches, participants will learn to navigate Queen’s iconic repertoire, discovering the power of harmonies, pitch, and stage presence. Singing is not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about conveying emotions, connecting with the audience, and experiencing the sheer joy of making music. The audition workshop becomes a platform for young voices to shine, fostering a deep appreciation for the magic of song.

Benefits Beyond the Spotlight

Participating in the audition workshop for ‘We Will Rock You’ goes beyond the thrill of being on stage. It’s a holistic experience that nurtures personal growth, teamwork, and discipline. Drama, dance, and singing are not merely skills but tools for building confidence, enhancing communication, and instilling a sense of responsibility. The audition process becomes a journey of self-discovery, allowing young talents to uncover their potential and embrace the transformative power of the performing arts.

FREE Trial Workshop

As the curtain rises on this unique opportunity, we invite young stars aged 7 to 18 to join us for a free audition workshop that promises more than just a chance to be part of ‘We Will Rock You.’ It’s an invitation to explore the magic of drama, dance, and singing, unlocking creativity, building confidence, and fostering a love for the performing arts. Don’t miss the chance to embark on a journey that transcends the stage, shaping not just the performer but the person within. Register now, and let the journey to self-discovery and stardom begin!

Grease production for 7-18 year olds!

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021

‘Grease’ is the word! We were born to hand jive and we can’t wait to rock and roll with Sandy and Dandy, the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds and all our favourite characters in our next Main school production for 2021, ‘Grease’. This Oscar nominated iconic musical starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, is a real family favourite featuring songs as ‘Grease is the Word,’ ‘We Go Together’ and ‘Summer Nights.’  

It’s the summer of 1958 and teenagers Danny Zuko and Sandy Olson, meet at the beach and fall in love. Autumn term starts at Rydell High School and for the T-Birds and Pink Ladies, it’s senior year. As the story unfolds, we fall in love with these quirky and colourful characters; the upbeat and catchy songs and amazing dance routines keep us entertained throughout.      

Our Main School is for children aged 7-18 and every child within the production will be assigned a specific part with their own lines of dialogue. Our students will get the chance to develop their performing arts skills learning a number of different dance routines and musical numbers for the show.  We have found from past productions that our students really gain confidence from being part of the production, leaning on each other for support. We create a professional theatre production with authentic costumes, scenery, radio microphones and lighting.

If your child would like to be a part of our production of ‘Grease’ then why not sign them up for a free trial in April 2021 at one of our venues in BromleyBeckenhamOrpington , West Wickham or Croydon.



Main School Production- ‘We Will Rock You’ for 7-18 year Olds

Friday, November 22nd, 2019

Get ready to fist pump! We are excited to announce that our Main school production for April 2020 is ‘We Will Rock You’. The worldwide smash hit musical written by Ben Elton featuring songs from the iconic band ‘Queen’ such as ‘Break free, ‘Somebody to love’, ‘Another one bites the dust and of course ‘We Will Rock You’. ‘

‘We will Rock You’ is set in a post-apocalyptic world where live music has been banned. Everyone wears the same clothes, has the same thoughts and opinions… to be honest everyone’s gone a bit radio gaga! The story follows a group of young rebels who are trying to restore justice whilst up against the Killer Queen. Will they succeed in time or will they be needing to break free?

Our Main School is for children aged 7-18 and every child within the production will be assigned a specific part with their own lines of dialogue. Our students will get the chance to develop their performing arts skills learning a number of different dance routines and musical numbers for the show.  We have found from past productions that our students really gain confidence from being part of the production, leaning on each other for support. We create a professional theatre production with authentic costumes, scenery, radio microphones and lighting.

If your child would like to be a part of our production of ‘We Will Rock You’ then why not sign them up for a free trial in January 2020 at one of our venues in Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington or Croydon.

Autumn term classes for 7-16 year olds

Thursday, September 26th, 2019

Autumn Term classes for 7-16 Year Olds

It’s the start of a new term at Spotlights.  That means for our students in Stars 1,2&3 (age 7-16) it’s time to develop new skills and techniques in drama, dance and singing.  At the end of this term they will present a showcase of class work to family and friends.

We are now working on an exciting mix of musical theatre numbers as well as the latest pop songs and street dance tracks.  In drama we are working on some classic scripts and every child will have a part to play.

This term is a great opportunity for existing students to get their skills up to the next level.  For new students it’s really exciting to see how much they can pick up in a short time when they present their classwork at the end of term showcase.

If you would like to find out more about our classes are how we help students realise their potential please get in touch.

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory for 4-6 year olds

Thursday, September 26th, 2019

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for 4-6 Year Olds

Every term our pupils age 4-6 at our Little Stars classes take part in a mini-musical.

This autumn term our Little Stars will be having an adventure with Charlie, Willy Wonka  and all their friends.

They will be introduced to the characters in this story by our amazing teachers through fun games and drama techniques.  As the weeks progress, all the kids will have the chance to learn funky dance routines and songs from this classic tale.

Every child has a part to play with their own script and lines of dialogue.  At the end of the term family and friends are invited to come and watch an awesome show.  We provide the kids with a costume that’s just right for them and their character.

If you would like your child to take part in our next mini-musical project please get in touch to arrange a free trial class.

Mary Poppins summer workshop for 7-16 year olds

Friday, May 17th, 2019

Mary Poppins summer workshop for 7-16 year olds

This summer holiday we invite your child to take part in our Mary Poppins workshop for 7-16 year olds.

Our summer workshop is an exciting mix of drama, dance and singing taught by our professional team.

On the last day of the workshop your child will perform a costumed mini musical based on this classic story.

The workshop runs from 9:30am to 3:00pm each day.

We are in West Wickham from 29th July to 2nd August

We are in Orpington from 5th August to 9th August

The price is only £125 for the week (£90 for siblings).

Please get in touch to book your child’s place.

 

Peter Pan for 4-6 year olds

Thursday, May 16th, 2019

Peter Pan for 4-6 Year Olds

Every term our pupils age 4-6 at our Little Stars classes take part in a mini-musical.

This summer term our Little Stars will be having an adventure in Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy, and all their friends.

They will be introduced to the characters in this story by our amazing teachers through fun games and drama techniques.  As the weeks progress, all the kids will have the chance to learn funky dance routines and songs from this classic tale.

Every child has a part to play with their own script and lines of dialogue.  At the end of the term family and friends are invited to come and watch an awesome show.  We provide the kids with a costume that’s just right for them and their character.

If you would like your child to take part in our next mini-musical project please get in touch to arrange a free trial class.

 

Summertime classes for 7-16 year olds

Thursday, May 16th, 2019

Summertime classes for 7-16 Year Olds

It’s summertime at Spotlights.  That means for our students in Stars 1,2&3 (age 7-16) it’s time to try out new skills and techniques in drama, dance and singing.  There is no pressure of a show this summer term so it’s time to get creative with our class content.

We are now working on the absolute freshest material from artists such as Rag’n’Bone Man and Calvin Harris in singing; Zookeper in dance and movie scripts from Hollywood blockbusters in drama.

We change up the content every few weeks in each class to keep everyone excited about the next mini project.

This term is a great opportunity for our students and teachers to try out new techniques.  Some examples include a “hot seating” technique in drama.  This allows every child the opportunity to develop a character from a script.  The character is brought alive away from the dialogue that is set in the script.  Each student can make the character their own and this develops their confidence in performance.

In singing, we are focusing on solos and duets and some beautiful harmonies in class groups.  We have even found that without the pressure of performing to an outside audience some of the shyer singers are happy to try solo singing.  We will encourage those individuals and maybe they will sing a solo in their next show to family and friends.

In dance, the students are learning how to dance as an ensemble which requires teamwork.  Individually each student is being encouraged to perfect their own street dance technique.  Our professional choreographer is putting together some dances with a street attitude.  We are looking forward to developing these techniques further ready for our next showcase at the end of the year.

If you would like to find out more about our classes are how we help students realise their potential please get in touch.

 

Annie for 7-16 year olds

Thursday, January 10th, 2019

Annie for 7-16 Year Olds

This spring our students age 7-16 are working on their latest musical theatre production – Annie!

Every child will have a part to play in this classic story.

Over the coming weeks we will introduce the key characters, songs and dances and all cast members will have the opportunity to shine in front of an audience of family and friends in a professional theatre space in April.

If you have a child age 7-16 who would like to take part in this production, it’s not too late!  Please get in touch with us to book a free trial by Saturday 19th January 2019.