Course Outline
Modules
The course averages 35 contact hours each week. It progresses from technical skills in the first term to performance and career advice and support in the third term. In the third term a showcase is presented in Birmingham and London to invited agents, casting directors and other professionals.
All classes are compulsory and are subject to assessment. All modules are taken into account for the final differentiation of the award Distinction, Commendation, Pass to reflect the level of technical ability achieved and the assimilation of these skills into performance. As the balance of the course develops from technical skills to performance, students move from internal workshops to fully staged public performances.
In the first term students participate in two internal workshop productions performed only to staff.
In the second term two further workshops are performed; the first to staff and students, and the second as a performance to invited guests. In the third term the balance of the course is predominately performance-based. In addition, students will receive career management and technical classes.
Performances in the third term include the showcases in London and Birmingham, a fully staged and supported production in one of Birmingham’s professional venues, a radio play and an introduction to screen acting. MA students will complete a fourth term, which is their research project, as well as studying research methodologies throughout the year.
Master classes from industry professionals such as directors, casting directors and arts management specialists (to name a few) are given at various times of the year. Recent examples of master class guests are:
- Donna Soto-Morettini who visited BSA in April 2012 and did a workshop on Psychology of Auditioning. Donna has written such books as Popular Singing: A Practical Guide to: Pop, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country and Gospel and The Philosophical Actor: A Practical Meditation for Practicing Theatre Artists. Her latest book, out in September 2012, Mastering the Audition: How to Perform Under Pressure is greatly anticipated.
- Mark Heller visited BSA in April 2012 also and did a workshop on Auditioning for Film. Mark is a film director for both independent and mainstream films and recently directed Justice for the BBC.
Sight-reading and audition portfolio preparation are also given, ensuring that students are well-equipped to enter the professional arena at the completion of their training.
After your studies
Employment Opportunities
Graduates from the acting courses work consistently in all branches of performance. Recent graduates are currently employed with The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, The BBC and Independent Television and in film (see Alumni).
Entry Requirements & Applications
Entry Requirements
- Admission is by audition, but we would normally require a degree course or equivalent, or relevant professional experience.
- The course is also suitable for professional actors seeking a refresher course.
- The MA option is designed for those with suitable academic abilities.
Normally a maximum of 14 students are enrolled onto the course each year.
Application Details
Applications for this course should be made online, directly to us at the School, using the link below.
Please download and read our Guidance for Applicants before making your application.
Download Guidance for Applicants (Male)
Download Guidance for Applicants (Female)
We're piloting a new application form. To ensure that you don't experience any delays with your application due to our new system, please send an email to Marie Greene after you have submitted your form, stating your name and date of application.
Apply online for this course
Enquiries
We have Frequently Asked Questions sections relating to applying to drama school and to auditioning. If these sections haven’t answered your questions, please feel free to get in touch with us:
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 7220
Email: bsaadmissions@bcu.ac.uk
Fees Notes
If you already have an equivalent level qualification, you may be charged a higher fee for your course. For further information visit the ELQ area of the Student Info section.