Prepare for conservatoire training through focused development in acting, singing and dance.
The CertHE Acting (Musical Theatre) is a one-year, full-time programme for students aged 18+ designed to strengthen technical skill and audition readiness across all three disciplines ahead of degree-level study.
Training is acting-led, with singing and dance integrated into performance practice. Core classes include Acting Skills, Scene Study, Acting Through Song, Singing Technique, Ensemble Singing, Repertoire Studies, Voice, Movement, Ballet, Jazz and Musical Theatre Workshop. You will develop classical and contemporary speeches alongside legit and contemporary song repertoire.
Across the year, you will apply your training through rehearsal projects and mock auditions, building the consistency and versatility required for acting and musical theatre auditions.
Alongside studio training, you will develop audition technique, repertoire selection and professional awareness. You complete the programme prepared to audition for conservatoire training in both acting and musical theatre.
In a competitive training landscape, early access to a degree is not always the strongest route. A Foundation year allows you to build the technical and performance standard required to succeed at conservatoire level.
Students who enter training with secure foundations are able to sustain progress and reach a higher professional standard. A strong foundation leads to stronger outcomes.
You will learn the fundamentals of Stanislavski’s system, which focuses on creating and communicating believable characters, situations, and relationships through work on text and improvisation. They also receive training in voice, singing, dance and physical performance technique through both musical theatre and skills of the actor vocational training classes. Audition practice sessions help students select and prepare appropriate monologues and songs for future auditions for three year training programmes. You will have 1:1 singing lessons to work on the fundementals of vocal technique to prepare your skillset and chosen audtion material for audition contexts.
During the second, you will build upon the skills in the first term, refining and polishing your speeches and songs for drama school auditions and participate in mock auditions and develop interview skills. In addition, a series of workshops and tasters help students develop their understanding of the contemporary performance industry – these may include Meisner Technique, Acting for Camera, Stage Combat, and Clowning.
The remainder of the training is focused on continued skills classes and rehearsing an in-studio scene and song sharing which is performed at the end of the term.
All students on the CertHE programme will also have the opportunity to audition for the BA (Hons) Acting and BA (Hons) Acting (Musical Theatre) for the following year. It should be noted that attendance on the CertHE programme does not guarantee a place on the BA (Hons). However, you will be trained to be ready for, and given the opportunity to explore the requirements of Italia Conti auditions through your time on the foundation programme. Through the year you will be introduced to a range of drama schools through an outreach workshop series. You will also have access to many in-house auditions to provide access to a broad range of progression opportunities whilst reducing the costs and time required to attend auditions across the UK.
Tuition Fees | £9,790 per academic year, paid in advance in termly instalments.
Student Finance | Student finance is available, including access to a Tuition Fee Loan and a Student Maintenance Loan.
Audition Fee | £45 (non-refundable).
Deposit | A deposit of £275 is required to hold and accept a place on the programme.
Fee Waivers | Audition Fee and Deposit Waivers are available for eligible applicants.
An outline of associated programme costs and more Info on Fees Waivers are available on the Fees and Funding page
Scholarships are awarded upon outcome of audition. You may apply for a bursary after receiving an offer of study by contacting admissions@italiaconti.co.uk
For further information on international student fees, please see our International Applications page.
Applications are made directly to Italia Conti and do not require a UCAS application. You must complete the application form and pay a non-refundable £45 audition fee to be considered. These fees act as both an administration fee for processing your application as well as a non-refundable deposit for a place on an audition day.
You are only required to apply for one programme, and encouraged to express on the form if you have interest in any other programmes, in addition to the programme directly being applied for.
Places on our programmes are limited; it is usual for drama schools to make more offers than there are places. Acceptances are dealt with on a first come first serve basis and so early acceptance is advised. Once a programme offer has expired, an offerholder will be moved to the waiting list.
The application deadline for this programme is 28 February 2026. Late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
First Round – Self Tape Recorded Audition
After completing the application process, you will be invited to prepare, record and submit an audition self-tape where auditionees will be required to demonstrate a variety of skills. First round applicants will receive the result from their audition submission within 4 weeks of receipt. This is to ensure that every submission deserves our full time and attention.
Recall – In Person Audition Day
This stage enables us to explore your work in greater depth, assess your responsiveness to direction, and understand how you engage within a training environment.
The recall day is also an opportunity for you to experience the ethos of the school, meet the faculty and students on our programmes, and gain insight into the training you would undertake. Recalled applicants will receive the result from their recall audition within 2 weeks.
Full information on what to prepare for your auditions can be found here
Check back soon for recall dates for September 2027 entry.
Entry to CertHE Acting (Musical Theatre) requires the following:
Admission through recognition of non-standard entry qualifications/experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis for candidates who demonstrate exceptional talent or who can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme. Non-standard entry is assessed at audition and interview. Students without a Level 2 English qualification may be asked to complete a non-standard entry written task.
Applicants must have the legal right to reside/study in the UK for the full period of the programme.
1st September – 11th December 2026
4th January – 2nd April 2027
26th April – 23rd July 2027
Check back soon for term dates for September 2027 entry.
Join us at an Open Day to learn more about the CertHE Acting (Musical Theatre) programme
Italia Conti offer a range of Audition Ready short courses to prepare for auditions. These programmes allow students to work with full time faculty, gain feedback, and experience a mock recall audition for the programme.
Italia Conti offers fee waivers to eligible applicants who meet set criteria, helping to ensure that financial circumstances do not act as a barrier to applying.
Italia Conti’s industry connections are exceptional. From hundreds of agents attending showcases and panel days to current working industry professionals coming in and teaching a workshop once a week. The course is put together to make the transition out of drama school easier than most.
Italia Conti consistently prepares its students not just for training, but for the realities of the industry. What stands out most is how their graduating year is structured to maximise exposure, ensuring industry professionals see a full and clear picture of each student’s strengths across all disciplines.
I could not be more impressed with the Conti graduates I have worked with. They arrive with a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a genuinely versatile skillset. Each year the standard continues to rise, and I always look forward to seeing what a new graduating cohort has to offer.
I honestly can’t thank Conti enough and the staff, the teachers, everyone that has put effort into making me who I am, and the performer that I am.
Conti has really been a key role in allowing me to just be who I am and be confident and just become the best performer that I can be.
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