Three Year Acting BA (Hons) - Overview

pic01

This programme of study is suitable for those determined to become professional actors working in today’s Theatre, Screen and Audio industries.  Combining practical actor training with theoretical study and research methodologies, this vocational course aims to equip you to operate effectively in a highly competitive artistic industry.

Content

  • Building Performance – Devised work and Scene Study; you will work on a variety of texts – Shakespeare, Greek, C19th Realism, American Classic, Tragedy, TV Comedy, Contemporary writers 
  • Acting Studies – Classes in: Acting Technique, Acting for Camera, Acting for Radio, Improvisation
  • Voice Studies – Classes in: Voicing Text, Technical Voice, Articulation and RP, Choral
  • Movement Studies – Classes in: Creative Movement, Movement Anatomy, Movement Studies, Period Movement and Dance, Combat
  • Contextual Studies – Classes in: Text Analysis & Preparation, Voice Physiology, Physical Theatre Practices, Musicianship, Critiquing, Professional Practice and Industry Opportunities 

Teaching and learning

The first year focuses on discovery and exploration – understanding the equipment you have and how to use and develop it.  The second year encourages you to apply your emerging techniques in the acting space, on screen and to the microphone using increasingly complex texts.  In the final year your skills and abilities are tested in the public arena in Live Performance (Theatre), Recorded Performance (TV Drama and Radio), Professional Preparation (Showcase and practice auditions) and Contextual Studies – an in depth preparation for character and performance.

Contact time is 36 timetabled hours a week throughout the first two years.  Professional hours are worked throughout the final year.

ALRA tutors are both trained teachers and professional practitioners. Third year directors are visiting professional theatre or television directors.

Classes are both practical and theoretical, involving group, pair and solo exercises; you will be asked to research, reflect and share your discoveries in occasional presentations.  Rehearsals can be workshops, script analysis and traditional rehearsals.

Building Performance presentations take place twice every term, with studio presentations in Voice and Movement at the end of every term.

Extra-curricular workshops take place in weeks 5 and 11 of each term

Extra-curricular performances take place at the end of each term.

Public Productions

At the end of the second year you will take a Shakespeare presentation into local schools.  In the final year you will –

  • Perform in three plays in the ALRA Theatre, taking one of the plays on a short tour
  • Record a 10 minute film which will streamed on the ALRA website in conjunction with your showcase
  • Make a TV presenting showreel
  • Make an audio reel
  • Perform in a Showcase in London and Manchester to industry professionals

Qualifications

Upon successfully completing the Three Year Acting Programme you will be awarded –

  • BA (Hons) Acting (validated by St Mary’s University College)

In addition you will be entitled to Full Equity Membership through our Drama UK accreditation and join Spotlight at the start of your final year.

Entry Requirements

Selection is made by audition.  In addition you must be:

  • 18 years old at the start of the course, although we positively welcome older students 
  • Have 200 UCAS tariff points (NB – exceptional ability and/or considerable life/work experience could be taken into consideration; we would expect you to take an intensive preliminary course
  • Fluent English – if English is not your first language (B2 CEFR  or 7.5 TEEP)

“A rounded curriculum (with) recorded media training throughout the course. There is a clear journey of progress for the student”

Drama UK 2012

International Applicants

ALRA welcomes applications from international candidates whose written and spoken English is of a level appropriate to professional actor training. This will be assessed at audition.

Non-EU applicants must obtain a student visa to cover the duration of their studies.

Attendance at a scheduled ALRA audition is compulsory. Pre-recorded audition videos are not acceptable; however ALRA can view international applicants' audition videos as a precursor to inviting them for a full audition.

ALRA does not accept students on short-term basis taking part in the Erasmus programme.