Arts University College at Bournemouth

Ellie is a senior lecturer in Movement and Acting on the BA (Hons) Acting course at the Arts University College at Bournemouth. Teaching is underpinned by her training with Jacques Lecoq and also draws upon the work of Rudolf Laban and Moshe Feldenkrais. Prompted by the neutral mask, the actor opens up to the empty space discovering the crucial importance of a strong, free and articulate body. The performer’s body is approached as a structure in space, an instrument capable of communicating ideas, emotions and appetites, an intelligent model of organization. Movement classes explore of a range of physical, imaginative and collaborative skills designed to develop:

• Spatial awareness in relation to other performers and to the audience
• The dynamics of movement: energy – space – rhythm
• Alertness, focus and concentration
• Imaginative resources through the principles of play, spontaneity and curiosity
• Powers of observation which form the foundations of character work
• Awareness of breath, physical tensions and release and how these impact on performance
• The use of the body in a free and expressive manner
• Physical and imaginative transformations in order to broaden the field of reference
• Recognising the potential of movement for altering mood, increasing energy and giving shape to feeling: Mask work
• The physical dynamics of text
• The devising process
• The emotional, physical and spatial dimensions of Greek Tragedy and Chorus
• Mime and Gesture

Based upon the observation of movement in nature, students are guided on a somatic journey of creative discovery designed to examine both individually and collectively, a range of theatre techniques:

• Animals, Elements and Materials
• Mask work: Character, Larval, Primitive, Utilitarian
• Theatre of objects
• Action Mime, Cartoon Mime and Pantomime

Ellie’s particular focus is on the devising process, using creative tools for the students to develop their own practice and research. Specialist areas include:

• Tragedy & Greek Chorus
• Commedia dell’Arte
• Theatre and Circus Clown
• Melodrama
• Bouffon