BA (Hons) Acting Course
Course Overview
Three Years, Full Time
Accredited by the National Council for Drama Training
At the beginning of your course, you will participate in a range
of classes and workshops designed to build your confidence in
making instinctive decisions and in working collaboratively with
colleagues.
In later classes you will work with scripts, building characters
and relationships. You will receive training in movement skills,
exploring physical approaches to the development of character and
methods for the safe, economical use of the body as well as basic
dance techniques. Vocal skills classes will teach you the essential
techniques relating to speech, singing, accents and the effective
use of the voice. You will also take classes in stage combat,
developing skills in fencing and unarmed combat in preparation for
the British Academy of Stage Combat’s Proficiency Examinations.
Throughout the course, this work will be integrated in a series
of projects focussing on the development of the specific skills
required for Shakespeare, comedy, musical theatre, experimental
theatre, film, TV and radio.
Throughout the first two years, you will study theatrical
practice, historical and current, to increase your appreciation of
your own practical skills and make you better equipped for
professional employment. You are encouraged to explore your own
talents in relation to some of the most exciting and influential
practitioners who have set the standard for modern practice. There
are opportunities to create and perform your own work at the end of
each of years one and two.
In the third year, you will be cast in five public productions,
with rehearsals running throughout the year. During this exciting
and intensive period, you will also perform in a series of Showcase
presentations to agents, casting directors and potential employers
in Cardiff, Manchester and London - currently at The Royal Court
Theatre.
Preparing for Work
Our close links with the industry ensure that you never lose
sight of the vocational nature of your training and that the work
you do at the College accurately reflects the most up-to-date
professional practice. Collaborations with professional
organisations, visiting directors, actors and casting agents will
provide you with valuable experience of real working conditions and
enable you to make vital contacts within the industry. Throughout
your training we orientate you towards professional life, offering
you strategies for finding work and encouraging you to develop and
refine audition techniques. We will also help you to identify and
respond positively to opportunities arising from professional
contact.
Our graduates can be seen working in all sectors of the industry
for organisations including the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC),
the Royal Court Theatre, the National Theatre and the BBC.
Public Performance
We stage as many as 15 productions each year, ranging from
intimate contemporary pieces to large-scale Shakespeare and
Broadway musicals. Our performances take place in the College’s own
theatre spaces and in major professional theatres. In recent years
productions have toured to venues in London, Milan, Stratford (as
part of the RSC Complete Works Festival) Bristol, Ireland and
Macedonia. We also have a long history of commissioning new
writing in both English and Welsh, giving you the opportunity
to perform cutting-edge drama.
Our Philosophy
In keeping with the demands of the profession,
the courses demand a high level of personal responsibility
and maturity. You will need substantial reserves of
stamina and resourcefulness in order to take full advantage of the
training offered. At the same time, the atmosphere is
extremely supportive and encouraging, with a strong emphasis on
individuality and diversity. Most importantly, we view the training
as a shared responsibility between us and you.