Course Structure
There are six Modules for MA students/five modules for PG Dip students. All six Modules commence in the first or second term and are each between one and four terms duration. ALL STUDENTS complete the first five Modules over 3 terms. Terms one, two and three consist of classes, tutorials and projects.
MA only
The fourth and final term is dedicated to the completion of the sixth Module (which culminates in the writing and delivery of a dissertation.) The MA offers a significant opportunity to undertake an original piece of scholarly work arising from - or related to – the student's other studies on the course.
Terms
The Course runs from September for fifteen months (MA) or ten months PG Dip) Each term is 11 weeks.
Term One
Acting, Movement and Voice classes
Seminars on :
- play analysis
- interpretation
- rehearsal processes
- performing with acting students in physicality or Greek Theatre projects
- detailed practitioner research
- directing short text-based pieces with professional actors for performance within the Academy.
MA students
- lectures and seminars
Term Two
- assisting a professional director on a third year production
- directing a one-act play using professional actors, presented as a public production in a public venue
- seminars on: directors use of movement, devising approaches.
- Seminars: further analysis of plays, casting, working with stage and lighting and sound designers, marketing, producing
- Optional classes in Musical Theatre and assisting on Musical Theatre shows.
MA students
- seminars and tutorials
Some students go on placements around the Easter break. Hosts have included:
- Gate Theatre,
- Kings Head
- Graeae
- Dende Collective
- Theatre Clwyd
- Bolton Octagon
- BAC.
Term Three
- directing a fully supported full-length play with professional actors, designers and publicity, presented as a public production in a central London venue such as the Cockpit Theatre (2011)
- each directing student is allocated a leading professional director who will observe his or her work and offer career development advice.
- writing/script-editing and direct each other's short plays under the guidance of an experienced professional literary manager such as Ben Jancovich (RSC/National Theatre/Hampstead Theatre).
- collaboration with lighting and other technical theatre students to explore creative partnerships
MA students
- tutorials
Term 4 (MA students only)
- completion and submission of dissertation.
"As I progress through the directing course I have a strong sense of developing as both a professional and an artist. Mountview offers a huge range of valuable resources and great staff support combined with a culture of independent practical research and development. The training is demanding and stimulating; it requires and rewards rigour, sensitivity and commitment."
Additional activities
In the current academic year:
- directing second year actors in a short play festival;
- taking part in stage combat and radio classes with the second year acting and musical theatre students
- getting involved with film shoots in one of the most advanced TV and film departments in a British Drama School;
- running laboratory sessions with peers on the Acting Courses to explore a particular discipline, idea or aspect of rehearsing and
- assisting professional directors on classical text projects with second years.
- external workshops eg. Graeae and Theatre Complicite
- group visits to the theatre to explore and analyse the diversity of theatrical experience available in London.
- twenty-plus public shows that Mountview puts on at various venues in London every year
- internal project performances spanning a wide range of dramatic material and styles.
