act special training course: act ensemble theatre company

An opportunity for aspiring actors.

An exciting opportunity to be part of a theatre company working alongside an experienced professional director and technical team to present a play for four public performances in the Lantern Theatre.

This practical production term will allow those actors who already have some training or experience to further develop their skills in rehearsal and performance. As well as regular weekly rehearsals the company will take Singing and Movement classes to both support the production and build their acting skills. Company Members are also able to join ACT’s Creative Playground classes on a Wednesday evening.

Please make sure you read the details below which gives days and times of rehearsals and performance week. This term, the play is A Christmas Carol, directed by Daniel Finlay.

This is an advanced-level course. Entry is by audition only.

Overall Dates: Sunday 28th September – Saturday 20th December 2025

Rehearsals Sundays (12.45pm -6pm) and Mondays (6.45pm -10pm) with some Tuesday evenings and one Saturday – see Course Times for full schedule.



Course Details

  • We are committed to building a diverse company of actors who bring enthusiasm, dedication, and strong teamwork. The rehearsal process will be creative, fast-paced, demanding—and fun!

    You will explore:

    • Understanding the text and the director’s interpretation of themes and performance style

    • Character building, including voice, movement, and relationships

    • Professional rehearsal etiquette, including technical and dress rehearsals

    • Preparing for live performance

    As a member of the company, you will:

    • Develop your character and relationships within the play.

    • Work in alignment with the director’s artistic vision.

    • Commit fully to rehearsals, preparation deadlines, and professional company standards.

    As well as rehearsals you will undertake weekly Singing Classes and special Ensemble and Character Movement sessions as well as having the opportunity to join ACT’s Wednesday night Creative Playground Sessions.

    Please note: Acting exercises may involve material some participants find challenging.

  • By the end of this course, you will be able to:

    • Engage fully with the rehearsal-to-performance process

    • Develop and sustain a character within a professional production

    • Realise the director’s vision through rehearsal practice

    • Work effectively and respectfully with stage management and production team

  • Description This is an advanced-level course. Entry is by audition only.

    You will need to demonstrate:

    • Full commitment and professional conduct throughout the project

    • Reliability in meeting deadlines and responding to directorial guidance

    • The ability to collaborate effectively with cast and crew

    At audition, suitability and skill level will be assessed. 100% attendance is required.

    Skills you should bring include:

    • Active listening and clear communication

    • Ability to give and receive constructive feedback

    • Script reading and analysis for clarity and meaning

    • Note-taking and application of feedback

  • Learning will be primarily practical. The director may use:

    • Improvisation

    • Text analysis

    • Character exploration

    • Research projects

    You will also take a regular Singing class and also some Movement classes / rehearsals.

    Outside of rehearsals, you will be expected to:

    • Learn your lines by the designated "off book" deadline

    • Prepare through script and character study

    • Be available for all rehearsals and performances during production week

  • You must purchase your own play script.

    ACT has in store some set / props / costumes and there is a modest production budget. However, you may be asked to hire costumes and/or supplement costumes or props with items from your own wardrobe. These are brought at your own risk—ACT cannot be held responsible for damage. All personal items must be clearly labelled and removed after the final performance.

  • In addition, to further their development, students are invited to join:

    ACT Creative Playground Workshops on a Wednesday evening 24th September – 26th November.

    Taught by a number of different tutors - each class is a self-contained Workshop / Masterclass covering a variety of disciplines, techniques and styles of Acting.

  • Overall: Sunday 28th September – Saturday 20th December 2025

    Weekly Rehearsals (28 Sept – 8 Dec):

    Sunday
    12:45 – 2:15pm: Singing
    3:00 – 6:00pm: Rehearsals

    (Except: Sunday 26th Oct 11am - 6pm. Sunday 23rd Nov 10am - 5pm. Sunday 30th Nov 11am - 6pm. Sunday 7th Dec 11am - 6pm)

    Monday
    6:45 – 10:00pm: Rehearsals / Movement
    Total: 7.75 hours per week

    (Except: Monday 20th & 27th Oct will be on Tuesday: 21st  & 28th Oct and Monday 17th & 24th Nov will be on Tuesday18th & 25th November)

    Production Week:

    Saturday 13th Dec: 10:00am – 6:00pm
    Sunday 14th Dec: Rest day
    Monday 15th Dec: 6:00 – 10:00pm
    Tuesday 16th Dec: 6:00 – 10:00pm

    Performances: 
    Wed 17th – Sat 20th Dec, 7:30pm (call at 6:00pm)

    Total Hours: 105.25 + 4 evening performances (For reference: one Foundation Term = 111 hours)

    Attendance and punctuality are essential and will demonstrate your professional discipline. Rehearsal and production photographs will be taken for marketing purposes.

  • You may be asked to participate in rigorous activity. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.


audition and interview

Entry to the ACT Ensemble is by audition. You should prepare two contrasting monologues of 2-3 minutes from a published play. These can be either classical or contemporary.

course fee

£900


apply for an audition

Auditions will be held on the evening of Tuesday 23rd September. If you wish to audition but cannot audition that evening please let us know and we will try and see you another day.

How to apply

Funding

Book an audition

Sources of funding

Bursary scheme

The Workshop

Audition guide

Course fees