BA Acting

Acting Practice explores some fundamental questions of, and approaches to, acting. Ensemble and autonomy, spontaneity and repetition, self and character, play and presence all emerge as key areas of investigation. Classes draw on exercises and theories from a diverse range of practitioners, both past and present. Students are encouraged to experiment with a variety of ways to practice, and as a result, to build your own meanings and processes of working. 

Voice work focusses on breath, sound and language, aiming to release the natural agility of the voice. Exploration and embodiment of a diverse range of texts enables the actor to find their own artistic voice, while also meeting the vocal demands of a variety of dramatic contexts. Further studies include accents and dialects, singing, and audio, which will prepare you for the demands of working in a range of contexts and across a variety of media. 

Movement incorporates a range of techniques and principles that yield connection, awareness and exploration through the actor’s body. A palette of expressive practices establish a transformative and embodied actor, and improvisational skills accrue freedom and spontaneity, particularly within the ensemble. Further studies focus on dance, stage combat, and intimacy, and the application of these practices within dramatic contexts.

Screen explores the principles of screen and acting on camera. Classes develop students’ understanding of terminology, acting techniques and the specific demands of working on screen including: maintaining continuity, working with marks, eye lines, different lenses and shots, narrative through lines, and managing energy and concentration. You will also develop the skills required for self-taping, to build confidence in meeting the technical expectations and industry standards when auditioning in this way.

Self-led Practice trains students in the skills required to build autonomous, sustainable careers as creators of your own performance work. You’ll learn about generating artistic ideas; devising, playwriting and dramaturgy; producing and fundraising; creative access and ethical storytelling; then you’ll synthesise these techniques through self-led performance projects. This element of the training aims to ensure graduates can engage meaningfully in both traditional and non-traditional artistic processes, build sustainable and varied careers and take agency over your own creative work.

Reflective/Reflexive Practice develops self-awareness, resilience and critical understanding through a mindful process in which students reflect on diverse histories, theories and discourses helping to put yourself and your practice into critical context e.g. feminism, colonialism, patriarchy, race. Particular attention is paid to practices which enable a culture of compassion, curiosity and respect for difference in order to facilitate a productive and supportive working environment. Students also consider their relationship with learning and you’ll build frameworks for understanding yourself, the creative space, the industry and the wider world as informed and reflective practitioners.

Industry work begins in your second year and follows through until the end of the third year. The focus is on developing your instincts to enable you to manage your professional life as a working actor upon graduation. The work includes interview technique, mock auditions with visiting professionals (for film and theatre), writing and dramaturgy workshops and sessions dedicated to showcase preparation.