Christopher Jacobs conducts regular training courses in Theatrical Biomechanics for Theatre Training establishments, Theatre Companies, and Independent Groups.

Chris became interested in the fascinating work of Vsevolod Meyerhold and his system for Training actors — Biomechanics — over thirty years ago and has been continuously studying, developing, and applying these techniques to his work as a director to this day.

Training in Biomechanics provides the acting student with a kinaesthetic, spatial and relational awareness, and as the training progresses, this moment to moment awareness expands and deepens, developing the actor’s psycho-physical potentials.
The entire creative act should be a fully conscious process, both mentally and physically.
The art of the actor lies fundamentally in his capacity to utilise correctly his body’s means of expression. To this end the actor must train his body so that it is capable of executing instantaneously those tasks which are dictated externally; by the actor, the director, or indeed by himself.

For more information regarding Chris’s courses in Biomechanics please contact Chris at Biomechanics@stagesense.com or Fax: Intl+ 60-03-77292602

Biomechanics - Introductory Course
Duration — 3 days, or, 5 x 4 hour sessions

An intensive weekend course that provides an introduction to the fundamentals of Theatrical Biomechanics as developed by Vsevolod Meyerhold.
The course will consist of an overview of the basic tenets and concepts of Theatrical Biomechanics, physical development, object work, Biomechanical ètudes, and physical composition.

The course will involve rigourous physical training exercises, which, while developing an actor’s physical potentiality such as strength, agility, co-ordination, balance, flexibility and endurance, are designed to generate a conscious link between the mind and body.

“The actor must train his material [the body] so that he is capable of executing instantaneously those tasks which are dictated externally.” V.E.Meyerhold, 1922

Prerequisites:
None: Though applicants must be prepared for, and capable of, performing rigourous physical exercise, and ideally have a rudimentary knowledge and some experience of working in the performing arts.

Biomechanics - The Basics
Duration — 2 weeks full-time; or, — 16 x 4 hour sessions

An intensive two-week course that introduces and explores the fundamentals of Theatrical Biomechanics and the production philosophies of Vsevolod Meyerhold, and will incorporate physical development, object work, Biomechanical etudes, and physical compositions.
The course begins with rigourous physical training exercises, which, while developing an actor’s physical potentiality such as strength, agility, co-ordination, balance, flexibility and stamina, are designed to generate a conscious link between the mind and body; essentially teaching the body to ‘Think’. An actor is required to be constantly aware of his/her relationship with the performance space and to other actors in their "ensemble", in addition to his/her own "inner movement."
Due to the requisite thought processes involved, every physical exercise is an acting exercise.

Prerequisites:
None: Though applicants must be prepared for, and capable of, performing rigourous physical exercise, and ideally have a rudimentary knowledge and some experience of working in the performing arts.

Biomechanics - In Application
Duration — 2 weeks full-time; or, — 16 x 4 hour sessions

An intensive two-week course that delves into the dynamics of movement in creating stage landscapes, the application of Theatrical Biomechanics in the creation of character, scene development utilising a Biomechanical approach, and, Mise-en-Scène and the concept of Constructivism.
Each session will commence with a rigourous work on the fundamental Biomechanical exercises and ètudes

Prerequisites:
Applicants ideally should have previously studied Meyerhold's Biomechanics, or at least have a broad working knowledge of theatre movement training techniques and dramatic form.