YEAR ONE

The first year focuses on training your acting instrument; both physically and mentally. Expanding your sense of potential through your body and voice is balanced with examining how we approach the work. Laban technique is used to give you a systematic way of linking physical activity and vocal expression with mental and emotional states. The course introduces you to the fundamental skills and theories of acting for the camera, as you begin to learn and experience the craft of acting and what it entails. Approaching the craft holistically, classes will focus on the pre-expressive, designed to achieve authentic impulses and spontaneous reactions. With modules that focus on the Instrument (body and voice), Acting, and the History of Screen Performance, each module echoes and reinforces this synthesised approach to the craft of acting as the year progresses.

The year culminates in a production project, integrating all of the first year training, from preparation to your psychophysical connection to creating a believable character on screen with an individuality, vulnerability and intimacy essential for a compelling screen performance.

YEAR TWO

Year two focuses on the continued development of deep character work, using the techniques of Sanford Meisner and Nikolai Demidov. Instrument modules extend your range of expression building on the foundations of Laban to explore other practices and techniques.

You further develop your ability to analyse text for film and TV as you build the muscle of working quickly and efficiently. Specific skills classes in dialects, on-screen combat and an introduction into filmmaking expand your creative capacity as well as your marketability. Understanding the actor’s process when preparing for, and working on screen remains central to the year’s work, as you learn to build the inner life of characters through imaginative choices and improvisation. You’ll then expand your creative scope a step further with a module in Self Scripting. As with every year, there is a production module that strengthens your comfort in front of the camera as you begin building material for your showreel.

YEAR THREE

Year three will prepare you for a career in the industry. Productions are built around professional film sets working with hired professionals on curated films. Commissioned and devised specifically for each cast, you’ll work with some of the best filmmakers in the southwest and beyond. A period drama project will not only give you a taste of playing style within a specific “period” on camera, but adds content to your showreel. A play project is a staged studio performance allowing you to experience the subtle differences between performing on stage versus on camera. An extensive module in voice acting and motion capture extends your skill-set, enhancing your employability.

A year-long module focused on auditioning and liaising with Industry professionals strengthens your foundation to hit the ground running upon graduation. With a rotation of professional casting directors, actors and agents providing hands-on guidance and wisdom as you secure your marketing package. Finally, this work culminates in a digital showcase sent to agents, casting directors and industry professionals as well as a film screening in London for industry professionals featuring the curated films.

The degree is delivered in partnership with Plymouth Marjon University. To apply, you will need to register with UCAS by visiting www.ucas.com/apply and apply using the course details below.

On UCAS, you’ll need to search for Plymouth Marjon University rather than Bristol School of Acting. 

As well as applying to UCAS, you will also need to audition with us (see below for details about our audition process) to be offered a place on this course. You can book your audition by clicking Apply Now.

In both cases, for lots of reasons, we strongly recommend applying to UCAS and auditioning with us as soon as you can. 

UCAS course code: AFS1

Institution code: P63

Campus name: Bristol School of Acting

Campus code: A

FIRST ROUND AUDITION.

Entry onto the course is by audition.

For the first round audition, you can choose to send in a self tape or have an online audition with a tutor via Zoom.

For the first round audition you will be asked to send us:

• A recent photograph of yourself (head and shoulders) in either jpeg or pdf format
• A video recording/zoom audition of 2 contemporary monologues (written after 1970) that last no longer than 2 minutes each and are contrasting in tone, style or genre. OR you can choose to do 1 contemporary monologue and 1 classical monologue. You can record the monologues on your phone. This will be followed by a short interview with the tutor. Please see our online guidance for recording your speeches in the PDF below
• A “wild card” video of anything you would like to share with us no longer than 1 minute. This is an opportunity for you to include something about yourself that we might not otherwise know; special skills, something you have produced, a personal testimonial, short showreels; anything you want to share

RECALL AUDITION.

If you are successful in getting through the first round you’ll be invited to a recall audition. You’ll spend the day with us in Bristol, taking workshops, cold reading a scene and having an extended interview. You’ll be able to meet tutors and existing students and get a true feel for the school.

Please see the PDF document for specific details about the recall audition.

About our Auditions – Acting for Film, TV & New Media PDF

In addition to the audition you are expected to meet minimum academic requirements. Applicants are considered on an individual basis, taking into account any skills and experience that may not be reflected in A-Level scores. The most important consideration is that you have the qualities and potential to succeed. We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to the course. The main ones are listed below:

• 3 A-Levels at grades CCC or above
• Level 3 BTEC/UAL triple grade MMM or above
• GCSE English at grade 4 or above