Acting

BA (Hons) Acting

Qualification | Degree

Course Leader | Bradley Hawkins

Validated by | University of East London (UEL)

Location | Woking

Course Length | 3 Years, Full-Time

Start Date | September 2024

Course Overview

At Italia Conti, we believe in providing a well-rounded training that helps students develop their skills as actors. Much of our course is devoted to vocal and physical training, as well as exploring a range of techniques for creating and developing character. Our focus is on helping students work responsively within the space.

The contemporary actor is not just a performer, but a creative artist who uses their inner resources to bring truthful stories to life. As part of the BA (Hons) Acting course, we encourage students to be truthful to the purpose of the work, to celebrate and utilise themselves as individuals in the work, and to continue learning and experimenting with new techniques and creative ideas through the work. We offer a wide range of ideas and training methods, so that each student can construct a personal “tool box” of techniques that work best for them. Our goal is to produce versatile performers who can thrive across a variety of styles and media.

We believe in the power of theatre to inspire and educate, and our Acting courses reflect that belief through clear theories about training and performance, as well as a commitment to upholding the role of theatre in society.

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Course Summary

BA (Hons) Acting, at Italia Conti, is a three-year, full-time vocational course, for anyone aged 18+ wishing to become a professional actor working across Stage, Screen, and Audio in live and recorded contexts.
The course is validated by University of East London (UEL). Full government funding is available through Student Finance England for Home students.

Course Structure

At Italia Conti, we believe that the best way to measure an actor’s skills is through performance, which is why we’ve designed our BA (Hons) Acting course to be modular and performance-based.

Our course is structured to help students progress from developing their technical skills in the first year, to refining and applying those skills in rehearsals and projects in the second year, through to performing in public productions with professional directors in the third year. Along the way, students also receive input and support in rehearsals from our skilled practitioners in voice, movement, singing, and intimacy co-ordination as needed. In the third year, students have the opportunity to further develop their individual creative voice and storytelling through a Practical Dissertation, and throughout the year, they are prepared for entry into the performing arts industry through professional preparation workshops, lectures, talks, and individual tutorials.
We’re committed to helping our students succeed, not just as performers, but as creative artists who bring truth and depth to their roles.

Year 1 (Level 4)

The first year of the course provides a solid foundation in acting principles. Students are introduced to core principles of Stanislavski’s system, as interpreted by various 20th-century and contemporary practitioners such as Uta Hagen, Michael Chekhov, Meisner, and Max Stafford-Clarke, alongside non-traditional processes including Viola SpolinSharrell D. Luckett, and Tia M. Shaffer  Through improvisation and text work, students develop the skills and knowledge needed to create convincing characters. The course progresses to include increasingly complex texts and genres, and each term features a group project integrating acting, voice, movement, and singing. Analytical and reflective skills are emphasised through contextual practice, where students evaluate their own and others’ work. Students develop their Camera Technique in Year 1  which provides the foundation for the scene work they do on Camera in Year 2, and their Film Work in Year 3.

Typical projects in this year include:

  • 21st Century
  • Chekhov / Gorky / Ibsen
  • Shakespeare
  • American

Year 2 (Level 5)

Building on the fundamentals established in the first year, students in Year 2 are introduced to non-naturalistic texts and advanced naturalistic texts. They develop practical skills in stage combat (with the option to take a paid BASSC exam), character voice/accent, and acting through song. Students also work on weekly Camera (TV & Film) and Audio (Radio Drama, Voice Over) sessions to continue developing their recorded media skills. In the final term, students work on two separate plays, with a focus on ensemble and stylised performance. They may also participate in a tour to a Fringe venue (optional).

Typical projects in this year include:

  • Farce / Restoration Comedy
  • Commedia Dell’Arte & Clowning
  • Non-naturalism
  • Shakespeare
  • Greek
  • New Writing
  • Radio Play & Filmed Scenes

Year 3 (Level 6)

The focus of the final year is to prepare students for the professional world and enhance their employability. Students in Year 3 participate in professional productions and work with industry directors, as well as receive professional preparation and career development opportunities such as mock auditions, agent interviews, workshops, seminars, and entry into the Carleton Hobbs Radio Competition. Additionally, they have the opportunity to work on a film project, which provides valuable experience and high-quality material for their showreels. The degree requires the completion of a practical dissertation, promoting independent and professional working practices.

Professional preparation and career development opportunities in this year may include:

  • Guidance on choosing headshots and presenting actors’ CV
  • A range of workshops and seminars to ensure a well-informed entry into the industry (agents, casting, surviving creatively, tax)
  • Mock auditions throughout the year, with casting directors from organizations such as The RSC and The Royal National Theatre
  • Mock agent interviews with industry agents, who provide feedback on presentation and technique to maximize students’ chances of acquiring representation
  • Auditions for the Carleton Hobbs Radio Competition

Fees & funding

UK Tuition fees | £9250 per academic year, (paid in advanced termly instalments)
Audition Fee | £45 (Non-refundable)
Deposit | £275 (The deposit is refundable within 14 calendar days of the payment being received by Italia Conti but will not be refunded thereafter for non-enrolment. It will be held by the School and will be refundable on completion of the course, without interest, less any outstanding sums owed by the student to Italia Conti.)

International Students

For further information, please see our International Applications​ page.

Terms & Conditions

Terms and conditions apply upon acceptance to Italia Conti.

Funding

The BA (Hons) course offers the following funding options:

  • Private Funding
  • Student Finance

Audition Fee Waiver

Italia Conti welcomes applications for audition fee waivers for those who are eligible.

Deposit Fee Waiver

Italia Conti welcomes applications for deposit fee waivers for those who are eligible.

 

  • It’s fantastic. Showcases, shows, summer shows, carol concerts. It’s very full on but I don’t wake up regretting coming here. It is the best thing ever!

    - Sam Tutty – BA (Hons) Musical Theatre graduate
  • “The college provides you with a disciplined, yet family atmosphere that trains you to become the best of the best moving forwards into the performing arts industry.”

    - James Kemp – Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre Graduate
  • “Italia Conti has helped me in terms of my acting development, but also as a person and how I engage and view the world, which aids me as an actor.”

    - Henry Brackenridge – BA (Hons) Acting Graduate
  • “The building and staff inside welcome you with open arms, guide you through your training and proudly push you, prepped with the best tools for the job.”

    - Amy Johnson – BA (Hons) Acting Graduate
  • “Italia Conti allowed me to do my favorite thing, every day in a safe space amongst talented, supportive people. Being taught by skillful tutors was invaluable. The small classes ensured my voice was always heard and helped me hone my skills.”

    - Ruby Valentino – BA (Hons) Acting Graduate
  • “My training at Italia Conti has challenged, fulfilled, and broadened me as an actor and as a person. The buffet of techniques on offer will allow me to meet all challenges in any avenue.”

    - Henry Holmes – BA (Hons) Acting Graduate
  • “The influx of inspiring people flowing through the building creates an atmosphere for greatness and I am honoured to be a part of that.”

    - Posi Morakinyo – Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre Graduate
  • “I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding place to spend these crucial moments. The door is always open for us to come back ‘home’ for advice, or even for a cup of tea!”

    - Susannah White – Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre Graduate
  • “Having the most supportive faculty (many of which are working professionals), who are always pushing you to be the best version of yourself has made my transition into the industry a seamless one.”

    - Awen Jones – Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre Graduate

Entry requirements

Entry to BA (Hons) Acting requires the following:

  • 18+ by the 31st August in the year of entry
  • Level 2 English and Maths at GCSE Grade 4 or above or recognised equivalent qualifications.
  • 64 UCAS points or admission through recognition of non standard entry qualifications/experience:
    • A level: CC
    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MPP
    • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: MM
    • Access to HE Diploma: M = 15 credits, P = 30 credits
  • IELTS Level 6
  • Legal right to reside/study in the UK for the full period of the programme.
  • Successful audition through Italia Conti, details of which can be found below.
  • Evidence in hard copy of all the above must be provided at enrolment.

Audition requirements

After completing the application process you will be invited to attend one of our audition days where you will be required to demonstrate a variety of skills. Information about auditions can be found below. At the audition, applicants for the BA (Hons) Acting course are automatically considered for the CertHE Introduction to Acting course and vice versa.

Application

Application to the BA (Hons) Acting course is to be made through UCAS only. Please note that our listing on UCAS is shown as University of East London (UEL) – Acting.

UCAS Institution Code | E28
UCAS Course Code | W410

Once applicants have applied for the BA (Hons) Acting course through UCAS by the 26th January they will receive an email from UEL containing a link to Italia Conti’s BA (Hons) application form. Applicants must complete this form and pay the audition fee (£45) in order to be considered for the course. Applicants cannot apply through UCAS alone for this course.

Applicants should have completed Italia Conti’s application form and paid the audition fee by the 1st February in the year of application in order to be considered for audition.

Applicants who have applied through UCAS and who have not received an email containing a link to Italia Conti’s application form should contact admissions@italiaconti.co.uk before the 1st February in the year of application.

Audition fees are non-refundable. 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.

In line with our admissions policy, Italia Conti reserves the right to alter or withdraw offers at any point. Places on our courses 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.

Audition Criteria

FIRST ROUND – ONLINE AUDITION

ACTING AUDITION, including voice exercises, singing and a brief chat to camera answering some questions.

Applicants will be requested to submit a self-tape with the following:

  • Identification – name, UCAS number and programme you are applying for
  • Speech 1 – Shakespeare Speech from the list on the website and audition pack
  • Speech 2 – Contemporary Speech – A piece from a modern play (we define this as 1970-present day), of your choice
  • Voice Exercises – exercises as per the audition pack
  • Singing Audition – ‘Happy Birthday’, or any short extract from any song that you know unaccompanied.
  • ‘About You’ – Brief chat to camera answering the questions in the audition pack

Speech guidance:

  • Please note: neither speech must be longer than one and a half minutes
  • Ensure speech is from published plays. They should not be extracts from poems, novels, films or television scripts
  • Please choose characters close to your own age
  • Please perform your speeches in your native accent

Auditionees should wear comfortable fitted rehearsal wear that best represents the individual and/or helps with characterisation

In a minority of instances, the panel may require a further tape or live-online audition responding to direction

Each of these elements will be explained in more detail within the audition pack that is sent to auditionees with the audition submission date.

The self-tape should be compiled into one video and then submitted – help and advice on this can be found in the ‘How to Submit Your Self-Tape’ section of the audition pack.

SHAKESPEARE AUDITION PIECES

We require applicants to perform a Shakespeare speech from the below list and audition pack (of any gender), please note that we annually review these.

Measure for Measure – Act 2, Scene 4 – Isabella
“To whom should I complain?… And fit his mind to death, for his soul’s rest.”

Macbeth – Act 3 Scene 1 – Macbeth
“To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus……Who’s there!”

Romeo & Juliet – Act 2 Scene 5 – Juliet
“The clock struck nine when I did send the nurse………”

Othello – Act 4 Scene 3 – Emilia
“But I do think it is their husbands’ faults…..”

Othello – Act 1 Scene 3 – Iago
“Thus do I ever make my fool……”

Othello – Act 3 Scene 3 – Othello
This fellow’s of exceeding honesty,…….”

Merchant of Venice – Act 3 Scene 2 – Portia
“You see me, Lord Bassanio, where I stand…….”

King John – Act 4 Scene 1 – Arthur
“Have you the heart? When your head did but ache………”

Julius Caesar – Act 2 Scene 1 – Portia
“Is Brutus sick? and is it physical…….. who did hide their faces Even from darkness ”

Henry IV Part 1 – Act 1 Scene 2 – Prince Hal
“I know you all, and will awhile uphold……”

Henry VI – Act 1 Scene 4 – Queen Margaret
“Brave warriors…….. may sing and dance”

King Lear – Act 1 Scene 2 – Edmund
“Thou, nature art my goddess………”

King Lear – Act 1 Scene 3 – Goneril
“By day and night he wrongs me………Prepare for dinner”

King Lear – Act 2 Scene 3 – Edgar
“I heard myself proclaim’d………”

Much Ado About Nothing – Act 2 Scene 3 – Benedick [Prose]
“This can be no trick: the conference was sadly borne… I do spy some marks of love in her”


RECALL AUDITION

Successful first round applicants will be offered a recall audition which may be either online or in-person depending on the requirements of the recall.

Recall auditions may include:

  • a duologue session
  • speeches/redirection
  • improvisation, movement and voice workshops
  • an interview

Applicants are encouraged to use the same speeches as their first-round digital audition, but are welcome to prepare additional speeches which can be offered to the panel (although they may not hear these).

Recalls may fall after the institution’s deadline for updating applicants’ status on UCAS, which may result in being ’rejected by default’ on the UCAS system. Please note that application will still remain live on Italia Conti’s system until the applicant’s audition/recall is complete and UCAS will be updated accordingly.

By applying for the W410 BA (Hons) Acting Course or W411 CertHE Intro to Acting Course you are automatically considered for both acting courses.

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Career Prospects

Industry links

Graduates of Italia Conti’s BA (Hons) Acting course populate the performing arts industry nationally and internationally where they work on Stage, Screen, and in Audio.

Our actors can be seen on Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, HBO, Disney, Sky, and on numerous product commercials. On stage, our graduates have been on tour, in established regional venues, and in West End and Broadway productions. They can also be heard on BBC Radio 4, Audiable, and many audio books and video games. Behind the scenes, our graduates have worked on some of the most prestigious film, television, and theatre projects as directors, producers, writers, and more.

The emphasis we place on the ‘artist-actor’ throughout our training, means that graduates of the course have previously transitioned their skills to working as Writers, Directors, Producers, Casting Directors, Agents, Actor-trainers, Teachers, as well as taking up roles in production, or arts administration.

Previous graduates of the course have also pursued further study taking up places on MA/MFA courses, with some graduates continuing their academic career through to PHD and producing research and literature to help develop the future of the arts.

Alumnx & graduate success

Since 1911, our graduates populate the performance industries and include many famous faces. Recent graduates can be seen working on prestigious productions in all areas of the industry.

acting

Other Courses

BA (Hons) Acting

Qualification | Degree

Course Leader | Bradley Hawkins

Validated by | University of East London (UEL)

Location | Woking

Course Length | 3 Years, Full-Time

Start Date | September 2024

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Cert HE Introduction to acting

Qualification | Certificate of Higher Education

Course Leader | Bradley Hawkins

Validated by | University of East London (UEL)

Location | Woking

Course Length | 1 Year, Full-Time

Start Date | September 2024

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