London International School of Performing Arts
Encyclopedia
The London International School of Performing Arts 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.
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.
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.
, it is no longer offering this option. However, Lispa is in dialogue with UK University in order to re-establish a Masters program at the school.
L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq
L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq is a school of physical theatre situated in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. Founded in 1956 by Jacques Lecoq, the school is a professional two-year course...
(Ecole Jacques Lecoq) in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
.
The physical theatre school is based on the work of Jacques Lecoq
Jacques Lecoq
Jacques Pierre Lecoq born in Paris, was a French actor, mime and acting instructor.He is most famous for his methods on physical theatre, movement and mime that he taught at the school he founded in Paris, L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq from 1956 until his death in...
, however is fast distinguishing itself as a viable physical theatre
Physical theatre
Physical theatre is used to describe any mode of performance that pursues storytelling or drama through primarily and secondarily physical and mental means. There are several quite distinct but indistinct traditions of performance which all describe themselves using the term "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
Whilst in the past, LISPA has offered an MFA in conjunction with Naropa UniversityNaropa University
Naropa University is a private American liberal arts university in Boulder, Colorado. Founded in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher and Oxford University scholar Chögyam Trungpa, it is named for the eleventh-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, an abbot of Nalanda.Naropa describes itself as...
, it is no longer offering this option. However, Lispa is in dialogue with UK University in order to re-establish a Masters program at the school.