Escuela María Espejo

Performing arts and communication in Jerez

Escuela María Espejo is a performing arts and communications school in Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz. Since opening in 2014, it has offered instruction in acting, film, physical movement, voice, and public speaking.

Areas of study

The school organizes its program across several departments:

• Theater: contemporary and classical theater, improvisation, theater history, text analysis, character development, staging, staged readings, makeup and costuming, set design, production, dramatic literature, and directing.
• Film: on-camera acting, casting, film history, image and script analysis, demo reels, film library, research, and directing actors.
• Movement: physical expression, choreography, dance, movement scores, fitness training, street theater, mime, world dance, clowning, and contact improvisation.
• Voice: musical theater, singing, and vocal technique.
• Communication and public speaking: speeches, in-person and on-camera public speaking, debate, team building, civil-service exam preparation, and emotional management.

Programs and audition preparation

The school offers a private advanced degree program in performing arts for students pursuing professional work in theater and audiovisual production. The program includes individualized instruction, expressive-skills development, recording a professional portfolio, and preparation for auditions at higher-education performing arts schools. The school also offers a general program for children and specialized communication and public-speaking workshops.

It prepares students for entrance exams at RESAD and Spain’s regional higher schools of dramatic art (ESAD). According to the school, former students have gone on to study at RESAD and ESAD schools in Málaga, Seville, and Córdoba, as well as at Escuela TAI in Madrid.

Faculty and leadership

Lidia María Jaime is the school’s director and coordinates the Film, TV, and Communication department. Fernando Navarro is head of studies and coordinates the Acting department. The faculty also includes Guiomar Hidalgo (Movement), Giovanna Muñoz (Voice and Singing), Carmen Muñoz (administration), Irka Lugo (secretary), Vandy Sabajanes (on-camera acting), and an acting instructor.