London Acting Program (LAMDA)

This program is offered in conjunction with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA). It is a highly advanced professional acting program intended for students from conservatory-style acting programs. Students enroll in LAMDA coursework designed specifically for students in the Boston University program. Field trips to Stratford-Upon-Avon and West End theaters complement the curriculum.

Program Curriculum

The courses for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts are for Boston University students only.

Course Details

CFA DR 316: Voice and Speech/LAMDA

Students will develop an understanding of vocal anatomy and physiology (with particular reference to the organs of speech), an understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet and Cardinal Vowels, as well as analysis of their own accents. In addition, students will develop knowledge and practice of Stage Standard English (Received Pronunciation), release of unhelpful vocal tension, develop an understanding of clear articulation, and the ability to phonetically transcribe nonsense words. (3)

CFA DR 326: Acting Restoration/LAMDA

Students in these courses will develop a sustained focus in class work, rehearsals and scene showings, while learning to translate feelings and experience into characterization. Emphasis is placed on awareness of weight, space, and time with respect to character, as well as liberated imagination, to develop freedom to explore a character. Improvisation and short scene study develop awareness of different classical styles of playwriting, with research and presentation of different social relationships. Creating and sustaining characters and action in European and British plays, especially those of Molière, Restoration authors, Chekhov, and Shaw. Emphasis on organic interrelation of acting, speech, and movement. The actor explores deeply the demands made by form and content of each script. (3)

CFA DR 327: Acting Shakespeare/LAMDA

Students in these courses will develop a sustained focus in class work, rehearsals and scene showings, while learning to translate feelings and experience into characterization. Emphasis is placed on awareness of weight, space and time with respect to character, as well as liberated imagination, to develop freedom to explore a character. Improvisation and short scene study develop awareness of different classical styles of playwriting, with research and presentation of different social relationships.

CFA DR 338: Movement/LAMDA

This course will help students develop group interaction skills, focus skills, physical strength, and posture, while encouraging disciplined skills in free movement and suspend and fall. Students will work on stretching, extending, and strengthening skills, as well as retention and attention to detail in movement and dance. Further training involves complicit play and understanding of rhythms, interpretive movement improvisation, basic stage combat, technical movement in relation to mime, and comedic character movements. It explores various styles of movement. Further works in Alexander techniques and improvisation supplement the teaching. (3)

CFA DR 339: Historic Dance/LAMDA

Utilizing the foundation of movement, students will develop an understanding of the dances and social background of the Elizabethan period and the 17th through 19th centuries with sessions devoted to Flamenco. Students will develop spatial awareness, period empathy with respect to the techniques, poise, and deportment, as well as achieving a recognition of poor posture, muscular tension, and release of energy and anxiety levels in a constructive way. Styles of dance including commedia dell’arte, court dance, and other period forms will be explored. (3)

Visit the BU London website for more information about the London LAMDA Program.

Program Details

Requirements
Program Dates
  • Spring Semester: early January to late April
    • Depart U.S.: January 4, 2012
    • Program Arrival: January 5, 2012 (Housing check-in by noon)
    • Depart England: April 28, 2012

Please note that this program is only offered during the spring semester.
Cost
  • 2011/2012 Tuition and Fees: $24,564 per semester

Cost includes tuition, housing, airfare from designated U.S. cities, field trips, and emergency travel assistance coverage. The cost for 2012/2013 has not yet been announced and will be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at Boston University. Additional expenses for the spring. Financial aid is available.
Credits
  • Upon successful completion of the program, students earn sixteen Boston University credits. Students must enroll for a total of sixteen credits.
Housing
  • Students live in shared suites in Boston University’s own housing. All housing is within walking distance of the BU London Academic Center. Suites vary in size (from 2 to 13 occupants), configuration, and style of decoration, but most consist of shared bedrooms with Internet access, shower room, and a kitchen/common area.
Application Deadlines
  • Spring: October 15

Download a description for the London Acting Program (LAMDA).

Program Faculty & Staff

The Boston University London programs are administered by staff in both Boston and London offices. In Boston, a program manager facilitates the admissions and pre-departure procedures, and maintains contact with students prior to their arrival in London. The Boston office also houses administrative personnel who are responsible for everyday operations. In London, the staff comprises a resident director and administrative, academic, and housing personnel.

Faculty & Staff Profiles

Jeff Conradi, Program Manager

Overseas Staff

Faculty

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