London International School of Performing Arts

The London International School of Performing Arts [http://lispa.co.uk/index.html] was founded in 2003 by Thomas Prattki - the former pedagogical director of the Jacques Lecoq International School of Theatre (Ecole Jacques Lecoq) in Paris.

The physical theatre school is based on the work of Jacques Lecoq, however is fast distinguishing itself as a viable physical theatre training program.

Initiation course

The Initiation Course focuses on Physical & vocal preparation and observation of the physical world, enabling the student to transpose these elements through the body and the space around them.

Starting with the Neutral Mask the students learn the state of calmness. Later human passions, emotions and behaviours are explored through the use of Larval and Expressive Masks. Dramatic transpositions and creativity are unlocked by observing animals, the elements, art, poetry and architecture.

Classes take many forms including, movement analysis, improvisation, acrobatics, vocal preparation, writing, painting and sculpting.

Collaborative work or Creation as it is known, is a vital part of the work at LISPA. Each week the students are given the opportunity to devise their own theatre. They work in small groups to develop a theme given by the teachers which allows them to explore the territory they are currently learning in class. They then present this exercise to the teachers and the Advanced course students.

The Initiation Course culminates with a final project or Investigation where the students are given a longer time to develop a public presentation based on observation of a particular theme or subject of their choice (i.e. location, activity or human condition).

Since the academic year 2006-7 there have been two Initiation Courses running concurrently - one group of students working from morning to mid-afternoon, the other from mid-afternoon to late evening. Each group consisted of around 30-35 students.

Advanced course

The Advanced Course follows much of the same structure of class form, i.e. improvisation, acrobatics, voice, writing and creation. However, work is focused to explore further the dramatic genres: Dramatic storytelling, Epic drama and Melodrama, Commedia Dell'arte, the Grotesque theatre, Fantastical and Mysterious worlds, the Chorus and Tragic hero and the world of the Clown.

Each term the students are enabled to present their work in a public performance to receive feedback, not only from their teachers but the fresh audience.

The Advanced Course culminates with an individual project developed over a longer period. Each project is of a theme and form of each students choosing.

In the 2007-8 academic year there were two Advanced Courses running concurrently - one group of students working from morning to mid-afternoon, the other from mid-afternoon to late evening. Each group consisted of around 25-35 students.

Pedagogical course

Students who have completed both the Initiation and Advanced course have the opportunity to spend a year learning the techniques to teach the pedagogy of physical theatre.

Master of Fine Arts Degree Option

* [http://www.naropa.edu/academics/graduate/lecoq Naropa University Master of Arts Lecoq Actor Based Theater]