Study Programme
Mime and Acting are the study programme’s two core subjects. The mime and acting lessons are given in various forms by different teachers . This allows you to actively acquaint yourself with the full scope of the métier. Departure point for the mime lessons is mime corporel, a theory of movement that analyses the postures, actions and movements of the human body in order to develop theatrical possibilities. The mime corporel and its adaptations form the foundation of the study programme. The acting lessons are also based on movement, analysis of body language and spatiality. With this physical basis, work is devoted to imagining, experiencing and entering into a given role.
Dance, martial arts movement, acrobatics, yoga, voice and song , posture correction and movement composition make up the supporting subjects. In addition you will follow theory lessons in the following subjects: dramaturgy, theatre- and mime history and music history. All subjects serve to develop your talent towards becoming a performer and/or maker. The intensive programme demands a disciplined attitude. At the end of the study programme you must show clearly how you have developed as a performer and/or maker. You must be capable of using your specific qualities in different projects. Your talent is linked to your technical know-how, individuality, vision and fascination for mime.
The first year is a propaedeutic year, structured in the same way for all students. In addition to fixed training and lessons, a workshop on lighting technique is also offered. During the course of the year there are different presentations. All acting lessons are concluded with a lesson presentation and each student is expected to prepare a solo performance within a five-week period. In the last month of the academic year – ‘het maakproject’ (the creative project) – senior students work in their projects with first year students as performers.
In addition to compulsory training and lessons, the second year will schedule two projects a year for which renowned theatre makers, directors and choreographers, fine artists and video artists will be invited. This helps you to acquaint yourself with different styles and working methods used by artists working in the professional field. During a five-week period in the first semester, a solo or duet will be made.
In the third year emphasis will lie on identifying and accentuating your specific qualities. From the second semester onwards, you are expected to act independently in choosing a combination of regular lessons, workshops and projects that suit your talents and ambitions. These decisions will always be made in consultation with the artistic director. You will have to choose between acting and theatre-making. Internships are also possible. At the end of the third year you will write a graduation plan in which you specify what you intend to research and develop in the fourth year.
The fourth year gives you the opportunity to follow an individual learning track instead of – or in addition to – scheduled lessons. Writing a thesis is part of the graduation plan. At the end of the fourth year you are a well-trained mime performer or theatre maker working independently. You are disciplined and have a strong analytical ability and a critical attitude coupled with a personal vision. Your technical expertise and artistic vision form the basis of your work.