course aims

The two year diploma in acting trains actors to work as professionals in a modern, industry-relevant environment. Students will be able to undertake the rigours of a professional career having developed sound skills and techniques in acting and performance at drama school.

Students will develop their own robust working process, strong vocal and movement skills and the ability to create believable and fully rounded characters for stage or screen.

ACT aims to produce actors who are both dynamic and interesting and who can draw on their own, often varied and wide ranging life experiences, to produce work that is truthful and engaging.

The training environment will provide an inspiring, nurturing, safe and supportive environment. ACT has an absolute commitment to guiding each student to discover and develop their individual and unique talents and skills to the fullest possible extent.

overview

The Diploma in acting is open to students over 18 and there is no upper age limit. The course runs for six terms over 2 years and each term consists of 12 continuous weeks. Intake is in September and students graduate in July. Students are required to attend Monday to Wednesday evening 6.45pm to 10pm (extends to Thursday in some terms) and Sunday daytime (times vary). Students will be expected to attend outside of these times when required.

course structure

year one

Students will be introduced to the language of drama and performance and develop their acting technique, process and critical understanding through the disciplines of; Acting Technique, Theatre History, Voice, Movement and Singing.

This year is predominantly about the development and acquisition of skills. Work will be based around the principals of Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov and students will discover how to work effectively with text and how to create and portray truthful and complex characters.

Each term students are in Project - rehearsal for, and performance of, a play or text given at the end of the term. These performances are in house and to the faculty and an invited audience only (from Term 2). This allows students to be both bold and playful in a safe environment and also to develop the ability to take creative risks before being exposed to public scrutiny.

Students' work is continuously assessed through class work, presentations and one-to-one tutorials. Each term students participate in Self Assessment, alongside written Tutor Assessment and termly 'Crit' sessions with the Principal and Project Director.

year two

In Year Two students will capitalise on the skills developed in year one and focus on preparing and engaging themselves in the rigours of performance. Disciplines this year are; Voice, Movement, Musical Theatre, Intensive Duologue and Ensemble Scene Preparation, Acting for Camera, Shakespeare and Professional Studies.

Term 4 and 5 projects are presented in external venues and are open to the public. There are also public presentations of work developed in Voice, Movement and Musical Theatre.

Term 6 is preparation for Showcase and students will take classes and sessions in Professional Studies as well as workshops with visiting industry practitioners (Casting Directors, Agents, Equity etc). There is both a London (Jermyn Street Theatre) and a Brighton (TOM - The Old Market) Showcase. Students will also take their Trinity Guildhall Diploma exam in Speech and Drama (ATCL)

qualification

On completion of the course, and if successful in your assessments and examination, you will be awarded a Trinity Guildhall Speech and Drama Diploma (ATCL). This qualification is accredited in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by QCA, DELLS/WAG and CCEA respectively and has formal recognition in a number of other countries. This is a Level 4 qualification on the National Qualification Framework (equivalent to a Certificate in Higher Education).

Within the 6th term students take a 45 minute practical exam which will test your abilities with dramatic text, improvisation, verse and prose. As well as demonstrating your acting abilities you will also have to demonstrate the ability to discuss your work and working process.

On graduation you will receive both your ACT Diploma Certificate and your Trinity Guildhall Diploma Certificate. Holders of Trinity Guildhall Associate Diplomas (ATCL) are entitled to wear an academic gown.

entry requirements

The Acting Diploma is open to students over 18 and there is no upper age limit. The Diploma is a demanding and intensive training course offering a comprehensive actor training. Prospective students must have talent, self-belief, motivation, commitment, dedication, self-discipline and a generosity of spirit. Students must be able to take responsibility for their own development, be in good health, have good time management skills and a clear understanding of both the vagaries of an acting career as well as its joys.

application

Entry is by assessment and audition or by audition only.

In order to allow applicants the best possible opportunity to be assessed in a fair and fully rounded manner, we ask that students attend one of our monthly Two Week Intensive Workshops in Acting. For students for whom this is not possible, please see our direct audition route.

Students can also assess directly and fully whether ACT Drama School is the right place for them. The tutors, class structure and timetable are all carefully designed to be a reflection of the style and content of our tuition and of the rigours and demands of our courses.

Upon completion of the Workshop, every tutor submits a written evaluation of each student's potential in their discipline. Students then attend an individual feedback session and interview with the Principal. This process allows us to determine a candidate's suitability for training and, in the case of successful applicants, which course is most appropriate for their existing skill level.

Following the interview, successful students will be sent a written offer, this will be a provisional offer and they will be invited to one of our audition dates.

direct audition applications

Students who are unable to take apart in the Two Week Intensive Workshop may apply via an audition. Applicants will need to prepare and present two strongly contrasting pieces - an audition information pack will be sent to you. Applicants may also apply for the Bursary scheme as detailed above.

Students who are based abroad or cannot travel to Brighton may audition via Zoom.

Audition fee £25.

Auditions can be booked and paid for online on our Audition page.