Course | Pre-vocational Acting Summer School
Ages | 12 – 18 years
Location | Italia Conti, 2 Henry Plaza, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6BU
Course Length | One Week, 9am – 5pm
Dates | Monday 27 July to Friday 31 July
Coming for Summer 2026: Italia Conti presents our Acting Summer School. Entry to this, intensive course is open to all, pushing you to achieve your creative best and preparing students for full-time training in Performing ArtsThis course will take place at our brand-new, purpose-built facilities in Woking, Surrey.
Our acting summer schools are designed for young performers who are considering taking their training to the next level. Aimed at those who may be preparing for entry into a professional performing arts college, these courses provide specialist training and guidance to help students develop the skills, discipline, and confidence needed for more advanced study. All acting summer schools take place in our brand-new, purpose-built facilities in Woking, Surrey.
Our acting holiday courses are open to young performers aged 12 to 18 with a passion for acting — no prior drama school experience is required. Each course takes place across five intensive days at our professional studio complex in Woking, Surrey, where students train alongside industry practitioners in the same spaces used by our BA Acting degree students. By the end of the week, participants will have developed practical skills in scene work, character, voice and movement — and experienced what life at a performing arts college genuinely feels like.
At Italia Conti, our philosophy is centred on developing versatile actors who can work in a range of styles and media. We take a holistic approach to training, offering a variety of techniques for creating and developing character, and encouraging students to be original and individual in their work. Our skilled practitioners guide students through intensive practical training in acting, movement, voice, and singing, whilst also providing opportunities to integrate these skills. Through a combination of technical classes, contextual practice, and project work, students are able to advance their skills and knowledge, and apply them in rehearsal and performance contexts. We believe in preparing students for a career in the performance arts industry and fostering a culture of dedication and perseverance.
All participants will receive a free Italia Conti T-shirt. Please note that lunch and accommodation are not included.
Acting Scenes Exploring scenes and breaking down text to find character and relationships. Working with scene partners to bring text off the page onto the stage. We’ll be encouraging textual analysis, listening and responding, and stagecraft.
Acting Skills Exploring different acting techniques and practitioners through a variety of practice-based exercises. We’ll be working on developing tools that can be used in Acting Scenes, Devising, Improvisation, and Camera.
Camera Exploring acting for camera in both solo and partner work. Working both in front of and behind the camera to build an understanding of how this medium works and what makes it so captivating. We’ll be encouraging focus, teamwork, and self-assurance.
Devising Exploring story-creation and storytelling. Working in groups to develop ideas from a stimulus to create a coherent piece of theatre. We’ll be encouraging ensemble-working, listening and responding, leadership skills, and creative thinking.
Improvisation Exploring multiple characters, situations, and relationships in a non-text-based environment. Working on creating simple truthful performances, and balancing comedy and drama. We’ll be encouraging playfulness, spontaneity, confidence, and listening and responding.
Radio Exploring acting for radio with a variety of audio drama and voice over pieces within a professional recording studio environment. Working on microphone to develop technique and sensitivity to communicate with listeners effectively. We’ll be encouraging focus, vocal-quality play, and creative thinking.
Acting Through Song Exploring storytelling and character work through singing. We’ll be emphasising the importance of the acting work alongside the musical elements of a song.
Voice Exploring vocal ease, support, and clarity of speech through text and non-text-based activities. We’ll be encouraging alignment, release, and vocal play.
The Summer School runs for one week during the summer holidays 2026 –
Students will be divided into groups according to age and discipline i.e. Acting, Musical Theatre or Dance. There will be a short sharing performance on the final day for each discipline – one acting performance, one dance performance and one musical theatre performance (times of sharings to be confirmed nearer the time).
We hope to welcome family members to the performances on the Friday afternoon (subject to Government Guidelines at the time of Summer School). Ticket numbers will be limited, further details will be released nearer the time.
TERMS & CONDITIONS For full details of the terms and conditions of our Part time & holiday courses (short courses) please click here.
Please fill out the details below before selecting your days
Please be aware that as part of enrolment you may be sent additional forms to fill in for safeguarding and legal purposes. All additional forms must be completed and submitted to complete you booking. If you have any questions or concerns please get in touch.
Please select from below where you would like your child to participate: