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 ACTING COURSES FOR STUDENTS OVER 18 YEARS
B.A. (HONS) ACTING DEGREE COURSE
VALIDATED BY LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY ACCREDITED BY N.C.D.T.
The Academy believes that post 18 year old acting students are best served within the Higher Education Sector. The course was first validated in 1994 and revalidated by London South Bank University in
1999. It is taught at our Avondale site in South West London.
The Academy premises offer a range of excellent facilities, details of which can be found in the appropriate section of this prospectus. It is also able to offer its acting students the added attraction of the University facilities which include large library and resource centres, sports centre, accommodation office, learning support unit, student union plus close proximity to London’s South Bank cultural centres. London South Bank University is a short underground journey from the Academy and is easily accessible.
This course is a unique approach to actor training. Based loosely on the teachings of Sanford Meisner, whose work now dominates in the US, the course trains actors to be open, responsive and spontaneous.
 KEY ELEMENTS
Vocal and physical skills are seen as essential building blocks of actor training and are totally integrated into the course. Acting skills are grounded in voice and movement through team-taught workshop classes. Transactional improvisation, a new technique, is employed to create openness and flexible thinking in the space.
The course also offers training in a range of traditional
and modern skills, including; acting for television,
radio, audition and interview technique, stage combat,
historical dance, stage management contextual studies
and professional self-marketing skills.
NURTURING INDIVIDUALITY
Students are encouraged to make regular trips to West End and fringe productions. The Academy has very close links with the local fringe theatre and mounts regular productions in a nearby venue. Seminars and mock audition sessions with casting directors, agents and other representatives of the industry are integrated into the timetable. Students are taught and directed by a team of experts who have worked or are still working within the industry. Work is assessed by tutors and external examiners and all assessments are regularly overseen by South Bank University which validates and awards the degree. Students receive written and verbal assessments and those encountering difficulties receive extra tutorials to help them progress. All students are assigned a tutor with whom they can discuss progress and concerns.
Like all Academy courses the B.A. (Hons) Acting Degree Course has an intimate and friendly atmosphere that is based on mutual and professional respect.
THE FIRST YEAR
Basic skills are taught through an integrated system of classes. Students are encouraged to be increasingly open and courageous in the space. The ground rules for text work and vocal and physical preparation are laid down.
THE SECOND YEAR
Vocal and physical skills are developed and honed. Students learn to work independently and develop their own process. Their skills are applied to Shakespeare, Brecht and a range of other theatrical styles. Radio and television work begins.
THE THIRD YEAR
Students work mainly on a range of contrasting public theatre productions plus one radio and one television production. They undertake a research project, which includes an extended piece of written work, and learn how to manage themselves in the profession. At the end of the course they present a showcase for the industry.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR…
Every year many hundreds of people apply for approximately 30 places on the course. The selection process is rigorous and we are interested in applicants who are open, committed and generous. We are
looking for responsive team players who are prepared to take risks in the space, and who will be rigorous and energised within the group.
We are looking to recruit from as diverse a range of applicants as possible and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Applicants should have a minimum of two A-Levels or BTEC National Diploma with a minimum of four distinctions, or a recognised equivalent. Selection is via audition.
WHERE WILL IT LEAD?
The course exists to train actors for work in professional live and recorded drama. This includes film, television drama/drama-documentaries, radio drama, commercials and voice-overs, West-End, regional, touring and subsidised theatre, community theatre, fringe theatre, children’s theatre and TIE, and experimental theatre of various kinds. We are also aware that in the course of pursuing a freelance acting career, students may also become involved in directing and commercial role-playing, drama workshops and teaching, community work, dance, performance art, TV and radio presenting, writing and many other related areas.
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Full Time Courses 
