ACTING FOR
SCREEN

The BA (Hons) Acting for Screen modules cover acting techniques, the connection of physicality and voice, the history and development of acting for the camera, character development, acting for camera techniques, motion capture, voice-over, commercial acting, industry preparation and networking.

You will appear in professionally made films with working film and TV directors as part of the course and you’ll leave with a comprehensive showreel, having had a screening of your work for invited agents and casting directors. 

The course will give you the in-depth training required to be a professional actor, through two years of acting classes based on the approaches of Michael Chekhov, Nikolai Demidov and Sanford Meisner. Acting class is closely aligned with a combined voice and movement class, exploring how these instruments work together, to create psychologically truthful characters.

You will develop an understanding of the specific technical processes and working practices of acting for camera and experience motion capture and voice-over recording. You’ll research the development of acting for the screen and the psychology of the acting process. Through our tutors, who are industry professionals, you will have access to the latest industry knowledge and networks, leaving you well prepared for auditions and castings.

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, in which you put all your training together, mirroring the preparation an actor makes creating and realising a believable character on screen, with an individuality, vulnerability, and intimacy that is essential for screen acting.

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 and you begin building material for your showreel.

YEAR THREE.

Year three prepares you for a career in the industry. You apply the comprehensive acting skills you have learnt to different styles through a screen comedy module and learn to adapt your craft whilst keeping the integrity of your process. You learn about casting and acquire the knowledge you’ll need about agents, auditions, and the job of building a career as a working actor. You experience casting for commercials, getting head shots and putting together your marketing package. This work culminates in a showcase to agents, directors and casting directors. You also extend your skill-set to motion capture animation and voice over, learning the techniques of working in these mediated forms of production that will support your employability. The final term is largely devoted to the making of specially commissioned films with public screenings. You graduate with a showreel as part of your marketing package to support you as you start your career.

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.

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 will be asked to send us:

• A recent photograph of yourself (head and shoulders) in either jpeg or pdf format
• A video recording of 2 contemporary (written after 1970) contrasting monologues from published full-length plays, each under 2 minutes. Contrast can be in the form of tone, tempo, genre or style. You can record the monologues on your phone. 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 Screen 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