Speech, Drama & Communication Classes - 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 Greek to 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.
Small Class Sizes and Individual Attention: The Speech & Drama program at The Independent Theatre Workshop ensures small class sizes, enabling our teachers to provide individual attention to each student. 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 1:1. 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.The Creative class is the foundation and technique builder with the Speech & Drama class being the exam preparation and polish!
Martha Breen Leinster School of Music & Drama Excellence Award Winner 2014 - Now graduated from her BA in Drama at The LIR, Trinity College, Dublin and currently working professionally with Rough Magic Theatre Company.
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 in 2008, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020!
Our Speech & Drama students perform in our informal, in-house performance nights at Christmas and in May giving parents and friends a chance to see them in action and building up their experience and confidence in performing in front of an audience.
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.
There are several different types of exam available to our students, these include:
Speech & Drama
The Speech & Drama program at The Independent Theatre Workshop provides students with a holistic and enriching experience. With small class sizes, students receive individual attention and personalised guidance, fostering their growth and development as performers. By exploring a wide range of styles, periods, and genres of drama, mastering accents and dialects, and delving into character development, students become versatile and skilled actors.
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.
As the student progresses through the 11 grades all styles and genres of drama and poetry are covered. From Greek Drama to Contemporary and including Lyrical poems, Sonnets and Verse.
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.
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: The program offers a comprehensive exploration of different styles, periods, and genres of drama. From the ancient Greek tragedies to contemporary Irish works and everything in between, students gain a broad understanding of theatrical history. Through scene work, monologues, and ensemble exercises, students develop a deep appreciation for diverse dramatic forms, expanding their artistic horizons and enhancing their versatility as performers.
Mastering Accents, Dialects, and Character Development: Speech & Drama students at The Independent Theatre Workshop embark on a journey to master accents and dialects, acquiring the skills necessary to portray characters from various regions and backgrounds convincingly. Through rigorous training and practice, students develop a keen ear for linguistic nuances, refining their ability to deliver authentic performances.
Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on character development. Students learn how to analyse scripts, dissect characters, and effectively convey the inner lives of their roles. With guidance from experienced teachers they acquire the tools to breathe life into characters, cultivating a strong stage presence and a nuanced understanding of the dramatic craft.
Poetry with a Fresh Perspective: The Speech & Drama program offers students a 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. Through recitation and interpretation, they develop their own poetic voice, enhancing their expressive abilities and deepening their appreciation for the written word.
Exams and Advancement Opportunities: Students in the program have the opportunity to complete up to two exams per year, allowing them to gauge their progress and gain valuable experience. There are Speech & Drama Grade exams from Preliminary right through to Grade 10 which is the Certificate Grade. As they pass each level, students gain confidence and recognition for their accomplishments. The Leinster School of Music and Drama syllabus offers a clear progression path, with students able to work towards advanced qualifications such as the Associate Diploma. This opens doors for further artistic pursuits and even the possibility of becoming drama teachers themselves, sharing their passion and knowledge with future generations.
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. A Social or informal Speech - eg making a speech of thanks, raising a toast, introducing a speaker, making a reservation, 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. The public speaking syllabus empowers them to become effective communicators and future leaders!
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.
As the student progresses through the 11 grades all styles and genres of drama and poetry are covered. From Greek Drama to Contemporary and including Lyrical poems, Sonnets and Verse.
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.
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.
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.
Additionally, students undertake a project of personal interest, which serves as a platform for them to showcase their newfound skills and confidently express themselves. 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.
The course places a 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.
As part of the course, students 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.) The focus of this course is on building confidence and articulation. Empowering them to speak up in school and social situations and to be heard.
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.
This comprehensive training equips 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.
DIPLOMA EXAMS with the Leinster School of Music & Drama
Gillian Oman with Caoimhe Foran and Saibh O’Rourke on their Graduation day. Many students go on to do their Diploma with ITW during their 1st or 2nd year of College.
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.
ADVANCED ACTING AND SCENE STUDY with PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASSES
We are delighted to be offering advanced acting and scene study Classes on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons at ITW Studios, Clonskeagh. To apply please select the class on your application and we will be in touch with further details.
This group will focus on acting techniques and study scenes from Shakespeare, Classical, Contemporary and Modern plays and studying the methodology of Stanislavsky. Expert tutors will work with them on College Audition prep and career guidance alongside workshops on various elements that will enhance their skills ahead of college entry.
We welcome applications from students over 16 yrs of age who have a passion for theatre and are keen to develop their acting skills to a more advanced level.
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. Our students have a 100% success rate in gaining places in college - our current cohort (May 2023) have been offered: The LIR, The Gaiety School, East 15, Urdang, Mountview, GSA, Performers, Italia Conti, Phoenix Performing Arts College, Trinity Drama and Theatre Studies, Inchicore College, MTU and Institute of the Arts, Barcelona.
Al Porter was a student of Gillian's for many years and also won the Leinster School of Music & Drama Excellence Award in 2009. He is currently working as a Stand Up Comedian and also writes and stars in the Olympia Theatre Pantomime every year.
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, 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. Entries must be in by the beginning of February each year and our students perform in the Poetry Speaking, Monologue, Junior Shakespeare and Senior Shakespeare Cup and in the Duologue and Recital sections each year. Please look out for an email in early January and talk to your childs teacher if you are interested in your child taking part.
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.
