This is an advanced unit in contemporary performance theory and practice. Lectures and workshops will survey the most significant and influential approaches to actor training: from Stanislavsky to the present. Practical sessions exercise the performer's skills in generating and interpreting text for performance. They pay particular attention to voice, movement, textual interpretation, improvisation and theatre 'wrighting'. Students will work on the presentation of solo performance pieces, duologues and an ensemble project. There will be a mandatory 11-day workshop in January for off-campus students.