KEY DISCIPLINES
The Programme curriculum is primarily set up based on practical and more specifically – on physical theatre disciplines. The main workload is on courses in the field of Pantomime – classical, modern and synthesis. There are also courses in the art of dancing – from traditional Bulgarian dances and classical dance to contemporary dance techniques. The students also study other physical theatre disciplines, such as acrobatics, masks, stage combat techniques, plastic improvisations, commedia dell’arte, clowning.
Other important courses in the curriculum are: Drama theatre acting, Speech techniques, Orthoepy, Images behind the words and Musical training. A wide spectrum of theoretical disciplines is also included. Special attention is paid to stage performances in front of an audience.
The theatre, in according to Grotowski, is “what takes place between the spectator and the actor”. After their second year, the students continue their training in actual theatre performances and professional stage productions.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The contemporary theatre of physical movement is a space for expression of the human body, voice and emotions, with an unlimited opportunity for stage performance from a surreal avant-garde to grotesque realism. The programme is founded on the basis of the existing programmers – Dance Theatre and Pantomime – in response to the latest European trends for the development of new theatrical forms (physical theatre). The aim of the programme is to assist students to master classical and modern techniques and technologies for the development of the human body; to get acquainted with the main European schools and modern experimental methods – sculpture, movement and dance; to learn working in a team, while at the same time discovering and developing their creative individuality in the direction of the theater of movement.
The priorities in the curriculum is on the basic subjects: pantomime and physical synthesis; dance, combat and acrobatic techniques; drama theatre acting; creation of stage character. During the first year the students learn pantomime, Bulgarian dance techniques, classical dance techniques, contemporary dance techniques.
During the second year they concentrate on: mono-pantomime, theatre anthropology and stage speech. The third year focuses on: mime-drama, theatre of masks and physical stage performance and in the fourth year students perform on the NATFA’s Theatre main stage a dance/physical stage performance.
The compulsory disciplines are supplemented by the theory of European theatre and the history of dance.
There are also introductory courses included in the curricula, such as stage speech and biomechanics.
Elective subjects are also included as an integral component in the educational process, providing theoretical knowledge in music, fine arts, psychology, philosophy, aesthetics, mythology and religion, and practical abilities in dubbing, vocal and musical techniques, acting in the screen arts, etc.
FORM OF EDUCATION
The Programme’s duration is 4 years (8 semesters) full-time studies. The educational process consists of lectures, individual and group exercises, mid-term and final projects, creative assignments and practices. The students graduate with a public stage performance on the stage of NATFA Theatre and after obtaining the necessary academic credits.
QUALIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates acquire educational qualification degree “Bachelor of Arts” with professional qualification “Bachelor of Arts in Physical Theatre Acting”. They have the opportunity to perform in modern forms of drama, physical, non-verbal theater, as well as in cinema, pop, shows, television and advertising. They could also continue their education in Master programmes.
ADMISSION EXAM
Applicants have to prepare: three plastic etudes (up to 1.5 minutes); three dance combinations with one of the following techniques – classical or historical, contemporary, folklore (up to 1.5 minutes); one fable, one poem, one monologue, one song.
Stage 1
The candidates perform one plastic etude and one dance by personal choice.
Purpose: Testing the psychophysical capabilities and level of plastic skills
Stage 2
Performance of the prepared verbal materials and song. The candidates choose the type of performance to begin with.
By the Selection Committee’s choice, the candidates perform the rest of the dance combinations.
Purpose: Testing artistic potential, musicality and technical dance abilities.
Stage 3
First part. By the Selection Committee’s choice, the candidates present the rest of the prepared materials and perform tasks for associativity and adaptability to set unconventional tasks.
Purpose: Testing improvisational abilities and associative thinking.
Second part. Interview with the candidates.
Purpose: To check their overall cultural mindset and motivation.