Acting: Ensemble (Online)

Term One: Rehearsing a Professional Production

The first term focuses on the rehearsal and performance of Chatroom by Enda Walsh. Designed specifically with online performance in mind, this contemporary play provides the opportunity to explore the complete rehearsal process from first read-through to performance.

You will explore:

• text and character analysis
• rehearsal techniques
• ensemble building
• scene study
• character development
• technical rehearsals
• performance preparation

The term culminates in a shared online performance for an invited audience.

Term Two: Creating Original Work

Building on the ensemble established during the first term, students will collaborate to develop and perform original work.

Working both individually and as a company, you will generate ideas, explore different approaches to devising and writing, workshop material, rehearse scenes and develop your own creative voice within a supportive ensemble environment.

The term culminates in the presentation of newly created work.

Term Three: Professional Practice

The final term focuses on broadening your experience as a contemporary actor while consolidating the skills developed throughout the year.

A second play will be developed with particular regard to professional practice.

Throughout the term, students will continue to refine their rehearsal process, performance skills and collaborative practice while working towards a final sharing of work.

This course is suitable for students aged 18+, with some acting experience. Students should be keen to learn and plan to attend all classes.

Students should be open, honest, generous, respectful, hard-working and willing to work as part of a team.

You will need access to a device such as a desktop computer, laptop or tablet which allows you to access the internet with a screen large enough to see the group members during online sessions. You will need internet connection which is fast enough to take part in video sessions on MS Teams and Zoom to watch film footage.

You may also want to consider whether you have a space you can use where you can work without interruption. Please keep in mind that the other students taking part in the course will be able to see what’s behind you when you are online.

• Plan and prepare to attend all classes
• Dress comfortably in clothes which are suitable for the activity you are taking part in.
• Bring a notepad and pen/pencil in case you wish to make notes.
• Please bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during your class.

Peter trained at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His debut play, Beyond Krapp, was a Sunday Times Pick for Best Theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024.

Peter’s work is rooted in collaborative theatre-making and the development of new writing. His writing explores moral tension and contradiction, drawing on research and conversations beyond the rehearsal room. He brings this same approach to his teaching, utilising the individuality and unique experience of each student to build a proud, supportive ensemble and develop each student’s unique talents and confidence.

Peter has lectured on several RCS Short Courses to date, and recent performance credits include work with Apple, Create Anything, Trolley Problem and the Comedy Unit.

This course runs on Wednesday evenings online for 30-weeks from 7 October 2026 – 16 June 2027, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

• Term 1: 7 October – 9 December 2026
• Term 2: 20 January – 24 March 2027
• Term 3: 14 April – 16 June 2027

The course fee is £660 which is the equivalent to £22 per session, and can be paid in full or in instalments before the course end date.

• Term 1 (10 weeks) = £220
• Term 2 (10 weeks) = £220
• Term 3 (10 weeks) = £220