ABOUT US AND THE TRAINING WE OFFER
Q. I've haven't acted for years/I've never acted, but I'd like to give it a go. Do you accept beginners on to your courses?
A. Absolutely. The introductory acting course is designed for those who have never so much as stepped on stage before, or who haven't done so since the school nativity! Equally, if you have quite a lot of relevant experience, the Improvers or Expert courses will help keep your skills topped up, whilst exploring more unfamiliar territories. Either way, all you'll need is plenty of enthusiasm and the committment to turn up puctually and regularly to classes wherever you can. We're not saying it won't be challenging, or that one course will turn you in to a box-office star, but whatever your current level, we aim to make you a better actor.
Q. I'd love to do something like this, but I don't know if I've got the nerve.
A. It goes without saying that we are a small, friendly organisation and you can always contact us if you'd like a bit of old-fashioned reassurance that you can do this! We recognise that starting something completely new can be scary, not to mention the whole issue of meeting and integrating with complete strangers.
Don't worry, we won't ask you to do anything silly, irrelevant or embarassing and we don't cross the line into amateur psycho-analysis! Positive working relationships and equal participation from all students are intrinsically encouraged as part of our training. However, you always have the option to opt out of anything we do in a class if you don't feel comfortable. We keep class sizes to an absolute maximum of 16. And remember, many other people on the course will also be new and feeling a bit awkward.
Q. Can I observe a class before I decide?
A. We prefer it if you join in at the beginning of a new course and try it out for yourself. It’s more difficult to get a taste of things if you are a passive observer! If after the first class you decide it’s not for you, we’ll return any payment minus the £10 for the first class. Alternatively, we offer a free taster workshop every summer so that you can sample a class before making your mind up.
Q. Hmmm, it's sounds like it might be OK, but I'm just not sure if I'd be any good.
A. We do very much believe in giving feedback - otherwise students would find it much harder to progress. However, we will always address the positive as well as the less successful elements of your work, and you can always contact us before or after any class if there's something particular you'd rather talk about in private.
The thing is, even the best actors need direction and feedback - we're here to make you a more effective and believable performer, we'll be kind and appropriate but we won't pander to you!
Still not sure? Well why not give it a go anyway? Students often find that as well as improving their acting, they gain increased confidence, self awareness and social skills in 'the real world'. Some past students haven't necessarily been that bothered about acting as such, but have learnt plenty of transferable tips and skills useful for presentations, public speaking, interviews and other work based activities and social situations.
Q. Do I have to turn up every week for the weekly course/do all of the course?
A. We do understand that you may have other committments that take precedence. However, you'll benefit a lot more from the training if you can attend regularly. Although there may be some 'stand alone' classes, good punctual attendance from students means we can cover more and work on longer projects. If you know in advance of a course when you are not available, please let us know. It means we can plan classes accordingly and depending on the amount of absences we may be able to negotiate a discount on the fee.
Q. So what happens in a Gest class?
A. We may do a couple of warm-up exercises or other exercises that help students practice a new skill or explain a particular point. However, we don't use games and exercises as a way of stretching out the lesson and we're always happy to explain the reason for doing anything. You'll find most of the class is spent on acting tasks both individually and in groups.
The Beginners’ course is designed to start with the basics such as getting rid of self-consciousness and nerves, owning the space and reaching an audience. As we progress, we address other essentials that help make captivating performances - status, status play and confict, timing and sub-text as an example. We use a variety of texts as well as devising and improvising work.
In the Improvers’ course, more time is spent on scripted work and learning how to interpret text. We also introduce Shakespeare, look in more depth at use of the body and voice and how to identify and implement sound and effective dramatic choices. The content of the improvers’ course varies each time it is run, and many students find that attending more than one improver’s course gives a more in-depth training.
The Gest Expert course is run yearly. Enrollment to this course is on a more selective basis with students usually, but not exclusively, drawn from the last two Improvers courses and is suitable for those looking to persue acting as career. We focus more closely on one or two subjects, such as acting on camera or voiceover and radio work, whilst looking at applying skills in a professional context, working on audition technique, creating a CV, etc. Wherever possible, students will work on a specific project with a physical outcome, such as producing a DVD of filmed work or a CD of voice work.
Q. What other stuff does Gest do?
A. In order that you can put your newly acquired skills into practice, we plan at least one public performance a year. Any student who can commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule can be involved, either as a performer, or as backstage crew.
Current and past students also gain access to the Members’ Area. A password protected page where they can download useful and relevant documents, podcasts and other resources to do with acting, improving your skills and finding work.
Gest also runs weekend workshops and taster sessions so that new and prospective students can get an idea of us.
Q: So how do I enroll on/pay for a course?
A: You can enroll on and pay for any course by clicking on the ‘buy now’ button. You will be taken to the secure PayPal site where you can pay by debit or credit card. You don’t need to have a Pay Pal account, or sign up for one when paying. For 10-week courses, you have the option of paying the full amount at once, or paying a 50% deposit to enroll and the rest at the first class. When your payment has been accepted and processed you will be sent an email from Pay Pal confirming your payment and enrollment. You’ll also be sent an email from Gest Training a couple of days before the start of the course as a reminder of dates and details
Q: Is there any other way to pay?
A: We also accept cheques and Postal Orders made payable to Claire Purvis. Just email us stating which course you are interested in and we’ll send you back an email with and instructions and address for payment.Again, we will email you as soon as payment has been received, and can also send you a receipt by email or post if required.
Q: Do I have to pay the whole amount at once?
A: No. With the ten-week courses, you can, if you prefer you can pay a deposit of 50% to secure your place on the course, and the rest at the end of the first class. Just chose the the right option when paying. We ask for a deposit so that your place can be secured and the class can be planned effectively. However, as an extra reassurance to prospective students, you can attend the first class, and if you decide at the end of the class it’s not for you, we’ll happily give you back any deposit or payment, minus £10 for the first class.
Q: I can’t find an address for Gest Training anywhere on the website - why not?
A: Gest Training is basically one person running things from a home address in Splott, Cardiff. If you need a postal address, either to send a cheque, or just to reassure yourself that it’s all above board, then just email and I’ll get back to you with the address ASAP.
Q:What if I’ve paid you, but then find out I can’t attend the course?
A: If you have already paid the deposit or full amount, but then can’t attend any of the course, just email us ASAP and we will return your money to you, right up to the start of the course. Alternatively, you can just attend a future course.
Q: What kinds of people attend these courses?
A: All kinds, and all age ranges from 18 - 70. Everyone, whatever their background or experiences is welcome to come along, and it’s this variety that makes for a more interesting learning experience!
Q: How many people usually attend each class?
A: The maximum number of people on any course will never exceed 16. Usually we have between 10 - 14 people on a course. All places will be offered on a first come, first serve basis.
