The Craft of Acting
Jason Riddington-Smith P.G.C.E. Acting Coach Teacher Director
Teacher/Director
Qualifications:
PGCE Buckingham University
City and Guilds 7307 Stage 2 Adult Learning
Post Graduate Diploma in Theatre Studies University of Bedfordshire
Diploma of Professional Acting 3 Years LAMDA
Approved Moderator for AQA GCSE, AS/A Level Practical Exams
LAMDA Teacher
DFEE NO: 0104262
Current Enhanced DBS Certificate
ACTING TUTOR/DIRECTING POSITIONS
The Henley College - Head of Drama - ongoing
The Actors Centre - Finding The Inner Key 2019
City Lit - Director 'Saltimbanques' by Jim Knable - 1st Year Performance Project 2016
Associated Studios London - Building a Character, Improvisation 2015/16
East 15 Theatre School - Building a Character, Improvisation, Audition Speeches 2015/16
The Actors Centre - Finding The Inner Key 2016
HEAD OF DRAMA - The Henley College 2023 - ongoing
Responsible for the delivery and implementation of AQA A Level Drama and UAL Performing Arts
HEAD OF DRAMA - Bedford Modern School 2001-2012
In charge of curriculum accross the range of teaching from Years 7 to 13, Jason specialised in GCSE, AS and A level, consistantly achieving the highest grades at one of the most competitive and successful private schools in East Anglia. Employed to inculcate his skills and experience as an actor, Jason developed the sixth form A level theatre studies company Theatre in Transit, to perform challenging texts throughout the wider community and to garner a professional experience for the students. Many of whom have gone on to become successful actors in their own right. Plays directed by Jason include: THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE, MOTHER COURAGE, BLOOD WEDDING, OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD, WE WILL ROCK YOU, THE MARAT SADE, THE TRIAL, MACBETH and JULIUS CAESAR.
COURSE LEADER - National and Higher National Diplomas - Bedford College 1998-2001
Responsible for writing, delivering and staffing the entire structure of units, developed into a 'dranma school' type curriculum to engage students in every discipline of the craft of acting. Again, Jason was invited to apply his skills and experience as a practitioner to the development of successful actor training courses. Many students going onto secure entry to major drama schools.
T'AI CHI QI GONG - ongoing
A practitioner and teacher of Qi Gong for over 20 years, Jason originally learnt this form of T'ai Chi to compliment the study of swordsmanship. Qi Gong is now a highly respected and sort after form of mind and body training, being practiced by top sportsmen and movie stars alike, who recognise the incredible benefits of strength, suppleness and inner stability - qualities essential to perform at, and stay at, the highest level.
REALITY FIRST WEAPONS - 2007-2011
Founder and teacher of a specialist group of elite martial artists from a range of forms to whom Jason taught sworsmanship, inspired by the Fiori Manual and his teachers John Waller and Rodney Cottier. The group performed 'realistic weapons fights' in a range of venues and settings using an array of weapons such as the Broadsword, Rapier and Dagger, Bo Staff and Japanese Katana.
FILM STUDIES - ongoing
Jason has utilised his extensive experience of acting in film and TV, to inform his teaching of Film Studies, and film acting. Film and Media Studies also taught at GSCE, AS and A level.
INDIVIDUAL/GROUP TUITION - ongoing
Jason offers tuition on and individual or small group basis in GCSE and A level Engligh, Drama and Theatre Studies, acting and T'ai Chi Qigong.
ENGLISH/DRAMA TEACHING POSITIONS - ongoign supply Simply Education includes:
Aykeley Wood School, Sir Henry Floyd School, Bourne End Academy, Aylesbury Vale Academy, Wycombe High School, John Hampden School, Great Marlow School, Chiltern Hills Academy, The Grange School, John Colet School, The Cottesloe School, Princess Risborough School, Sir William Ramsey School
FORMER STUDENTS -
Over the years Jason has had the privilege of teaching, directing and offering inspiration to some incredibly talented performers. He is so very proud of all of their achievements and feels honoured to have helped their development and artistry in some small way.
Former students include:
Sope Dirisu (THE HUNTSMAN, HUMANS, THE MILL, MOTHERLAND, COREALANUS, GANGS OF LONDON)
Jeremy Irvine (Spielberg's WAR HORSE, NOW IS GOOD, THE RAILWAY MAN, TREADSTONE)
Charlie Russell (THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, THE MISER, A COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY, PETER PAN GONE WRONG)
Sarah Armstrong (JASON BOURNE, EPISODES, THE CONTRACT, DRUNK ON LOVE, KEELER)
Cate Cammack (BENEATH THE TIDES, GENTLEMEN AND GANGSTERS, FARINELLI AND THE KING)
