John Bolton Theatre School

John Bolton Theatre School

The John Bolton Theatre School is a full time three and a half month theatre intensive based in Melbourne. Participants study with John Bolton and a team of diverse and experienced teachers of physical theatre, song, voice and movement. John’s Lecoq training and extensive background in performance, teaching and directing has inspired countless performers and theatre makers all over the world.

This integrated training investigates and strengthens the practice of creating new work. It explores the Play of Mask, Bouffon, Clown and Vaudeville, as well as using these tools to find dynamic ways of working with text. Given a rigorous and secure environment participants will leave fueled with a sense of action, more confident in voice and body and in their ability to stand in front of an audience or camera.

Next Course 2019

Next Course 2019

Location: Footscray, Melboune, Australia
Dates: 29th July - 8th November 2019
Times: Monday / Tuesday 10am - 2.30pm
Wednesday / Thursday / Friday 12pm - 4.30pm

Click here to Apply Online

Areas of Study

The course has several areas of in depth focus

Neutral Mask

Neutral Mask

The Neutral mask puts us in touch with our most authentic and intuitive self. It integrates mind and body, clarifies impulse, and allows the wearer to experience the power and fragility that come from living in the present, which is the basis of any other performance work.

Energy normally wasted on eccentricity and character is now directly used in coherent action, from still point to still point.

Clown

Clown

Nothing can be hidden in clowning: all of your stupidity, charm and child-like play surface and dazzle the audience, taking them to an imaginative place reserved for naivety and magic.

As well as helping to develop a circus clown who can do tricks, falls and circus routines, this section of work reveals the actor devoid of tricks and routines; the actor who can stand on stage or in front of a camera whole and secure in his or her vulnerability, completely spontaneous.

Bouffon

Bouffon

The world of these malformed and anarchic people is perfect.

Their beloved task is to make the audience die of laughter by parodying their ways and gleefully mocking their hypocrisy.

This is one of the most freeing and adventurous experiences for any actor. It requires absolute commitment of imagination and body and involves learning to follow the dark and destructive urge, with charm.

Vaudeville

Vaudeville

We will inquire into the world of Vaudeville. As well as entering into Melodrama, students will create their own unique theatre by integrating or focusing on one of the styles we have studied. From the serious to the absurd, these explorations are platforms from which participants can continue their investigations after completing the course.

Testimonials

Testimonials from people who have worked with John Bolton

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