HYDRAMA THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE
Acting to the Gods
"Acting to the Gods" - 2 week intensive
26th July - 10th August 2024
Two week intensive drama course.
For: actors, theatre professionals, teachers, drama or classics students.
Note: A maximum of 12 participants are selected for this course.
We welcome a diversity of experience, nationality and age. Previous experience is not essential.
Set in Greece, where theatre originated 2,500 years ago, the course offers a unique opportunity to train, rehearse and perform in a Greek amphitheatre, to learn about the ritualistic origins of theatre in its birthplace, and to attend a performance at the spectacular Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
The training methods taught are applicable and relevant to all forms of theatre.
Classes/Workshops (6 hours daily) include: Birth and cult of theatre, improvisation, character work, chorus work, Greek dance, movement, voice and text work. The course trains actors to use their voice and body in large open spaces - in a beautiful setting which echoes theatre's origins - and provides invaluable skills with which to approach the Greek-sourced plays which are increasingly performed in all major theatres. Participants will rehearse a contemporary adaptation of an ancient Greek play and may be asked to familiarise themselves with some texts prior to arrival.
The course culminates with a public and filmed performance in the Hydrama amphitheatre. For further information watch the overview of Hydrama and performance extracts of previous "Acting to the Gods" productions here.
There will be ample time off, but we will be following a daily schedule of six hours of rehearsals, workshops and Master Classes led by experienced professional theatre directors.
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Training/study/rehearsals
14:00 Lunch
Return to Courses
For: actors, theatre professionals, teachers, drama or classics students.
Note: A maximum of 12 participants are selected for this course.
We welcome a diversity of experience, nationality and age. Previous experience is not essential.
Set in Greece, where theatre originated 2,500 years ago, the course offers a unique opportunity to train, rehearse and perform in a Greek amphitheatre, to learn about the ritualistic origins of theatre in its birthplace, and to attend a performance at the spectacular Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
The training methods taught are applicable and relevant to all forms of theatre.
Classes/Workshops (6 hours daily) include: Birth and cult of theatre, improvisation, character work, chorus work, Greek dance, movement, voice and text work. The course trains actors to use their voice and body in large open spaces - in a beautiful setting which echoes theatre's origins - and provides invaluable skills with which to approach the Greek-sourced plays which are increasingly performed in all major theatres. Participants will rehearse a contemporary adaptation of an ancient Greek play and may be asked to familiarise themselves with some texts prior to arrival.
The course culminates with a public and filmed performance in the Hydrama amphitheatre. For further information watch the overview of Hydrama and performance extracts of previous "Acting to the Gods" productions here.
There will be ample time off, but we will be following a daily schedule of six hours of rehearsals, workshops and Master Classes led by experienced professional theatre directors.
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Training/study/rehearsals
14:00 Lunch
18:30 Training/study/rehearsals
20:30 Sunset time
21:00 Supper
Participants should be prepared for additional sessions after supper on the last three days prior to the performance.
The first days of the course will focus on the background to theatre's Greek origins, plays and themes and contemporary theatrical influence and significance. Practical/hands-on classes intensify as the course progresses.
A Certificate of Participation is awarded on successful completion of the course.
Location/getting there:
All classes take place on the island of Hydra in Greece. The nearest airport is Athens (ATH). We recommend you book a flight arriving in Athens airport no later than 15:00 in order to comfortably catch the last connection to Hydra. We can book a hotel for you within your preferred price range in Athens before or after the course. Full travel information will be given.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in a local taverna are included in the course fee.
Vegetarianism is easily catered for.
Accommodation:
Is in twin or triple rooms in a local villa by the sea in Vlychos.
Single room supplement is available on request and subject to availability.
Optional Field Trips:
During course: Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus (performance and site).
Before or after course: Visits to sites in Athens (Herod Atticus Theatre, Theatre of Dionysus, Acropolis etc.) or Delphi (Sanctuary, Oracle) and/or additional accommodation in Hydra, Athens or Delphi can be arranged.
For more information on Greece and Athens:
http://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/hydra/intro.htm
http://www.hydradirect.com/about-hydra/
20:30 Sunset time
21:00 Supper
Participants should be prepared for additional sessions after supper on the last three days prior to the performance.
The first days of the course will focus on the background to theatre's Greek origins, plays and themes and contemporary theatrical influence and significance. Practical/hands-on classes intensify as the course progresses.
A Certificate of Participation is awarded on successful completion of the course.
Location/getting there:
All classes take place on the island of Hydra in Greece. The nearest airport is Athens (ATH). We recommend you book a flight arriving in Athens airport no later than 15:00 in order to comfortably catch the last connection to Hydra. We can book a hotel for you within your preferred price range in Athens before or after the course. Full travel information will be given.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in a local taverna are included in the course fee.
Vegetarianism is easily catered for.
Accommodation:
Is in twin or triple rooms in a local villa by the sea in Vlychos.
Single room supplement is available on request and subject to availability.
Optional Field Trips:
During course: Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus (performance and site).
Before or after course: Visits to sites in Athens (Herod Atticus Theatre, Theatre of Dionysus, Acropolis etc.) or Delphi (Sanctuary, Oracle) and/or additional accommodation in Hydra, Athens or Delphi can be arranged.
For more information on Greece and Athens:
http://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/hydra/intro.htm
http://www.hydradirect.com/about-hydra/