SUMMER SEMESTER

LONDON IN-PERSON 2023

STUDENT HANDBOOK
 A NOTE FROM THE VICE PRINCIPAL & PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the IDSA Summer Semester 2023!

A warm welcome to all new students, and welcome
back to our returning student body. Your continued
resilience and passion has not gone unnoticed.
First, we would like to give a big thank you to our
Spring Semester students for another fabulous term,
in which it was a pleasure to work with you. It has
been fantastic to feel the buzz around the buildings
and online, and to witness the hard work and
dedication from tutors and students alike, honing This year we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, in
their craft. which there will be many opportunities to hone
During the Spring, we saw In House Presentations your craft and share your talent.
form our Freshers students and the excellent variety
of Contemporary American and Classic American The faculty and talent agency IDSA Talent and
plays from our Advanced and Tier 1 students, both Identity Agency Group (IAG) are looking forward to
online and in-person. Thank you to all of you who signing the next slate of ground breaking actors
attended to support your peers and we hope to see and soaking in the array of talent from all students.
you all in the audience at our Showcases at the end of
this Semester. In addition to the Typecast Writers Lab Course with
This term, we introduced our new Accelerate Netflix, Audiobook Module in association with
Programme, where students can attend three times Audible, Agency Labs, Half-term Short Courses,
a week, which has proved successful, not only in Artist Lounge Q&A and the Intensive Master Course
developing these students skills in screen but also in with IDSA Principal Femi Oguns (MBE). There is a
general as actors. The same was the case for our Tier 1 wealth of opportunities to look forward to in the
students, who visited Audible studios in the Barbican school calendar in 2023, and I hope all students take
(or were supported by an Audible engineer online) to the opportunity to engage in all that is to offer.
record their voice reels. Well done all!
Janette and I continue to develop the other aspects The Student Handbook is here to provide you with
of the curriculum, so there are some new exciting all the important details required for the semester.
modules in which to participate, as well as up and Keep this document handy, and read through all
coming events which The Principal, Femi will share details with care. I wish you all a wonderful Summer
with you. Semester.

Lorna Pearson-Hall Femi Oguns (MBE)

IDSA Vice Principal IDSA Principal & IAG CEO
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SEMESTER DATES 2023/24

SUMMER SEMESTER 2023
Induction Date: 19th April

Term Dates: 24th April - 23rd July

Half Term (and replacement classes): 5th - 11th June*

School Closures: 1st, 8th and 29th May

Replacement Dates for School closures: 24th - 30th July*

AUTUMN SEMESTER 2023

Induction Date: Wednesday 6th September, 9am-5pm

Term Dates: 11th September - 10th December

Half Term (and replacement dates): 23rd - 29th October*

Replacement Dates: 23rd - 30th October & 11th -17th December*

SPRING SEMESTER 2024

Term Dates: 15th January - 14th April

Half Term (and replacement classes): 26th February - 3rd March*

School Closures: 29th March & 3rd April

Replacement Dates for School Closures: 26th February & 1st March*

Replacement Dates: 26th February - 3rd March & 15th - 21st April*

* please note that if classes are rescheduled they will take place during these
weeks.

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PAYING YOUR FEES | 2023/24

WAYS TO PAY:
Payments are now overdue for the Summer 2023 term via your Classter account.

We would like to bring to your attention that we will be offering PayPal’s 0.0% Pay-in-3 instalment plan. You
can select the one instalment (£800.00) option on Classter and use the 0.0% Pay-in-3 instalment plan via
PayPal. Therefore, you can pay in three instalments at no extra cost as it does not require any school
administration. For those of you taking the three-day course (Accelerate) you will need to select this option
on Classter.

Please note the PayPal Pay-in-3 option requires a PayPal account. If you do not have a PayPal account it is
easy to set up. Please follow the link: PayPal .

You can also pay using a debit/credit card but you will not qualify for the Pay-in-3 option so will either need to
pay in full or contact the school for the instalment plan which will incur the existing administration fee.

Please follow the link for full details of the Pay-in-3 offer:
https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/paypal-payin3/terms

As we envisage that most students will take advantage of this cost-saving option, the school instalment
plans will no longer be available on Classter. Any student who does not wish to use the Pay-in-3 option
offered by PayPal but still require an instalment plan should contact [email protected] to
request this option via the school. Please note that if arranging the three-instalment plan via the school, it
will be subject to the existing administration charge broken down into three payments of £285.00, totaling
£855.00. When choosing thsi option you will be notifed of payment dateds at the time of arrangement.

PAYMENT DATES:
Summer Semester:
10th April 2023

Autumn Semester:
1st August 2023

Spring Semester 2024:

11th December 2023

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KEY INFORMATION
SCHOOL CORRESPONDENCE

COMMUNICATING WITH US
When emailing the Admin Team and Student Coordinators, please state in the subject line of your email your:
Full name, IDSA group, and note which institution you are enrolled in.
For example, Joe Blogs - FI19 - London In-person.

Please use the correct email for the matter you need to be addressed e.g. for a timetabling issue please email
timetables@. If you are not sure then email info@ and they will forward it to the correct department. Do not copy in
several people to the email as this may mean we think someone else is dealing with the issue. You should only email your
Student Coordinator about teaching and learning matters. For approval for absences for urgent personal business such
as unavoidable medical appointments, professional work or significant family events, please email
[email protected] in the first instance.

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HOW WE COMMUNICATE WITH YOU

We will communicate with you via the email address that you supplied when you joined the school. Please
check this inbox regularly to avoid missing important information. For less urgent matters we may notify
you via Classter.

We also send information via our newsletter IDSA Highlights, which includes all school updates,
announcements, short courses, and free pop-up workshops. It is essential you do not unsubscribe from this
mailing list ([email protected]) as you will miss important information. We will also
send important information via Classter so please check your inbox there regularly.

UNIFORM
Please be reminded that you are required to wear the IDSA uniform which is available to order via our
website. Students can purchase either an IDSA t-shirt, hoodie or sweatshirt. We also offer bundle deals.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER UNIFORM >>>

Once you have ordered your uniform, this will be available to collect on Induction day or at your earliest
convenience from our Brixton or Theatre ID site (please collect at least 30 minutes before your class).

NETFLIX SCHOLARSHIPS
Netflix Scholarships are for students who demonstrate great potential and commitment but who are
suffering financial hardship. Applications are now closed and no further scholarships are available. We will
notify students via IDSA Highlights should any new applications become available. All Netflix scholarships
have been allocated for the academic year. There are currently no arrangements in place for more
scholarships in the near future; this is entirely at the discretion of Netflix.

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COVID-19 SAFETY
You are currently required to use hand sanitisers and take sensible precautions, regarding hygiene and
social distancing.

Wearing masks is not currently required. However, the situation is being monitored and IDSA will continue
to follow current Government Guidelines.

In the event of symptoms, OR testing positive please follow the Student Covid Instructions below. All efforts
to sustain in-person classes will be made; if a class has been exposed to a positive case, then we will conduct
a risk assessment and the class may be placed online for a short period of time. Your safety is of our utmost
importance, and these regulations are in place for your health and safety. In the event that your class is
moved online, please refer to the IDSA Online | Zoom Information & Class Guidelines.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR COVID-19 POLICY & OPERATIONAL PLAN >>>

DEFERRAL INFO
When you join IDSA you are committing to a course. Freshers students sign up for two terms to complete
an In House Presentation to demonstrate they have reached the standard to progress to the Core Training
Programme. At Core Programme, we would expect most students to study for at least three years. However,
we do understand that there may be significant reasons why a student may need to defer e.g. for significant
personal or financial reasons, or for professional work.

Please be aware that deferring may mean you are ineligible to participate in an IHP or Showcase if you have
not attended the preceding term. In addition, any break in your training will disrupt your progress so
deferrals should only be sought for significant reasons and approved by the Deferrals Team. Please refer to
section 8 page 4 of the Student Learner Agreement for the IDSA Deferral Policy.

Requests for deferrals for the Summer Term should be made by Friday 2nd June 12 noon.
Please click here to access the deferral request form.

Please note that emergency deferrals may be approved by the Resident Team on a case by case basis,
provided evidence is supplied.
Please click here to access the emergency deferral form.

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ATTENDENCE AND LATENESS

At IDSA we expect 100% attendance. You only have to attend twice a week for 3 hours at a time and if you
want to succeed you need to put in the work. Being absent affects not only your progress but that of others
in your class, particularly your scene partner so please prioritise your training above all else. If you are absent
too often you risk being withdrawn from the course. We do have a system of authorised absences but
please note, whether authorised or not, you are still absent and therefore missing out on your training. For
more information please read the Student Learner Agreement and see below.

Authorised Absences:

In order to have your absence authorised you need to seek permission from absences by sending the form
to [email protected]. Absences will only be authorised for significant reasons such as
hospitalisation or bereavement. We don’t authorise general illness. Please note that even if an absence is
authorised it still counts towards your total number of absences. However, it is worth getting your absence
authorised, as it helps us to support you and to know what is going on. In all likelihood if you have too many
authorised absences, you will be told to defer (whereas if they are unauthorised you will be withdrawn.) We
do not authorise absences for work unless it is professional paid acting work of a significant standard.

Unauthorised Absences:

If you are ill on the day, this is an unauthorised absence but you should still notify absences@ or ring the
school so as to be polite to your tutor and classmates. We do not accept messages passed via another
student. Any other absences such as for work, lateness or social occasions will be unauthorised.

Lateness:

IDSA operates a strict lateness policy, as this is industry standard. Students are required to arrive at least 15
minutes prior to the start of class. Even if you are one minute late for any reason you will be unable to
participate in class and persistent lateness will result in students being removed from the school. Only
during Showcase, Filmcase and In-House Presentation (IHP) rehearsals can students be given a 30 minute
grace period, but this should not be abused. Please refer to the IDSA Student Learner Agreement at the end
of the Student Handbook for any queries regarding lateness and the school's policy.

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CLIVE DAILEY AWARDS

During our Annual Summer (CTP) and Autumn (Under 21) Showcase seasons, students have the chance to
win a Clive Dailey Award. Clive Dailey was a student at IDSA who suffered from sickle cell anaemia. His
dedication and commitment to his craft was exemplary. Clive Dailey sadly passed away whilst performing
a piece of Shakespeare during an IDSA class, and to commemorate him we are proud to present an award
to the strongest performance from each tier level. Each Clive Dailey award winner receives a full
scholarship for the following semester.

STUDENT WELL-BEING
IDSA Student Wellbeing services are open during term times only. This has been put in place to provide
emotional, social and spiritual support and can be utilised across all cultures and traditions. Student
Wellbeing offers a safe space to discuss any problems you may be having.

IDSA Student Wellbeing services are accessible to any student at the school. This is in place to support you
whilst you are studying with us and can be anything from accessibility support in classes, to mental health
support and anything else you may need. Student Wellbeing offers you a safe space to discuss any
problems you may be having. You can talk to your Student Coordinator or Hannah who is our Student
Support and Wellbeing Manager on [email protected].

PEER SUPPORT
In the event that you require Peer support this can be sought from your Class President or Class Vice
President. If you would like someone independent to support you, or if the support required particularly
pertaisn to Equality, Diversity or Inclusion please contact your

Peer Support and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer

Dela Hini [email protected]

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DRAMA ONLINE LOGIN DETAILS

As a student at IDSA you have access to the Drama Online library. This is a huge resource of published
plays and scripts, which will make sourcing scenes simple to access. This service is free for all students.
Click HERE to visit Drama Online >>>
Username: IdenAct123
Password: IdenAct123

STUDENT FORUM
We advise all students to sign up for the IDSA Student Forum via Facebook. This platform is for students to
share ideas, make announcements and congratulate each other's successes. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP >>>
If your name on Facebook is different from the one we have on file for you, please email
[email protected] with your full name and name on Facebook.

IDSA HIGHLIGHTS NEWSLETTER - WINS OF THE WEEK

Throughout the semester IDSA sends out the IDSA Highlights Newsletter, which includes the latest news,
announcements, and insights from the school. We are dedicated to showing the continued development
of all students in our Wins of the Week feature. If you have an upcoming project or booking that you would
like to share with us please feel free to send through your headshot and information to
[email protected] for a chance to be featured in our IDSA Highlights newsletter and
on our social media.

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BRANCH ADDRESSES
See below the addresses for all IDSA branches where your future classes and workshops will be held:

IDSA Brixton (London)

21 Beehive Pl, Brixton, London SW9 7QR
020 7274 2882

IDSA Theatre ID (London)

208 Wandsworth Rd, Stockwell, London SW8 2JU
020 7622 3140

Thymele Arts (LA)

5481 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States

SOCIAL MEDIA
We love hearing about the great things the IDSA family are up to! Please make sure you tag #IDSA in
your posts and follow us on social media for all the latest news, announcements, and events.

Click the buttons below to follow IDSA..

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LONDON INDUCTION BREAKDOWN

You have been emailed the details and we look forward to seeing you there. Please download this handbook
to bring with you.

YOUR FIRST LESSON:

See below a run-through of what you can expect for your first day of the Spring Semester.

As an ice breaker first your tutor will introduce themselves. Then each member of the class will have time for a
brief one-minute introduction, where they can also share their preferred name and pronouns (if they should
wish.)

Next your tutor will explain the role of the class president and vice president who act as student
representatives for the class. Your tutor will then hold a vote in class where you will be able to elect or re-elect
two student reps. The elected President & Vice-President should then notify [email protected],
copying in their student coordinator via email:

Jane Hancock, Student Co-ordinator Core Programme, Advanced and Tier 1 :

[email protected]

Janette Smith, Head Tutor, Adult Core Foundation and Intermediate Co-ordinator:
[email protected]

James Westphal, Student Co-ordinator Under 21 Young Actor's Programme

[email protected]

Sabrina Richmond, Student Co-ordinator New Freshers

[email protected]

Michael White, Student Coordinator Freshers IHP (Second Term Freshers)

[email protected]

Once the introduction has concluded the lesson will start.

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CURRICULUM INFORMATION
EXPLANATION OF TIER LEVELS
Successful applicants over the age of 21 will join our intensive Fresher programme, which lasts for two
terms (please see below for actors aged 16-20), where you will be placed into one of the following three
tier levels based on your audition:

Freshers Day (FD1 or FD2)

Freshers Evening
Freshers IHP

We assess applicants based on their level of ability and potential alone and do not require a CV/resume
or qualifications.

The Fresher programme is dedicated to ensuring that you have the skills and vocabulary to graduate to
the Core Programme at the highest level of which you are able.

Fresher Skills and Techniques Modules (Term 1)

You will spend Term 1 (12 weeks) developing your skills and ensuring you don’t have any gaps in
embodied knowledge and ability. At the end of your second term you will perform a group In-house
Presentation (IHP), which will be viewed and assessed by the IDSA faculty.

IHP MODULE (TERM 2)

You will spend the first half of semester focusing on Scene Study with your group, strengthening the
skills that you’ll need to draw upon for your In-House Presentation (IHP). In the second half of semester
you will work exclusively on rehearsing your IHP. You will then perform a duologue in front of a member
of the senior team at the end of the second half of semester. IDSA will then grade the students on their
performance and decide on their class placement. Those students achieving sufficient grades will qualify
to move to the Core Training Programme (CTP) for the following semester. Alongside the IHP students
will study two skills and technique modules.

CORE TRAINING PROGRAMME (CTP) – STAGE 2

Those students who graduate from the Fresher programme will join the main body of the school, the
rigorous Core Training Programme (CTP). Students taking part in the CTP can expect the level of
challenge and intensity of their training to increase at this point and will be entered into one of the
following four-tier levels:

CTP Foundation
CTP Intermediate
CTP Advanced
CTP Tier 1
Not only will you further develop and expand on a variety of techniques but you will engage in Showcase,
Zoomcase, or Filmcase performances at various times of the year.

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YOUNG ACTORS (UNDER 21) PROGRAMME

Students aged 16-20 do not take part in the Fresher programme, but instead join the exciting and
dynamic Young Actors Course (YAC). YAC is designed to deliver the rigour and pace of IDSA training for
young actors. Students on this course learn a variety of styles and techniques, and engage in Monocase,
Showcase, Zoomcase, or Filmcase performances in the Autumn Term. Once you reach the age of 21, you
will graduate to the Core Training Programme, in the Spring Term after you are 21.
This may be at Freshers level or directly onto Core Programme depending on how long you have trained
at the school. The tier levels for YAC are:

Under-21 Intermediate
Under-21 Advanced
Under-21 Tier 1

SHOWCASE/FILMCASE SUMMER SEMESTER (ADULTS)

& SUMMER SEMESTER (UNDER 21)

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

In your modules outside of showcase you will receive 1-2-1 feedback from your tutor. When doing the
Showcase/Zoomcase or Filmcase, you will be assessed and solely graded by a senior panel. Which will be
used in conjunction with grading criteria to set targets for future work.

FEEDBACK GUIDELINES
In reflection of the industry, the majority of your feedback will be verbal. You should receive constant
feedback throughout every class. The final 1-2-1 session of each module is an opportunity for you to
consolidate everything you have learned over the module and to set your self targets to progress. Voice
recordings may be made for your ease but these are for your own personal use and must remain strictly
confidential (even to other students.) We strongly advise that you also use the feedback form to record
your feedback and targets and help you digest them.

FEEDBACK FOR IHP/SHOWCASE

Please refer to the assessment criteria accessed via a link in the appendix of this handbook. When you
receive your marks from the panel you should look at them in conjunction with the criteria and the
verbal feedback and targets set by your tutor/director. Do also remember that being an actor is like
being an artistic athlete. Rather than lifting a heavyweight, sometimes you just need to repeat doing
something to master it in time. It's a marathon, not a race!

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GENERAL ADVICE ABOUT TRAINING

Your Own Personal Journey
You are on your own personal journey. Try not to compare yourself with others as this is
counterproductive. Also, everyone thinks they know about acting because they know what they like to
watch, however, focus on the process! Teaching acting is complex and requires experts-sometimes it's
about what you don't say so leave this to the tutors.

DO watch and learn from feedback given to others.

DON'T judge yourself in comparison to others - don't rank yourself or others in the class.
DON'T ask each other what your marks are.
DO lift each other up and encourage each other for work ethic, progress and process.
DON'T judge each other or criticise each other for lack of work ethic or process- leave this to the tutor
to deal with privately .
DON'T give each other notes.
DON'T contradict the tutor.
DO be aware of other's boundaries, culture and personal feelings.
DON'T ask tutors or other students in class personal questions and/or put them in awkward situations.
Nobody has to share anything personal with you about their personal affairs such as living situation,
background, ethnicity, sexual history etc- if you need to know this for a character- research it
elsewhere!

ONLINE
Please ensure you have the best internet connection you can afford and find a quiet, private and well lit
room in which to learn (preferably with space to move around.) Make sure there are no dangerous edges
or objects that could injure you or get broken as you move around. If you are having technical issues
please do not ask for technical support from the tutor as this wastes time for the rest of the class. Our
FOH team should be on hand to help you but if you cannot get a good connection you may have to sit
out of that class or observe with your video off.
In the case of technical difficulties please contact FOH via: [email protected] or by
phoning the school.

USING YOUR TIME

At IDSA you study for 6 hours per week so it is vitally important that you set time aside to practice and
work outside of class with your scene partner. We advise timetabling one or two regular slots to do work
with a partner so that you both can be available. You should also set regular time aside to practice
independently, otherwise before long the next session arrives and you haven't had time to practice!

VOICE WORK
Sometimes voice work may include exercises which inexperienced actors don’t always value. Think of it
as taking your voice to the gym. Some exercises require repetition to see progress (rather like lifting
weights.) For some voice classes a cushion and mat is useful but you can use something you already
have at home. Movement and Voice exercises ensure that your body is able to do whatever you want it to
do as an actor so do value them!

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GENERAL ADVICE ABOUT TRAINING - CONTINUED

MOVEMENT WORK
In movement, we use our bodies as the key point of exploration in our theatre craft. Therefore it’s
important we look after them as best we can. Please disclose any previous injuries or outstanding issues
to your tutors ahead of a class, so they can facilitate a better experience for you. If this is something you
would like us to be aware of before classes begin, or feel like you may need support in class please email
[email protected].

An attention to your own level of fitness and flexibility is encouraged, alongside maintaining good
personal hygiene while wearing clean movement clothes, including gripped socks to each class is
expected. Movement work often involves some contact work with other students and so it’s essential we
are observant in our behaviour and communication during this with our peers. It is strongly advised, you
have something to eat before your movement classes, to ensure that you have energy and strength
throughout the entirety of the class.

A lot of discovery in movement work is made through experience and exploration, so we encourage you
to come with an open physical commitment to the classes to help progress the course material.

PRONOUNS
Everyone deserves to have their chosen name and pronouns respected at IDSA, and sometimes judging
by name and appearance alone is not always accurate. It’s good practice for us to normalise asking and
sharing our pronouns, rather than assuming. It may feel unnecessary or uncomfortable in sharing your
pronouns at first, however doing so, helps raise awareness and acceptance of all including non-binary,
gender identities.
On the first meeting, your tutor will invite anyone to share their pronouns (to anyone who feels
comfortable to do so) but will make it clear that there is no pressure to do so. We really want to get your
pronouns right so let your tutor know so that they can address everyone as they would wish to be
addressed. If they forget please do politely remind them.. If someone has shared their pronouns with you,
these should be respected and used accordingly.

IN-PERSON
On the first meeting, your tutor may invite you to share your pronouns so that they can address everyone
as they would wish to be addressed. There is absolutely no pressure for you to disclose this information if
you do not wish to. Sharing your pronouns is your personal choice, however, if someone has indicated to
you their pronouns, these should be respected and used accordingly.

Should your pronouns, or chosen name, change during the term, please feel free to update at any time. If
this is something you would like to be reflected on your Classter / registration information with us, please
let Hannah know on [email protected].

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ONLINE
IDSA policy is that if students or tutors online wish to display their pronouns they should do so but no one
is under any pressure to inform the class. No one should be pressured or questioned about whether they
do or do not display pronouns. Sharing your pronouns is a personal choice, however, if someone has
shared their pronouns with you, these should be respected and used accordingly.

DEALING WITH EMOTIONS

Acting can sometimes evoke personal emotions which can be difficult to deal with in class settings.
Emotions are natural part of everyday life and they are not something to be afraid of. We want to make
sure that you are able to work on these in a safe way without impacting your studies or your interaction
with your class mates.

-Please avoid choosing any material that is too close to something that you are currently dealing with
personally or that is unresolved in your life.

-Empathy is something you are able to utilise within your training – by imagining what has happened
this can be a useful tool of “as if” rather than going on a lived experience which could have detrimental
impacts on your own mental health.

-Don’t try to force or reach an emotion – fight for what your character wants or needs and the emotion
will happen as a by-product.

-When working on emotional material, take time to step out. Allow your body to release your characters
emotions and tensions by doing a physical cool down or by giving yourself a moment or two to re-centre
yourself in the room. There are different tools that can help with this – relaxation exercises, dancing,
listening to upbeat music, meditation, listening to a podcast. Just whatever works for you.

-If you are struggling to find things that help you can get in touch the Student Support and Wellbeing
Manager who will be able to suggest some tools to help you deal with decompressing from tough
emotions.

-Be mindful of your own mental wellbeing and look after yourself. It is normal to have changes in mood
or changes in ability to deal with everything in our lives. However, prolonged change and impact to our
daily lives is when support should be sought.

-Mental health is just as important as physical health and is something that can be difficult and
distressing to deal with. We want all students to know that support is available at IDSA and if you do find
yourself struggling, please do not be nervous about seeking that support. All students can access support
and this is free from judgement at any time
.
-This support can be accessed by talking to our Student Support and Wellbeing Manager Hannah on
[email protected].

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KILL THE INNER CRITIC

Kill that inner critic! Take that voice out of your head, throw it on the ground and stamp on it. It is
important to reflect on your work and progress whilst doing exercises but not whilst performing- do that
after you have performed. Self-editing (that voice inside your head monitoring yourself) is a terrible block
for an actor. Practice emptying your mind and focusing on the present when you perform.

ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility is incredibly important at IDSA. We are passionate about accessible education, and we want
to make sure that we are able to best support you during your time at IDSA. If you have already disclosed
to us, during the application process, about any disabilities or access needs Hannah will be in touch
either before/during the first week of term to check in. If you have not previously disclosed to us about
anything you would like us to be aware of you can get in touch with Hannah at anytime time of year.

We have online and in person classes and support is available to everyone who attends IDSA. Discussions
can be held with your Student Ordinator and/or the Student Support and Wellbeing Manager.

CHOICE OF MATERIAL
LANGUAGE
Many plays and screen plays, especially contemporary writing, includes swearing or provocative
language. The use of this language may be necessary for the scene but students may decline to use this
language by missing it out/altering the word and then find another scene for future use. It is IDSA policy
that the ‘n’ word or any other racial slurs are not used, even in performance as part of a script.

In scripts where there is excessive swearing or provocative language, it is advisable to get this approved
by the Head of Acting.

CASTING
Students are encouraged to explore the full range of material available to them. Tutors will also suggest
suitable material and will have the final say on material to be worked on. In addition tutors may
recommend suitable material which may be particularly tailored to your casting bracket, which
according to the industry may include parts specifically written for your age, ethnicity or accent.
However, no student should be defined by these factors and there is much material with universal
themes which is great to work on and also should be offered. Tutors and students should be aware of
avoiding negative stereotypes and any type of profiling such as racial or religious profiling.

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NUDITY/SEXUALLY EXPLICIT SCENES

This is strictly prohibited at IDSA. As a training institution it is not necessary to work on this sort of
material. No student will ever be asked to work on this material or required to work naked or partially
naked.

If your scene includes partial nudity and you feel strongly that this is required e.g. in your underwear,
please ensure that this is carefully planned and also approved by the Head of Acting before any rehearsal
or performance goes ahead. If approved students should wear appropriate garments:

Dance belt and/or supportive briefs underneath boxer shorts.

2 pairs of briefs, a thong or bikini underneath full briefs ideally with a slip.
A crop top or bra that has no danger of any wardrobe malfunctions.

Although within a professional job, you may choose to accept nudity or sexually explicit scenes, we
would strongly advise you to consider carefully any such jobs and to take advice about how these scenes
will be handled.
Most reputable companies now make use of an intimacy co-ordinator to ensure the actors are protected
and comfortable with what they are being asked to do. Any director who says they are also an intimacy
coordinator are not following guidelines- as the point is the two roles should not be conducted by the
same person.

COSTUMES
For In House Performances and Showcases, please make sure you have rehearsed in your costume at
least twice before your performance – this is so you can make sure that you are comfortable in what you
are wearing and that costumes can be checked for suitability. health and safety and modesty reasons,
students should not wear anything or work with any props on the performance night with which they
have not previously rehearsed. Wardrobe or prop malfunctions distract the audience, lose marks and in
some cases can downgrade everyone’s hard work. Items such as heels and low cut clothing are especially
precarious!

WEAPONS / FIGHT SCENES

It is expressly forbidden to bring in any kind of weapon, even if the script requires it. Please be aware that
it is an offence to carry a weapon, and therefore if you are bringing a weapon to class you may be
stopped and searched and get into serious trouble. In addition, the scene should be properly directed
and approved by the Head of Acting. If your scene requires a weapon e.g. your character threatens
someone with a knife, or includes a physical fight, then please email the Head of Acting for advice and
they will attend a rehearsal to discuss solutions with you and your tutor. Any fight scenes should be
choreographed by a fight director and approved by the Head of Acting.

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PROPS
The use of real or imitation weapons such as knives, or firearms is strictly forbidden. Replica items must
not be used without the express permission and supervision of the Head of Acting. Replica items will be
locked away and stored in the theatre. Please be mindful of this as may have serious repercussions e.g.
you may be stopped and searched on your way to the class.

All other props should be brought in by yourselves. You may store them in a clearly labelled bag/box with
your name and class name, which FOH will lock away and keep safe for them. Students should not
‘borrow’ items from either of the buildings.

All props should be taken home at the end of the performance. NB Any props not collected will be
discarded one week after the performance week.

FEEDBACK FOR US
Each class should elect a Class President as your first point of contact to feedback to us. We meet with
the class presidents every term. In addition to this, you will be sent a student survey to fill in. Please do so,
as it really helps us to continue to improve. Finally, if you need to discuss something personal to you
please contact your student coordinator:

Jane Hancock, Student Co-ordinator Core Programme, Advanced and Tier 1 :

[email protected]

Janette Smith, Head Tutor, Adult Core Foundation and Intermediate Co-ordinator:
[email protected]

James Westphal, Student Co-ordinator Under 21 Young Actor's Programme

[email protected]

Sabrina Richmond, Student Co-ordinator New Freshers

[email protected]

Michael White, Student Coordinator Freshers IHP (Second Term Freshers)

[email protected]

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PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR
We hope that you will be really happy and thrive at IDSA at all times! However, if you aren't happy about
something it is important that you feed this back to us as soon as possible so that we can help.
Sometimes issues can make you feel angry but please do monitor this emotion as it is destructive in the
acting studio where we want to maintain a safe space. In addition, it is not fair to act out your anger on
people who are just trying to do their job, as they can take that home with them. Have a rant at home! Write
an angry letter and then delete it! Then try to take the emotion out of the situation and politely raise the
issue clearly with the necessary facts. We are always here to help and will take any complaint seriously.
Please see below for advice about the process.
It is not acceptable to be aggressive towards any FOH member. They have the right to refuse you entry if
you are late or if you have not paid your fees.

DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS

In the first instance it is always to better to deal with a complaint informally and often these problems can
be resolved there and then with the tutor or member of staff concerned. If the problem is with a tutor or
another student, ask to have a quick private word at the end of the class to resolve the issue.
However, if the problem is more serious or not going away then please contact your Student
Co-ordinator in the first instance, as soon as possible. If this does not resolve the issue then please contact
Lorna on [email protected] for help, again as soon as possible. The sooner we can resolve
the issue the better. IDSA has a formal complaints process which can be found HERE.

DISCIPLINARY ISSUES
When joining IDSA you are joining a school, a community with rules. These are put in place for the benefit of
everyone but it may feel a little difficult if you have been out of education for a while. Please familiarise
yourself with the rules and follow them so as not to create tension. If you are reminded of the rules please
take this as a positive and be gracious in accepting this advice so as not to embarrass anyone (or yourself!)

I HAVE BEEN CALLED FOR A DISCIPLINARY - WHAT DO I DO?

We have to have rules to ensure that we have a safe and thriving work environment in which students can
learn. All of our rules are to make sure this happens. Occasionally we may need to meet with a student as
part of our disciplinary procedure to enforce these rules.

If you have been called for a disciplinary this may make you feel anxious or even angry. Please be reassured
that we will always deal with the evidence and listen to your side of the story. However, it is important to
remain calm and respectful and to listen to the outcome. You may also bring a fellow student (preferably
your class president ) with you for support.
You may also request the presence of peer support (EDI representative).

In the majority of cases disciplinary matter arise because someone didn't know or forgot the rules and a
simple acceptance and apology is the end of the matter. However, in more serious cases disciplinary issues
may result in a verbal or written warning and/or exclusion. This Is to protect all staff and students.

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STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT

The school has a strict code of conduct for staff which can be found HERE

Any student who is concerned that a member of staff has broken the code of conduct, should report this
immediately to their Student Co-ordinator or to The Vice Principal. All complaints will be dealt with
sensitively and in accordance with the complaints policy.

Please see the links for all IDSA policies in the appendix on the next page.

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APPENDIX

Please click the links below to view the following IDSA policy documents:

1. COVID-19 Policy and Operational Plan

2. Complaints Policy and Procedures
3. Student Support Through Studies Policy
4. Urgent Personal Business (UPB) Request
5. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
6. Safeguarding Policy
7. Student Disciplinary Procedure
8. Student GDPR Notice
9. Travel Disruption Policy
10. Assessment Criteria & Level Descriptions
11. Assessment Procedures
12. Help and Support Services
13. Online Zoom Information and Class Guidelines
14. Staff Code of Conduct

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