Acting

Online Masterclass: Text Analysis for Working Actors

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    All skill levels, age 18+
  • Date

    18 January 2026
  • Tuition

    Day course, 14:00–17:00 GMT
  • Location

    Online
  • Cost

    £45
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Overview

Who’s it for?

Our engaging online masterclass is dedicated to developing the actor’s analytical toolkit. Participants will focus on dissecting texts to uncover layers of meaning, structure, and intention before any performance choices are made.

What’s involved?

The session will cover essential techniques dedicated to developing the actor’s analytical toolkit. Our aim is to ensure all participants can develop a strong foundation with a  sharpened ability to analyse and understand characters and scenes in depth.

Course Highlights

>Identifying key dramatic beats, turning points, and subtext

>Mapping objectives, obstacles, and tactics for each character

>Exploring thematic patterns, relationships, and conflict in multi-layered scripts

>Exercises in annotating and breaking down a text for rehearsal preparation

Headshot of Head of Voice

Course Leader

Carol Fairlamb has been a voice coach for 30 years. Trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, she spent a decade as Head of Voice at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She has also been Resident Voice Coach for Sydney Theatre Company.

Theatre

Productions include Blackbird, Love Lies Bleeding, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tales from the Vienna Woods and Don’s Party for Sydney Theatre Company; Riflemind for Sydney Theatre Company and Trafalgar Studios; Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Regent’s Park; Touching the Void at Bristol Old Vic; and Dr Semmelweis at the Harold Pinter.

  • Admissions Requirements

    Applicants must be aged 18 or over by the time of the course start date.
  • Is This Course For Me?

    This course is an overview of how to investigate text. This is useful for those auditioning for drama school as well as anyone in the industry.
  • What do I need to bring and what do I need to wear?

    As an online course you will need a laptop or computer with a strong internet connection and access to Google Meet. You will be sent a link to log in to your session 7 days in advance.

    You simply click the link and you will enter a waiting room. At the start of the course you will be let in and the course will begin.

    For more detailed advice please see our BOVTS Online Course: GoogleMeet Guidance

    Wear something you’re comfortable in.
  • Short Course Cancellation Policy

    We will make all reasonable efforts to deliver a short course as outlined on our site and in any brochure or published material. However, we reserve the right to cancel a short course in case of events outside our control or if the course fails to meet a minimum number of participants. In the event that we cancel a course, we will inform participants who have booked a place via email at least 7 days prior to the start date. We will also provide a full refund of the course fee paid. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School cannot be held responsible for any expenses you incur due to such a cancellation.
  • Short Courses Refund Policy

    If you wish to cancel your place on the course, you will receive a full refund if you notify the school at least 7 days prior to the start of the course. For cancellations, contact [email protected]
  • Policies and Procedures