The Courtyard is set to launch Actors Academy, a brand-new series of workshops and classes designed for young people aged 11 to 19. This exciting programme will offer students the opportunity to develop advanced theatre and performance techniques, alongside creative writing skills.
To mark the launch, The Courtyard has announced a selection of one-day summer workshops, each focusing on a different aspect of acting and stagecraft. These include:
- Actors Academy: Acting for Film (Saturday 17 May) – Participants will explore how shot choice, lighting, and scene blocking shape on-screen performance.
- Actors Academy: Motion Capture (Saturday 7 June) – A hands-on introduction to the physical techniques used in video games and film.
- Actors Academy: Stage Combat (Saturday 12 July) – Led by professional actor Matt Canny, this workshop will teach the art of stage fighting, including both swordplay and unarmed combat.
To round off the summer 2025 launch, a week-long intensive workshop will run from Monday 4 to Friday 8 August. Under the guidance of Matt Canny and The Courtyard’s expert practitioners, participants will delve into physical theatre, mime, and deep character exploration, bringing some of Shakespeare’s most iconic figures to life. The workshop will conclude with a public performance in The Courtyard’s Studio Theatre.
“We are delighted to offer these exciting workshops, giving young people access to expert tuition in these specialist areas of theatre,” said Carrie Potter, Participation Manager (maternity cover). “These sessions complement our existing youth theatre classes, providing those who aspire to a career in theatre with an opportunity to refine their skills and expand their knowledge.”
For further details or to book a place on the Actors Academy workshops visit the website.