Birmingham School of Acting : Acting: The British Tradition - MA / PgDip

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Acting: The British Tradition - MA / PgDip

Summary
  • Campus
  • City Centre , Millennium Point
  • Duration
  • Full-time (MA): 1 year
    Full-time (PgDip): 9 months
  • Fees
  • 2012/2013 MA: £10,950 per year
    2012/2013 PgDip: £10,150 per year
    2012/2013 (International): £14,200 per year

Overview

The MA Acting: The British Tradition seeks to widen the actor’s understanding of the practice of acting and its traditions in this country, and provides practical workshop opportunities for students to research, through study and practice, the particular skills and techniques associated with key stages in the development of British theatre performance. Modules will take you through key developments in the British tradition of theatre from the Middle Ages to the modern day, exploring a range of acting techniques and culminating in a fully-staged performance at the end of the year.

Key Facts

  • British acting has long been admired worldwide, but the true source of its quality and the tradition of training and playing in Britain has never been the focal point of a course. BSA is proud to offer this one-of-a-kind accelerated one-year MA concentrating on the British tradition in acting.
  • This course is aimed at international students with previous performance training and offers those with a passion for live performance the opportunity to explore just what it is that makes British acting unique. From Shakespeare to the pantomime, Restoration comedy to contemporary situation comedy, the British tradition of acting focuses on the importance of narrative, depth, dimension and consistency of character, technical precision, and the actor’s relationship with the audience.
  • This laboratory course gives actors or other performance and drama professionals the opportunity to enhance their experience in classical and popular forms of acting.
  • The course is delivered through a series of workshops.
  • Although performance is key, the focus of the course is on enhancing knowledge and is designed to give its participants a significant career development/CV enhancing opportunity.
  • The one-year, accelerated format makes it an affordable option for developing professional skills.
Course Outline

Course Structure

This course is aimed at international students with previous performance training and offers those with a passion for live performance the opportunity to explore just what it is that makes British acting unique. From Shakespeare to the pantomime, Restoration comedy to contemporary situation comedy, the British tradition of acting focuses on the importance of narrative, depth, dimension and consistency of character, technical precision, and the actor’s relationship with the audience.

Professional Development

The course offers significant opportunities to develop your acting skills and your understanding of the nature of the theatre event. We encourage you to take responsibility for your own development within the course, as well as offering laboratory experience through a series of acting workshops. A full-scale production in term three of the course offers the opportunity to draw together all of the knowledge and skills you’ve learned so far through performance practice. The final research project provides the means to investigate in depth an aspect of non-naturalistic theatre within the British tradition.

Modules

You will study modules taking you through the British tradition of theatre from the Middle Ages to the modern day exploring a range of acting techniques. Modules include:

  • Acting, Movement, and Voice Skills
  • Shakespeare and his Contemporaries
  • Restoration and the Comedy of Manners
  • Melodrama and the Well-made Play
  • Contemporary Playwrights

There will also be a final research project, which may be either practice or dissertation based. This professionally-oriented course has a high number of contact hours and requires real motivation and commitment.

After your studies

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the course will return to careers in the performance industry or in education with additional skills and a clearer understanding of British actor training and style. The course is designed to open up new employment opportunities and give you a competitive edge in a highly competitive field.

Entry Requirements & Applications

Entry Requirements

Previous performance training is essential for this course. A first degree in drama, acting or performing arts, or performance experience will be required in addition to an audition and interview.

The normal entry requirement is a first degree in a related subject area (e.g. Acting, Drama, Musical Theatre, Performing Arts, English and Drama) but potential students with a degree in another discipline or with experience in a related professional area would also be considered.

  • You should normally possess a first degree, performance diploma or equivalent qualification.
  • You will also be considered if you do not meet the above entry requirements, but possess an appropriate level of performance skills and professional experience.

The intake for the course is restricted to 12 students each year.
Admission to this course is via audition. Please see our Guidance for Applicants for more information.

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 

We’re piloting a new online 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 fees area of the Student Info section.

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