BA (Hons)

Acting FAQ

1) What does the audition entail?

If invited to audition you will be asked to perform two prepared monologues from memory: one classical and one contemporary of no more than two minutes each (four minutes total). Following your audition you will be interviewed briefly. We will be interested in why you chose your pieces and how you developed them for performance. If selected for interview and audition, there is a single fee of £30.

2) What do you look for in an applicant?

We look for gifted people who have had an introduction to and some experience of acting. This practical course is demanding and appeals to individuals who are dedicated to pursuing performance careers. We expect you to articulate your views in many different forms and to have the ability to carry out academic research and writing.

3) How much writing is there on the course?

There are written requirements at every level of the course ranging from the log books for practical units to more academic essays exploring performance history and theory. Essays range from 2,000 to 4,000 words and require significant research and analysis. While there is a strong element of academic research, this is often approached through practice, emphasising the vocational nature of this course.

4) Are you similar to a Drama School?

This is a highly vocational course and it is designed to provide students with key experiences that will prepare them not only for the acting profession, but also for general interaction with the working world. While the class schedule here is not as intense as you might find at a Drama School, much of the same material is covered. We also offer opportunities to work on projects with students from other courses at the University College, including Film, Costume with Performance Design, Animation Production and Make-up for Media and Performance.

5) What are the employment prospects?

The goal of the course is to prepare students to become actors with a range of skills suitable to the needs of the theatre, film, television and radio industries. The entertainment industry is one of the fastest growing in the UK and opportunities are certainly there for talented, trained and industrious graduates. Aside from entering the acting profession our graduates leave us with a range of skills that are easily transferred into other working environments. These could include teaching, presenting, corporate role-play, or indeed any work that requires strong verbal and written communication, critical thinking, analysis skills and an ability to work effectively as a member of a team. The business sector at large has identified these attributes as key skills that they look for in new graduates. Students on the acting course will also be well prepared to go on to post-graduate MA studies.