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Suitable for
18+
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Date
Monday 20th – Friday 24th July 2026
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Time
10:00 – 17:00
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Location
Downside Rd, Clifton, Bristol
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Cost
£590
Course Overview
This intensive five-day Intro to Meisner course offers actors a practical introduction to the principles of the Meisner Technique. Actors are often encouraged to ‘be truthful’, ‘really listen’, and ‘live in the moment’, this course focuses on how to do that. Through a structured progression of exercises, participants will learn a clear, repeatable technique that can be applied in any rehearsal room or on any film set.
Over one focused week, this course builds step-by-step from foundational exercises to the application of the technique to text. The perfect introduction or refresher course.
Course Highlights
➔ Learn the core principles of the Meisner Technique
➔ Develop truthful, spontaneous, moment-to-moment acting
➔ Build strong listening and responsive skills
➔ Explore Public Solitude and overcoming self-consciousness
➔ Understand the difference between impulse and idea
➔ Apply the technique to text and scripted work
➔ Gain a practical toolkit usable across stage and screen
Approximate Day Outlines
Day 1: Foundations & Public Solitude
Day 2: Repetition
Day 3: Given Circumstances
Day 4: Preparation
Day 5: Applying Meisner to Text
Who Can Apply
➔ Actors new to the Meisner Technique
➔ Creatives hoping to increase their confidence in life and performance.
➔ Actors seeking a refresher in Meisner fundamentals
➔ Performers working in theatre, film, or television
➔ Students and early-career professionals looking to revisit core acting principles
Course Leader - Michael Gilhooly
Michael trained at LAMDA before studying with Scott Williams, a student of Meisner’s, at the Impulse Company. As an actor, he worked across theatre, television, and film before moving into writing and directing for screen and co-founding the production company Good Shout.
Michael is currently developing his debut feature The Buff Club and has directed numerous award-winning short films, including The Listener (BAFTA long-listed, starring Amit Shah and Dame Harriet Walter), Window (BFI Future Film winner), and Red Light (London Screenwriters’ Festival competition winner). His directing work also includes Provenance (Impulse Company/HumanKind Films) and Checkpoints, currently being submitted to festivals.
He has taught and directed at leading UK drama schools including LAMDA, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Drama Centre, ArtsEd, Drama Studio London, LIPA, and Fourth Monkey.
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When & where is this course?
➔ The course will take place at our Downside Road site in Clifton. The full address is Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, 1-2 Downside Rd, Bristol, BS8 2XF
➔ Your day will start at 10:00 and finish at 17:00.
➔ First Day: Monday 20th July 2026/ Last Day: Friday 24th July 2026
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Why join the course?
By the end of the course, participants will:
– Have a solid foundation in the Meisner Technique
– Be aware of techniques to work truthfully, spontaneously, and responsively
– Apply Meisner principles to rehearsal rooms and film sets
– Approach text with increasing clarity, preparation, and confidence
– Possess an adaptable, practical acting toolkit
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What do I need to bring and what do I need to wear?
A notebook and pen for developing your own ideas throughout the week.
Comfortable clothing suitable for movement. Please wear closed-toe footwear such as trainers.
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I've never studied meisner before, is this for me?
Yes. This is a beginner and refresher level course. You will be guided carefully through each stage of the technique and supported throughout the week. You will be expected to work hard, but no previous Meisner training is required.
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Where can I get food?
Participants are advised to bring food and drink with them each day. Shops and cafés are available nearby on Whiteladies Road.
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