What do the sessions involve?
Our 1-1 or 1-2 sessions are open to students of all ages from 6 - 60 years. They are run separately to our existing classes – which means you don’t need to attend our group classes to participate.
For non exam classes, we will focus on the building blocks and key skills of performance including:
- Break down and analysis a script
- Unlock a character and make it your own
- Develop new techniques to bring your character to life - both in body & voice
- Master the art of a monologue (or duologue if a joint session)
- Learn key audition and self-tape techniques
- Find out what directors are looking for, and how to work with a director
… as well as much more, all in a fun and creative atmosphere. Whether you are brand new to acting or want to brush up on your existing skills, these sessions will help take your acting to the next level, as well as leaving you with a toolkit of practical techniques to take away with you, ready for the next stage of your theatrical journey.
For those who are interested in gaining acting qualifications, these sessions are designed to teach students the techniques to develop the skills needed for public speaking, performance poetry, improvised acting, duologue and solo acting.
The sessions are ideal for children and adults who:
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Would like to test out their performing skills in a more focused way - perhaps enhancing what they have already learnt in group classes
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Enjoy drama lessons in a quieter and more intimate environment
When ready, most students take an exam at an appropriate grade – and then move onto the next grade after each exam.
Acting qualifications
For anyone (children, young people and adults) keen to further develop their performance skills, we separately offer exams from New Era Academy (NEA) and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
These nationally-recognised qualifications are focused on allowing students to express themselves more effectively.
They provide the techniques needed to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in life.
“Ultimately, we want to provide all students with the opportunity to develop the life skills they need to be a success – life skills that are important no matter what career a student eventually follows.”
What exams are available?
At B.A.D., examinations can be taken in any of the following four areas:
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Acting monologue
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Acting duologue
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Speaking verse and prose
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Shakespeare examination
There are other areas available in the syllabus and we are happy to discuss these to see if we are able to offer the appropriate level of teaching.
Where?
Classes are held at Westbury Methodist Church (North View Entrance) on a Saturday (other days are potentially available subject to teacher availability)
Examinations are taken on line in class for NEA at any time or at a Public Centre in Bristol for LAMDA.
When?
Saturday in term time (after school sessions may be possible subject to teacher availability)
Classes vary in length and are either:
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20 minutes
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30 minutes
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40 minutes
Length is set due to age, grade and style being studied.
How much?
Fees from September 2023 (paid termly):
Length of Lesson Joint or Solo Price*
20 minutes Solo £19
Joint* £13.50 per student
30 minutes Solo £27
Joint* £19 per student
40 minutes Solo £35
Joint* £25 per student
1 hour Solo £47
Joint* £35 per student
*Joint sessions are a maximum of 2 students and are available where the students are taking a similar grade/discipline or want to do a duologue piece together. You can request a joint lesson and we can do our best to match you with another student looking to do the same.
Discount
Current Bristol Academy of Drama students in group classes are entitled to a £1 discount on lesson fees.
EXAM FEES
There is an additional exam fee for those students who take the examinations and the price depends on the grade and range from £50 to £200 and includes certificates, entry administration, supporting students on the day of the exam and disseminating results.
Who runs the sessions?
Classes are run by experienced practitioners, Claire Vincent (Artistic Director of BAD) and Bella Finlayson (Facilitator for some of our group classes). Find out more about our teachers on our team page.
Book your place or find out more
If you would like to book a place at one of our upcoming sessions, or you would like to find out more, please get in touch using the contact form below.
