English Acting Program in Paris| Cours Florent

Why choose the Cours Florent Acting in English program?

With a fundamental philosophy that promotes cultural diversity and international perspectives, Cours Florent has, for over twenty years, been welcoming aspiring artists from all over the world to our Acting in English program.

Acting in English students are offered:

Cours Florent’s core pedagogical expertise, which provides all the necessary tools and skills for a successful career in international theatre and cinema.
the opportunity to study contemporary anglophone theatre approaches, exclusively in English, with instructors who are working practitioners in the theatre and cinema industries.
the chance to benefit from an exchange of diverse cultures and skillsets, with a student body consisting of over 40 nationalities.
a choice between either a theatre-only training or specialising in Acting for Screen, which is offered in second and third years.
the opportunity of a participating in a bilingual track, by adding classes in French, German or Spanish (see Bilingual Programs for more information).

STUDY ORGANIZATION

FIRST YEAR - Foundations of Acting for Stage and Screen

The first year of study focuses on the foundations of the actor’s craft and the key skills every performer needs in their toolkit. Students will be introduced to the fundamental elements of acting technique, the psychology and process of acting, ensemble work, as well as major practitioners/schools of thought, and scene study.

Rehearsal techniques will be reviewed and students encouraged to develop an individual approach to character creation and analysis of a text. This year is about process rather than presentation or performance. Notions of objectives, actions and tactics are introduced, to instill necessary storytelling awareness. Emphasis is on building an actor’s toolkit and expanding knowledge of the profession.

Four assessments - known as échéances - take place at regular intervals throughout the year. These assessments are based around the following modules:

From screen to stage (focus on scenes from series and films, focusing on technical aspects, breath and body work.)
One and many (focus on monologues, narrative chorus, exploration of physical theatre, poetry and songs.)
Group contrasts (focus on scenes with an ensemble cast.)
Scene study (focus on duologue scenes, taken from texts written in the 21st century.)

Additionally, students participate in an Acting for Camera workshop, which teaches introductory techniques for screen acting.

SECOND & THIRD YEAR – SPECIALISM

After completing the first year of study, and having established the fundamentals of acting on both stage and screen, students are expected to choose one of two options for their second and third years:

Either

Stage and Screen program (focus on theatre and screen acting)

Or

Theatre program (focus exclusively on theatre)

Theatre curriculum (principal acting class : 9h/week)

A continuation of knowledge acquired during the first year of study. Second year students learn advanced techniques for live performance and rehearsal practices, while delving deeper into classical, modern, and contemporary anglophone and international dramatic literature. Intensive character and scene work, coupled with advanced vocal and physical techniques, make up the bulk of the second year. Students work on character creation, in preparation for being directed by their principal acting teacher in public performances.

The third year of study is performance-driven. The year is divided into three modules, with a different director brought in to lead each module so as to allow students the advantage of working with different approaches and techniques. Shows are created, rehearsed and performed throughout the year, with additional focus on professional skills acquisition and preparation for entry into the industry.

Stage and Screen curriculum (principal acting class : 12h/week)

Students choosing the Stage and Screen option split their attention between stage performance and techniques of acting for camera. They closely examine the similarities, differences, and challenges between the two mediums. Technical classes and camerawork are added to the basic performance curriculum, as well as advanced character work and emotional connection.

Third year performances consist of multi-media elements (filmed and live) as a central part of the staging and/or narrative.

Final Year Projects for both specialisms

The final project before graduation, known as Travail de Fin d’Etudes, is a key component of third year studies. Students autonomously produce a stage play or short film, which can be used as their first, introductory credit in the professional world. It is an opportunity to experience every step of the creative process, including writing, producing, directing, and performing …

These projects are subsequently presented at the Automnales festival, during the autumn term. A jury selects the best of these projects, which are given additional public presentations the following month.

TECHNICAL CLASSES

In addition to the principal acting curriculum, students are encouraged to participate in technical classes. These additional, optional classes are skill-specific explorations, offering opportunities for more in-depth investigation of foundational and specialized competencies.

Technical classes are scheduled so as to allow students to take advantage of them in parallel with their main studies, and cover such subjects as subjects cover voice training, movement, improvisation, clowning, stand-up comedy, and writing for stage and screen

Any French-speaking student is welcome to participate in French technical classes. It’s worth noting that some activities are particularly suitable for improving language skills, such as the Choeur du Cours Florent.

FRENCH AS FOREIGN LANGUAGE

For our international students who are still developing their language level, French as a Foreign Language (Français langue étrangère/FLE) classes are also available. We have developed a unique teaching approach that is particularly well-suited to dramatic art students, with a host of practical interactive exercises

THE FREE ENGLISH SCHOLARSHIP

Cours Florent also allows Acting in English students access to the Free English Scholarship competition, which offers free tuition for one academic year to selected students. Following an audition process conducted in English, two or three Free English Scholarships are awarded.

ACTING COURSES IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES IN THE HEART OF PARIS

Cours Florent offers a unique opportunity to study acting in several languages in preparation for an international career. Our students are fortunate to be studying at an established institution, located in a European capital with a vibrant creative industry, all exclusively in English.

Not only that, we are proud to provide French as a Foreign Language courses. These are designed specifically for Cours Florent students and - once they have mastered the language - ultimately grant access to parallel acting classes in French.

Subject to assessment of language skills, students may also follow similar parallel courses in German and/or Spanish (six hours in each language).

Completing a professional acting training course in different languages opens up a wide range of possibilities for their future professional lives. However, it’s important to remember that the aim is not necessarily to achieve perfection in a foreign language, but, rather, to work on clarity and freedom of expression in a multitude of languages.

SETTLING IN PARIS

As busy metropolitan city, it can be difficult to find housing in Paris. As such, we have a created several partnerships with organisations which specialise in sourcing accommodation, and which give preferential agreements to Cours Florent students.

To make your arrival in Paris as smooth as possible, the school organises an induction week during which students receive organisational tips and advice on life in France and at our school. Additionally, a number of student employment agencies, present their activities to those students interested in supplementing their studies with part-time work.

A wide range of events are organised to establish a school community and encourage peer support and solidarity. It is our great wish that your stay in Paris becomes an unforgettable experience.

GALILEO GLOBAL EDUCATION

Joining Cours Florent also means becoming part of the Galileo Global Education Group (GGE), the leader in private education in Europe.

Resident in 15 countries, the Group has 57 schools across five major disciplines: Arts and Design, Digital, Psychology, Law and Health, Management.

GGE has a wide range of training expertise, including:

knowledge of artistic and cultural professions;
solid experience in professionalisation;
unique expertise in the hybridisation and digitisation of training courses (leading French-language e-learning library);

There are numerous links between Cours Florent and other France-based schools in the group, such as a collaboration with the Conservatoire Libre du Cinéma Français, also known as CLCF. Students from Cours Florent are involved in joint projects alongside student technicians from the CLCF.

GGE provides an excellent welcome service to international students, including visa management and reception.

ACTING IN ENGLISH