Joining the acting profession

Wedding

Preparing for the Profession

In your final year you are given clear guidance on starting in the acting profession. There are regular talks, workshops and visits by regional theatre directors, agents, casting directors, income tax advisers and representatives from Equity (see below). Actors and actresses currently working in the profession are involved as tutors in your final year, advising you on preparation for the profession.

Audition showcases

During the final year you prepare showcases of modern and classical speeches and scenes, which are attended by a large number of agents and theatre and casting directors.

Equity membership

Students who have the right to work in this country are eligible to become student members of British Actors' Equity, the actors' trade union, and will automatically be granted full membership on completion of their training.

After training

After graduating, some former students have started their own theatre companies, others are playing leading roles in the West End, at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and in regional theatres. Others feature in films and television dramas.

View a list of work undertaken by company graduated 2008

Through its close contacts with the profession the Drama Department is frequently able to recommend former students for specific work, and staff members are available to give advice.

Ferdinand Kingsley

'The School has a supportive, creative and collaborative philosophy, and a place at the core of the profession which offers the best possible start to an actor's career.'
Ferdinand Kingsley, BA Acting