The Principles of Gintaras Varnas’ Actor Training: Objectives and Results of the Study Process (2005–2009)

Doctoral student: Elzė Gudavičiūtė
Supervisors: Prof. Jonas Vaitkus, Prof. Dr. Ramunė Marcinkevičiūtė
Department: Acting and Directing
Duration: 2013–2017

Abstract

Elzė Gudavičiūtė

Elzė Gudavičiūtė | photo Giedrė Šilinskaitė

This artistic research paper evaluates the working methods of director-pedagogue Gintaras Varnas in the context of Lithuanian school of actor training and the professional theatre stage: it discusses Varnas’ actor training principles, analyses his teaching objectives at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre during the period of 2005–2009, and the study results achieved. The chosen actor training methods are assesed by looking at the final student ensemble performances of The Hail of Stars (2007) and The Decalogue (2008). In order to form a deeper insight into the future outcomes of this actor training and how these outcomes manifest on the professional stage, this research paper evaluates creative collaboration between nine Varnas’ students who graduated from the Acting BA and the director-pedagogue in the performances created between 2009–2016, as well as Varnas’ students achievements and creative work with other Lithuanian theatre and film directors. The research paper uses interdisciplinary methodology which combines case study and its findings, in-depth interviewing, and comparative analysis of historical and other sources.

In the context of contemporary Lithuanian theatre, Varnas’ creative work is a clear continuation of strong-willed, active and responsible research of theatre theory and practice. In the context of theatre studies and research, the originality of this thesis lies in the first attempt to research and articulate the characteristics of Varnas’ actor training, and to evaluate the academic results and ability of the future acting professionals who underwent his training. The findings of this thesis are potentially useful for further research and analysis of other Lithuanian directors-pedagogues and their actor training methods. Together with the main body of the research paper, the appendices, containing detailed interviews with all Varnas’ acting students who graduated in 2009 about their studies, their take on the actor training methods they experienced and the value of their teacher’s pedagogical principles, will be kept at the Theatre History Archive.