Bruiser Theatre Company’s Arts Academy, now well into its second decade, is an essential part of any young actor’s training. During the course, they will focus on enhancing performance skills and professional development, equipping the students to perform at the best of their ability. Serious stuff aside, it’s a lot of fun too. You’ll work with Northern Ireland’s best directors, musicians, and dancers to create a showcase performance and show the world what you’re made of!
If you’re passionate about performance and want an opportunity to hone your skills, they would love you to join them for The Arts Academy 2022! The various programmes being ran in Summer 2022 are outlined below:
Summer Schools
The Arts Academy Summer Schools are intensive 10-day professional training courses for young people with a passion for the performing arts. You’ll get heaps of individual attention from our expert directors, musicians, and choreographers to help you really hone your skills.
To gain entry to the Summer Schools students must audition, and it is on this basis of ability and experience that they are offered a place. Age restrictions are therefore flexible but as a rough guideline Level 1 is normally aimed at students who are 14+ years at the GCSE/AS stage of their education. Level 2 is a more advanced programme for students who are taking A Levels or equivalent courses or have completed their A-levels.
Testimonials
“I have absolutely adored my time with Bruiser and have gained so much more confidence in myself as an actor.” – Summer School Participant
“This experience was absolutely fantastic. It helped improve my ability as a performer in so many ways…” – Summer School Participant
“I learnt to be confident, no matter what. I learnt that it’s ok to express myself. Felt very comfortable and accepted.” – Summer School Participant
Graduate Academy
The Bruiser Graduate Academy is an intensive 12-day training course for young adults with a passion for the performing arts, who are serious about their career. You’ll get heaps of individual attention from our expert directors, musicians, and choreographers to really hone your skills.
You’ll also get one-on-one monologue coaching from a local director, and advice from agents and casting directors on landing your first gigs. We offer workshops / industry talks throughout the course such as completing your tax return, harassment in the workplace, audition technique, how Equity can support you, etc, to give you as much background and knowledge to help launch your career. We’ll even do your headshots and help reformat your CV.
The Graduate Academy is aimed at actors aged 18+ who are preparing for Drama School, are attending further education, have graduated or are semi/professional actors wanting to enhance their skills.
The Graduate Academy will culminate in a showcase performance in front of a host of NI Theatre professionals – a fantastic chance to get spotted!
Testimonials
“These two weeks have really fired me upas an actor to keep learning my craft and challenging myself. We’re so lucky to have a theatre company like Bruiser here in Northern Ireland.” – Graduate Academy Participant
“Definitely good value for money – I came home everyday exhausted! It was definitely tough … but it was a really good challenge! I’m thoroughly glad that I did it and I have an even greater appreciation for Bruiser’s style.” – Graduate Academy Participant
“This is a style I’ve never experienced before but always loved to watch on stage. It was challenging but also extremely enjoyable … it really pushed me as an actor.” – Graduate Academy Participant
The START Academy
This entry level course is designed for young people who love the idea of performing, but might not have had the chance to be on stage before. If you’re aged 12 + and want the opportunity to learn some top-class performance skills, then The START Academy is for you!
During the course, you’ll explore Bruiser’s unique physical style, voice and dance; all culminating in a showcase performance for your family and friends.
Please note that places are limited and will first be allocated to those without a background in theatre before considering other candidates. We’re asking that students are referred to us by their teachers, at school or drama clubs, so that the students with the most potential can join us for this course!
Testimonials
“My son attended the start academy last week, he has Aspergers but absolutely loves performing. He had a fantastic time and I was amazed on Sunday evening when I went to watch the showcase. The kids literally blew me away with what they achieved in a week and the guys running it were fantastic with the kids!” – Parent of START Academy Participant
“In just one week their performance skills have improved dramatically and this will no doubt help them with their GCSE work. To see them working so positively in a team and the pride they have in their performance – I am so impressed.” – Teacher of START Academy Participant
“(My favourite part was) making new friends – such amazing tutors. Felt very comfortable and accepted. Felt I could be myself.” – START Academy Participant