Drama Class FAQs & Testimonials

Q: I've never done drama before, am I too inexperienced to take a class with Savage Heart?

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A: Not at all! We welcome complete beginners. Just make sure you book our Beginners Course!

 

Q: Who teaches the classes?

 

A: Our classes are taught by Joy Forsythe and Rachel Mae Brady who run Savage Heart. We both think creating a safe, supportive environment is essential for creativity. We pride ourselves on helping people build confidence and find their inner performer.

 

Joy ran weekly classes and staged 100+ productions over several years with her company the Irish Academy of Dramatic Arts, in Dublin. She has extensive experience as a freelance drama facilitator, running performance courses and workshops for Oxbridge Academic Programs, OXONDrama, and Theatre Royal Brighton.

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Before moving to Brighton, Rachel ran weekly adult drama courses with her school OXONDrama in Oxford from 2015-2021. As a freelance facilitator she has taught performance workshops and courses for Cherwell Theatre Company, Creation Theatre Company, the Mill Theatre, Banbury, EF Language schools, Oxbridge Academic Programs, Oxford Royale Academy, and boomsatsuma.

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Q: I really want to take a drama class but I'm terrified! Is drama right for me?

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A: YES! This is one of the most common questions people ask us.  It's normal to be nervous before your first drama class. We understand that for many people who come along, showing up for the first class is the hardest part. We have years of experience creating safe, supportive spaces where you can build your confidence and express your creativity. You may feel a bit nervous for the first few minutes but we assure you, the first few classes are all about working as a group so you won't have lots of focus on you. Students often tell us that after the first few minutes of the first class, they forgot about their nerves and enjoyed having fun with the group. 

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Q: Is drama good for confidence building?

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A: Drama is one of the best activities you can do to build your confidence. At least 50% of our students come to drama class to build confidence.  Many of our students benefit from acting technique in their day-to-day lives, including feeling more at ease in social situations and more self assured at work.

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Q: What should I expect from my first drama class?

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A: Lots of low pressure games and exercises to get to know one another, build group trust and break down inhibitions. Easy movement, storytelling and character exercises in groups to learn about stage craft and some low pressure 'show and tell' in small groups. 

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Q: Do you have an Advanced Class?

A: Yes! We just launched our Advanced Class in Sept 2023. Advanced level is suitable for experienced amateur actors who want to learn technique and professional actors, new to the industry who want to keep their skills sharp.

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Q: I have a disability. Can I attend class?

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A: If you have a disability that inhibits movement or affects your sight, speech or hearing, it's always good to let us know when booking so we can make sure we are catering for your needs in our class plans. We have experience teaching students with varying degrees of mobility, reduced hearing, visual impairment and speech disorders. If there is anything that would make class easier for you, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

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Testimonials

'I enjoyed every aspect of the classes. Joy was an excellent teacher and put everyone at ease very quickly. The games to get to know each other and to put people at ease were really good fun and definitely did the trick. It was amazing how relaxed the atmosphere was to enable everyone to take on roles/improvise so freely. The idea of this was daunting to start with but really wasn't so daunting in practice.' Rachel - Beginners' Drama Student

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'Do more classes please! I don’t know what to do with myself on a Thursday now and turns out I need this as a creative outlet!' Amy - Beginners' Drama Student

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'It has been really helpful for my mental health and fun/enjoyable.
I really enjoyed the scripted scenes and having to interact/be in the moment with others. Plus the framework of the classes moved at a really good pace.' Simon - Intermediate Drama Student

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'I had fun, I received a lot of support and constructive feedback. I felt valued, I felt challenged in the best way possible. I always left the class feeling like I had discovered something really insightful and I felt good and hopeful. It's something that I almost never experienced before with previous acting classes/training.' Lorraine - Intermediate Drama Student