Classical acting, particularly in the context of the UK, refers to a traditional approach to performance that is rooted in the works of classical playwrights such as Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Chekhov. It emphasises a heightened awareness of language, text analysis, and emotional truth, with actors often undergoing rigorous training to master both the technical and emotional demands of this style of acting.
Classical Actors use physical and vocal techniques to convey the character to the audience. They use their imagination to portray the character, instead of using method acting and trying to ‘be’ the character. So, classical acting has a big focus on voice, movement and imagination.
Text-Cantered Approach:
Classical acting is heavily focused on the text, particularly when dealing with playwrights such as Shakespeare, whose works feature rich, poetic language and complex imagery.
Actors are trained to understand the rhythm, meter (like iambic pentameter), and rhetorical devices in the text, allowing them to convey meaning and emotion effectively.
Heightened Language and Physicality:
The style often involves heightened, poetic language that demands clarity, precision, and musicality in delivery. Physicality is also emphasised, with actors embodying characters through deliberate gestures and movements that match the elevated nature of the text.
Characterisation and Emotional Truth:
While the language and movement are stylised, classical acting still requires the actor to convey emotional truth and connect with the character’s inner life. The balance between technical skill (e.g., vocal projection and articulation) and emotional authenticity is a key element.
Large-Scale Performance:
Historically performed in open-air theatres like The Globe, classical acting often requires actors to project vocally and physically to engage large audiences. This includes using their voice and body to “fill” the space.
Classical acting is deeply tied to the UK’s theatrical heritage, with Shakespeare regarded as a cornerstone of English literature and drama. The training often equips actors with a strong foundation for both stage and screen, as many of the skills (e.g., text analysis, emotional depth) are transferable.
Contemporary Influence:
While classical acting is rooted in traditional approaches, many contemporary UK productions reinterpret classical texts for modern audiences. This allows actors trained in classical methods to adapt their skills for diverse styles and audiences.
Versatility:
Actors trained in classical acting are often seen as versatile performers, capable of moving between traditional theatre, contemporary drama, and even film/television.
Training in Classical Acting
Drama School Training:
Many UK drama schools, including Italia Conti, place a strong emphasis on classical acting in their curricula. Training focuses on foundational skills such as:
Shakespeare and Chekhov:
Shakespeare is often at the heart of classical acting training in the UK due to his centrality to the English theatrical canon. Actors learn to interpret soliloquies, monologues, and dialogue, as well as work on verse and prose.
Russian playwrights like Anton Chekhov also feature prominently, providing actors with opportunities to explore naturalism within classical frameworks.
Technical Mastery:
Classical acting training emphasises the technical mastery of voice, breath control, and physicality. Techniques to develop physical alignment and relaxation/release and methods to free the voice and enhance emotional connection are often integrated into training.
Classical acting has roots in theatre, so, classical actors are action-oriented rather than emotion. That’s not to say lines will be delivered in an unemotional way, though! The move from ‘classical acting’ to incorporate more modern acting approaches, which are more focused on psychological realism, improvisation, and personal/substituted (imagined) experience. While classical acting requires technical mastery and a deep understanding of text and style, modern approaches (e.g., Stanislavski, Meisner, or Strasberg methods) often puts more focus on how the internal affects the external.
At Italia Conti, we believe in offering students well-rounded training that helps them develop their skills as an actor. Much of our course is devoted to the vocal and physical training you will need to be a well-rounded actor capable of engaging with classical, modern, and contemporary approaches and texts. We arm students with a toolbox of techniques, empowering them to find what works best for them. From classical acting to modern methods, our goal is to produce versatile performers who can thrive across a variety of media and styles.
Find out more about our BA Acting Course.
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