About this season
A series of workshops led by leading actors on the techniques of acting in film, opera, and on stage
Episodes (5)
1. Michael Caine: On Acting in Film
10.0Aired 28 August 1987 • 58 min
Michael Caine teaches the art of movie acting to five young actors, who perform scenes from Alfie (1966), Deathtrap (1982) and Educating Rita (1983). He talks about how to perform in close-ups and extreme close-ups. He warns about the continuity dangers of smoking cigarettes or fiddling with props. He talks about screen tests, special effects men who are cavalier about your safety and speaking to someone who is off camera. The movie camera is your best friend and most attentive lover, he says, even though you invariably ignore her. The art of movie acting can be summed up in one word: relax!
2. Jonathan Miller: On Acting in Opera
Aired 4 September 1987 • 58 min
3. Simon Callow: On Acting in Restoration Comedy
Aired 11 September 1987 • 58 min
4. Brian Cox: On Acting in Shakespearean Tragedy
9.0Aired 17 August 1990 • 58 min
Brian Cox leads a group of young actors in a workshop exploring techniques in performing Shakesperean tragedy, using Macbeth and Titus Andronicus as example texts.
5. Janet Suzman: On Acting in Shakespearean Comedy
Aired 10 August 1990 • 58 min