At HTS, we believe that our students should work towards achieving the best voice they can; the voice that will open as many doors as possible. It may be an imposing voice; rich, warm and well modulated. It may be an entrancing voice; light, clear and precise. An excellent voice does not happen overnight...it takes time, patience and hard work. Our students know this...and they strive to achieve it.

During their time at HTS, the students are encouraged to explore the individuality of their voices. Added to this is work on a good, clear, well presented voice. The school realises the importance of Received Pronunciation in the professional theatre today and students work hard towards achieving this.

Our students are taught to understand their voices and how to protect them.

 

THE FIRST YEAR

In the First Year, students work on technique of good breathing, projection, resonance, placing, diction and articulation. They are encouraged to develop range, clarity and flexibility without loosing their individual vocal characteristics. The works of Classical and Modern writers are introduced for practise and performance. Each term there is an internal assessment of their work. At the end of the First Year, the students present "Christmas Readings" to the rest of the school plus an invited audience.

THE SECOND YEAR

In the Second Year, voices are strengthened and tested, with a variety of dialects, plays and extracts from major novels and poems. Research and study into Phonetics also takes place. The students embark on the works of authors such as Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen, Wilde and Laurence. Each term, there is an internal assessment of the work.

THE THIRD YEAR

The Third Year is an intense period of preparation for the professional theatre. Voices are polished and fine-tuned. Students gather a comprehensive portfolio of suitable audition pieces, covering various accents, dialects and historical periods. Writers such as Elliot, Neruda, Burnside, Cope and Spark provide exciting and provocative material for performance. Work is regulary assessed and viewed by the first and second year students.

During the third year, the students spend a full day at a professional recording studio, making their own Voice-over CD. Full advice and feedback is included in this important day.

LAMDA EXAMINATIONS