Summary
- Campus
- City Centre, Millennium Point
- Duration
- Full-time: See below for details
- Fees
- 2012/2013 Full Time: £5,750
Overview
This intensive full-time course in Acting will give you a broad foundation in performance techniques and methods, and will be invaluable to anyone wanting to go to Drama School or take up a place on a performance course at University, but who wants to expand their experience before applying.
You will experience the excitement and hard work involved in being a student at a first class contemporary theatre school. This is an excellent option for those contemplating a gap year after finishing school or college.
- Includes a 5 week Musical Theatre Styles Workshop
- Professional Workshops in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Audition Preparation for Acting and Singing in Small Tutorial Groups
- Level 3 Qualification (up to 65 UCAS Points)
- Cost Includes Theatre Trips
PLEASE NOTE: At 20 weeks in length, this foundation course does not qualify for Student Loans Company funding/finance for fees or living expenses.
Read what a journalist from The Stage had to say about her trip to Birmingham and watch the audio slideshows below:
Update: Of the four students talking in the audio slideshows, Becky, Michael and Eamon are all returning to BSA in September having been offered a place on the three-year BA (Hons) Acting courses. Caitlin managed to secure a place at Guilford School of Acting (GSA). Further updates to follow!
Key Facts
- A brand new course aimed at committed and enthusiastic young people, who have a passion for acting and who want to improve their experience level.
- 20 full weeks with 30 hours training per week.
- Taught in small, very intensive classes.
- Class size is limited, and you may be asked to audition.
- As part of the course you will complete the Trinity Performance exam in Performance which can contribute up to 65 UCAS points
Course Outline
Course Structure
Practical classes will provide you with a wide range of performance skills. This course has intensive hours requiring total commitment. Students will also have to prepare work and learn lines outside of class time. Classes are taught by our expert professional tutors.
Classes include:
- Acting technique – these classes form an introduction to the application of the principles of Stanislavski’s System to the creation of a character and performance
- Text work – an introduction to the analysis of a script to discover the dramatic relationships and character clues
- Audition preparation – advice on the “do’s” and “don’ts” of auditioning for drama school, and individual work on audition pieces in small groups
- Singing – an introduction to the creation of character and performance in the medium of song, and individual work on solo songs in small groups
- Voice – an introduction to the mechanics and safe use of the voice, one of the actor’s most important tools
- Movement and Dance – exploring the use of the body as a tool for the creation of character and the telling of dramatic stories
- Stage combat – work in both armed and unarmed combat for the stage
- Improvisation – an opportunity to access the creative imagination and explore the uses of improvisation as a rehearsal and performance tool
- Theatre visits/back-stage tours – Birmingham School of Acting is surrounded by a great variety of theatres and performance spaces; we will visit several of these and examine the many performance styles offered by different spaces
- Stratford-upon-Avon workshops – Birmingham School of Acting has the good fortune to be within easy reach of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Students on the Foundation Course will have the opportunity to visit Stratford and experience workshops with professionals.
Students also work on two projects per term which usually include Musical Theatre Styles, Shakespeare, Improvisation and Devised work and Modern Playwrights.
After your studies
Employment Opportunities
While many students will want to move on to train for careers in performance, the course offers a unique experience and transferable skills that will be useful in many walks of life.
Entry Requirements & Applications
Entry Requirements
No previous qualifications are necessary. A letter of reference is required, and students will be asked to audition. Students are normally a minimum of 18 years of age.
Admission to this course is via application form and reference. Please see our Guidance for Applicants for more information.
Application Details
Applications for this course should be made online, directly to the School, using the link below. Please ensure that you download and read our Guidance for Applicants before making your application.
Download Guidance for Applicants
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
For more information please call the Birmingham School of Acting on +44 (0)121 331 7220, or email David Vann, the Course Director, on david.vann@bcu.ac.uk.
Fees Notes
Fees for 2011/2012: £5750.
PLEASE NOTE: As this course is a 20-week course, it does not qualify for Student Loans Company finance/funding for tuition fees or living expenses.