Overview

Under the guidance of NFTS’ highly qualified teaching staff, the students will be given an in-depth presentation of ‘Acting For The Screen.’ The course is led by Robyn Paterson, an alumni of Unitec School of Performing and Screen Arts in Auckland, New Zealand. Paterson studied under Michael Saccenta, a graduate of Sanford Meisner, before completing her studies at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre (The Meisner School) in New York.

She started teaching acting with Performance.net in Auckland, New Zealand, before moving to Sydney, Australia and teaching at The Sydney Drama School, Point Break Drama School, and Bright Sparks Performing Arts Academy while also acting professionally in film and television. Since 2014, Paterson has been teaching the Meisner Technique, eventually founding in 2018 The London Meisner Company where she serves as the Director. She currently coaches at the company’s two premises in Richmond and Brick Lane. She is also a frequent lecturer on Meisner at Roehampton University, Kingston University and Royal Holloway University with both the drama and film departments. As well as lecturing on Meisner, she also teaches On-Screen Acting at London South Bank University. 

Paterson’s extensive background in the field includes working with Talent Scouts New Zealand, Barefoot Casting Agency in Auckland and with Nomad Post Production House in London as a talent scout, casting assistant and assistant producer. Paterson is currently one of only two coaches located in London who has studied at The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York as well as with one of Sanford Meisner’s graduates.

Course Description

The Meisner Technique allows for actors to behave instinctively to the surrounding environment and therefore become alive, responsive, and emotionally truthful. This short course programme based around the principles of the Meisner technique will help strengthen your impulses and instincts to produce more authentic portrayals. 

This 10-day course will elevate your knowledge and acting skill base to the next level as you work both on and off camera, moving through every aspect of the Meisner Technique and learning how to eliminate the bad habits that prevent you from being honest in your performance. You will cover single word repetition, calling on behaviour, independent activities, knock at the door, and emotional preparation before moving into scenes, scripts and monologues.

The course structure follows full mornings of training outlining the Meisner Technique followed by afternoon on-camera sessions and theater exercises.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have an acting degree.

They would also need to be 18 years old or over and have an excellent command of the English language, as the course will be delivered in English.

How to apply

The applicants need to complete an online application form, in which they will elaborate on their professional background, education and experience and explain what their goals are and why they are applying for the course.

Application deadline: October 14th 2022

Maximum student numbers would be 12.

Fee

All 2022 participants will receive a full scholarship.