Postgraduate Diploma in Screen Acting

How do we differ?

We were the 1st Drama School to offer a full time Screen Acting School. Now in its 8th year the course continues to offer an entirely practical and realistic training package which culminates in two broadcast quality shooting-to-schedule production experiences and Agency Representation. We believe that we give our actors an unmatched chance to break into the business. No essays - no textbooks - an entirely practical course where all workshops, masterclasses and production exercises are run by highly experienced industry Directors, Actors and technical support. On our 2 main productions. We employ experienced cameramen and sound engineers on our crews ensuring the highest standards are achieved. You will graduate with copies of the final showcase.

Why?

With most potential employment for graduate actors being in television, film and commercials, and the average student actor spending just 3 weeks in 3 years dedicated to screen. Our aim in brief - to teach you what you need to know to get work. We offer a tightly structured 18 week course entirely taught by working professional Directors , Actors and Technicians culminating in the 2 professionally shot production experiences . Our Agency Representation completes the package. (For a list of recent credits see Agency page)

Who should apply?

We expect our class to consist of hard working , talented and committed students looking to train as Actors in a close and demanding environment with no frills .
We invite applications from experienced actors looking to develop their television skills and post-graduate level students looking for a short intensive and realistic way into the business . We also welcome applications from mature students looking to retrain as actors.
Auditions take place in October/January/March/May/September (subject to availability of offers).
This course is full time and intensive. Students will not necessarily be university graduates but MUST be able to demonstrate an ability to apply themselves to learning at an advanced level and a readiness to accept direction and guidance. On average we accept 40% students with university backgrounds; 40% students with Drama school or industry track record; 20% mature students

Who will I work with?

Our guest speakers, workshop facilitators, directors have included: Celia Bannerman Director John Bowler Actor Jeff Capel Audio Producer Brian Deacon; Eric Deacon; Sue Dunderdale Director; Phil Eastabrook Cameraman/Editor; Milfred Ellis Director Charlie Harris Director; Cari Hamblett Producer/Director; Karen Henthorn Actress; Yoshi Inada Alexander Technique; Linda James Dialect Coach; Geoff Leesley Actor; Jonathon Martin Acting Coach; Maggie Ollerenshaw Actress; Paul Prescott Director/Writer; David Pain Casting Director; Brian Skeet Features Director; Noella Smith Director; Benedict Taylor Actor; Graham Watts Live-time Producer/Director. Their workshops are a challenging range of finely structured TV classes which take the actor from: the difference between TV and theatre acting; hitting marks; eye-lines; cheating for camera; continuity of action; technical appreciation for actors; two handers and monologue; walking and talking; arc of the character's journey; comedy for screen; engaging with the text; audition technique and the casting process; to extensive on-screen scripted practice material with opportunities to review and critique your work with experienced actors and directors. We may too include Work to blue-screen, audio workshop with a radio producer, and a highly challenging presenting module.