SPEECH, DRAMA & COMMUNICATION

Solo Acting, Public Speaking, Speech & Drama, Audition preparation and Effective Communication

At The Independent Theatre Workshop, the Speech & Drama program offers students a unique and enriching experience. With small class sizes for individual attention, students benefit from a supportive and focused learning environment. The various syllabi encompass a comprehensive study of various styles, periods, and genres of drama, from ancient Greekto modern Irish and everything in between. Students delve into character development, master accents and dialects, and explore the art of bringing characters to life on stage. Additionally, the classes provide a fresh perspective on poetry putting it on its feet rather than academically on the page, fostering a genuine understanding and interest in different styles and forms. Through regular exams, students gain confidence, experience, and the opportunity to pursue advanced qualifications, including the Associate Diploma and the possibility of becoming a drama teacher themselves.

The Creative class is the foundation and technique builder with the Speech & Drama class being the exam preparation and polish!

• Each class is 1 hour long with a maximum of eight students in a Junior class, six in an Inter class, four in a Senior class, and 3 in a Young Adult class. We do recommend our advanced students take private lessons. Students receive personalized guidance and feedback tailored to their unique needs. This intimate setting fosters a sense of community and allows students to develop their skills in a supportive and nurturing environment.

• We offer a wide range of speech training options and exam boards with our students taking Leinster School of Music and Drama and/or LAMDA or Trinity Guildhall exams, with outstanding results. We are very proud to say that the winner of the prestigious All Ireland Excellence Award from the Leinster School of Music and Drama on many occasions.

• These classes really help students in secondary school with their school CBA’s (Classroom Based Assessments) and English questions on Shakespeare and Poetry and Literature. Many of the grades include pieces from the Junior and Leaving Certificate set texts.

• Our Speech & Drama students will cover 2 grades per year up to 6th class and will also get the opportunity to work on duologues and at senior level to also do their Solo Acting grades if they wish.  

Highlights of the Speech & Drama program:

Exploring Styles, Periods, and Genres: Exploration of different styles, periods, and genres of drama. From the ancient Greek tragedies to contemporary Irish works, students gain a broad understanding of theatrical history. They develop a deep appreciation for diverse dramatic forms, enhancing their versatility as performers.

Mastering Accents, Dialects, and Character Development: Through rigorous training and practice, students develop a keen ear for linguistic nuances, refining their ability to deliver authentic performances. Students learn how to analyse scripts, dissect characters, and effectively convey the inner lives of their roles.

Poetry with a Fresh Perspective: Unique perspective on poetry, allowing them to discover a genuine understanding and interest in different styles and forms. Students explore various poets and poetic techniques, delving into the beauty of rhythm, imagery, and wordplay.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Public Speaking holds immense popularity among secondary school students, and for good reason. With numerous Junior Certificate subjects requiring students to present in front of their classmates on various topics, and the prominence of debating and Mini United Nations participation in secondary school culture, the Public Speaking syllabus serves as an invaluable preparation tool.

• Benefits include:‍ ‍developing confidence, enhancing communication skills, cultivating critical thinking, encouraging creativity in their delivery and subject topics, preparing for the future- job interviews, presentations and leadership roles.

• The exams cover a range of public speaking scenarios requiring the students to prepare a Formal Speech on a given or own choice topic and a Social or informal Speech. They may also get an impromptu speech to test their ability to think on their feet and articulate their thoughts quickly and effectively. This is followed by a conversation with the examiner and questions on a range of associated topics that will have been prepared in advance.

• This is an all round course. The focus is on speaking poetry and prose, solo acting, improvisation, reading skills, projection, clear articulation and building confidence. Students gain a clear knowledge of the techniques of speech both in theory and practice. They build up an impressive repertoire of monologues and poetry and develop a strong appreciation for literature and theatre.

Effective Communication

The Communication Skills course provides students with a valuable opportunity to enhance their communication abilities by focusing on developing articulation and listening skills. Through a structured curriculum, students progress from basic introductions to engaging in natural conversations and thoughtful discussions.

• Students undertake a project of personal interest, which serves as a platform for them to showcase their newfound skills and confidently express themselves. They complete a project that they can then talk about on a subject of interest to them. This can be practical (have a dinner party, arrange an outing) or conventional (Roald Dahl, my favourite football team,My Pet etc).

• Strong emphasis on developing clear and effective articulation. Students are guided on proper pronunciation, enunciation, and emphasis, ensuring their words are communicated with clarity and precision. Through targeted exercises and practice, students gradually refine their ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas, fostering effective communication.

• The primary aim of this course is to build confidence and articulate students' voices, empowering them to speak up in both school and social settings

Solo Acting

For students with a passion for acting and aspirations of pursuing a career on the stage, the Solo Acting program offers an ideal platform to develop their skills and prepare for the performers Licentiate Diploma.

• We equip students with a range of techniques, knowledge, and practical experiences necessary for auditions, character development, and performing both classical and modern pieces. Vocal and Acting Techniques, Mime and Movement, Accents and Dialects, Plays and Playwrights, Character development and Stagecraft.

• With a structured progression of exams, tailored to individual aspirations, the Solo Acting program supports students in honing their craft and culminates in the prestigious Certificate of Solo Acting (Grade 6),where students create a themed recital. Exams and exam boards are chosen in consultation with the student ensuring the exams taken are the most appropriate for that individual and their aspirations and career goals. 

EXAMINING BOARDS

We prepare our students from Junior up to Young Adult level for the Leinster School of Music & Drama Exams and Certificates.  The students are examined at Christmas and in May of each year and the syllabus is wide ranging and challenging whilst giving every child a broad repertoire that covers all styles and genres. Our Young Adults also have the opportunity to sit the final LAMDA or Trinity Guildhall exams if they wish. The LAMDA results can be converted into UCAS points for entry into UK Universities.

DIPLOMA EXAMS with the Leinster School of Music & Drama

Often ITW Students having completed their Certificate in Speech & Drama then go on to study with Gillian for their Diploma awarded by Griffith College, Dublin.‍ ‍

This advanced College Diploma Exam requires students to prepare and perform a Recital and to sit a 3 hour written paper covering the Aesthetic and Technical aspects of Speech & Drama, the role of the Director, Characterisation, Mime, Improvisation, Irish Playwrights, critical assessment of Theatre Productions and the teaching of Choral Speaking, Communication and Shakespeares life and times and work.

It is taught over a year with students sitting their exams at The Leinster School of Music & Drama in June and then being conferred with their Diploma at the Griffith College Graduation Ceremony in November of that year.

Please email office@itwstudios.ie to apply for a place and arrange your class time. Students must have completed LSMD Grade 10 or equivalent in advance of taking this class.

AUDITION PREPARATION AND INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE

The ITW Drama faculty and the ITW Artistic Director Gillian Oman are also available for private monologue/audition preparation classes by arrangement.

These classes include:

• Advice on selecting the right colleges to apply to for the individual student.  

• Selection of appropriate Classical and Modern/Contemporary monologues and development of a strong repertoire of contrasting pieces.

• Interview technique is another key element to our preparation. Helping our students express themselves in a positive and articulate manner.

• Personal Statement and College Application assistance and references for UCAS.

We have many years of experience and have had students accepted into many of the top colleges in the UK, Ireland and America including The LIR, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, LAMDA, Arts Ed London, Mountview Academy of Performing Arts, TUD Drama, The Gaiety School of Acting, Bull Alley, ICFE, The Royal Central School of Drama, Rose Bruford London, Bristol Old Vic, Laine Theatre Arts, CPA, IAB Barcelona and The Atlantic Acting School and NY Film Academy in New York.

FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS

Our students are encouraged to perform and compete in the Speech & Drama Teachers of Ireland Festival in March and The Feis Maitiu in May.  These give our young actors a wider audience to perform to and the opportunity to see other children perform too.  Our students perform in the Poetry Speaking, Monologue, Junior Shakespeare and Senior Shakespeare Cup and in the Duologue and Recital sections each year.