Joshua Battaliou
Just over a month left until we're performing for you all!
Tickets are now officially on sale. Buy yours here (QUICK - before they all sell out) - http://questors.org.uk/event.aspx?id=747
Also - anyone wishing to audition for ATS - apply now via our website www.artiststheatreschool.com - audition dates are 29th June, 6th & 13th July.
Here is the penultimate student blog from Joshua Battaliou.
most influential writers, actors and composers. The premise of 'Tonight at 8.30', a series of one act plays, was due to Coward's desire to reinvigorate the style. The selected plays - 'Still Life', 'Red Peppers' and 'Hands Across the Sea' - show off his trademark humour and indubitable poise. Complimenting these performances is a medley of some of his most distinguished songs.
Coward is undoubtedly one of the greatest modern writers and it falls on us to bring his words to life with the style and quality that they deserve. It is a vital step in any actor's development to pick up a play of his and grapple with the complexity and beauty that it carries. This is one of the best aspects of ATS, studying and putting on renowned plays but within a completely professional environment, something rarely found outside the major drama schools.
Furthermore, personal development is integral to the ATS mission and a key part of the casting decisions. Directed by the effervescent and demanding Amanda Redman, we are relentlessly striving for truth in our performances. This year I find myself playing a character that would have previously been inconceivable, but these are the challenges that constantly make ATS rewarding and stand as testament to the decisions made by our director to take us outside our perceived comfort zones.
The symbiotic nature of rehearsals lends itself to this continuing growth. It is a space for ideas and advice. The ability to take knowledge and guidance from individuals who have worked in the industry and understand exactly what it takes is not wasted on myself or the cast. It is not just your own notes that are important but understanding why others are receiving theirs is vital to getting the most out of the experience. It creates a supportive environment and one that allows people to be comfortable and express themselves.
Certainly, due to this, their is a burgeoning sense of excitement surrounding the show and it is palpable within the cast. This sense has only been achieved through the sheer hard work and determination of each individual cast member and those who help behind the scenes. If you're having any thoughts of joining the school, watching the plays will give you a real flavour of what the school is about as well as the quality that it achieves.
Personally, finding out about ATS was one of the best things that has happened to me. The people are a pleasure to work with and exceptionally inviting. The staff ooze intangible excellence and in an industry which can seem like a closed door, having someone as prominent as Amanda Redman sacrifice time in which she could be working is truly priceless.
Returning to the school was a matter of when, not if. ATS will do that to you. If you're thinking of applying, do it. I highly recommend it. "
Tickets are now officially on sale. Buy yours here (QUICK - before they all sell out) - http://questors.org.uk/event.aspx?id=747
Also - anyone wishing to audition for ATS - apply now via our website www.artiststheatreschool.com - audition dates are 29th June, 6th & 13th July.
Here is the penultimate student blog from Joshua Battaliou.
JOSHUA:
" Having previously been at the Artists Theatre School four years ago performing in 'Our Country's Good', it has been an intriguing return after university - seeing how far the school has progressed.
ATS has always been a place for like-minded, driven individuals, all pursuing teaching and guidance in a notoriously difficult industry. This tends to manifest itself in the family atmosphere created between the school and its teachers, as we strive to support and challenge each other to improve as actors as well as people. Family remains at the core of what ATS is aiming to achieve and was one of the major factors in my decision to return. To be part of a school that is supported far and wide, all connected by the same cause, is something truly special and something I'm exceptionally proud to be a part of.
This year marks an interesting challenge as we celebrate the works of Noel Coward, one of Britain's
Coward is undoubtedly one of the greatest modern writers and it falls on us to bring his words to life with the style and quality that they deserve. It is a vital step in any actor's development to pick up a play of his and grapple with the complexity and beauty that it carries. This is one of the best aspects of ATS, studying and putting on renowned plays but within a completely professional environment, something rarely found outside the major drama schools.
Furthermore, personal development is integral to the ATS mission and a key part of the casting decisions. Directed by the effervescent and demanding Amanda Redman, we are relentlessly striving for truth in our performances. This year I find myself playing a character that would have previously been inconceivable, but these are the challenges that constantly make ATS rewarding and stand as testament to the decisions made by our director to take us outside our perceived comfort zones.
The symbiotic nature of rehearsals lends itself to this continuing growth. It is a space for ideas and advice. The ability to take knowledge and guidance from individuals who have worked in the industry and understand exactly what it takes is not wasted on myself or the cast. It is not just your own notes that are important but understanding why others are receiving theirs is vital to getting the most out of the experience. It creates a supportive environment and one that allows people to be comfortable and express themselves.
Personally, finding out about ATS was one of the best things that has happened to me. The people are a pleasure to work with and exceptionally inviting. The staff ooze intangible excellence and in an industry which can seem like a closed door, having someone as prominent as Amanda Redman sacrifice time in which she could be working is truly priceless.
Returning to the school was a matter of when, not if. ATS will do that to you. If you're thinking of applying, do it. I highly recommend it. "
- Joshua Battaliou
ATS' production of 'Tonight at 8.30' directed by Amanda Redman will run from 19th - 21st July at Questors Theatre in Ealing. Tickets are available here http://questors.org.uk/event.aspx?id=747
Join us for our final student blog next week written by Jamie Lyall.
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