BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre

Through the study of the symbiotic relationship between practice and theory, students will gain focused performance training as well as the critical skills essential to the articulate and intellectually aware actor and theatre practitioner.  The course enables students to develop the artistic and intellectual foundations for a career in theatre and related fields.

London – a vibrant and diverse theatre centre – is the focus for experiential learning about the theatre industry and its creative innovations.   Masterclasses, theatre visits, and fieldwork give students insights into theatre as both artistic practice and as a multi-faceted creative industry. 

Acting & Global Theatre Course Content

The Kevin Spacey Foundation Scholarship

As part of an exciting new partnership, the Kevin Spacey Foundation is supporting this innovative course.  Full scholarships will be available to the most talented applicants and all students on the course will be able to participate in a number of master classes led by the internationally renowned actor and director, Kevin Spacey.  The Kevin Spacey Foundation has also agreed to create additional learning events each year with high-profile artists and practitioners. KSF Scholarship details here. 

The programme combines the professional rigour and discipline of vocational actor training with a challenging study of theatre cultures of the world. Modules include:

• World Stages 1 (20 credits)
• The Body as Material (10 credits)
• The Voice as Material (10 credits)
• The Actor as Instrument (20 Credits)
• Actor, Image and Stage (20 credits)
• Media Technology for the Screen (20 credits)
• Introduction to Study and IT Skills (20 credits)
• World Stages 2 (20 credits)
• Creating a Character (20 credits)
• Creating a Performance (20 credits)
• Study Abroad Semester (40 credits)
• Study Abroad Essay (20 credits)
• World Stages 3 (20 credits)
• Acting for the Camera (20 credits)
• Shakespeare in International Performance (20 credits)
• Development of Theatre Studio Performance (20 credits)
• Major Performance Project (40 credits)

Tutors are experienced professionals from the London theatre community and the course draws upon the wide range of theatrical expertise of practitioners from both Western and non-Western traditions.

Learning Methods

Delivery will be by lecture, seminar, workshop and tutorial, and students will have the opportunity to work both individually and in groups.  There are opportunities for performances in each year. 

Throughout the year, the core curriculum is enhanced by field trips and theatre visits; the intent is to offer students a wide perspective of the varieties of performance in current repertoire, from Shakespeare and the classics to experimental, multimedia and site-based contemporary work. 

• Masterclasses by theatre professionals and guest artist residencies
• Industry placement
• Opportunity to undertake study abroad.

Who Should Take This Course?

The course is designed for a culturally diverse, international cohort, which includes post-secondary students as well as learners who wish to explore an intercultural approach to performance.  It is designed to appeal to those who want a high level of hands-on practicum and experiential learning, both within the classroom and off-campus.

Employment Opportunities

BA (Hons) Acting and Global Theatre engages students in the ethos and disciplines of theatre as collaborative practice and global phenomenon.  Adaptability and creative problem-solving are two of the most sought-after skills in today’s workplace.  In addition to subject-specific training, students develop strong transferable skills in team-working, communication, project management, problem-solving, presentation and interpersonal relations.

Students who begin this degree with the goal of working in the theatrical or creative industries but without specific aims will have the opportunity to experience through three years a range of possibilities within this sector.  They will qualify with experience and expertise as theatre-makers, with highly transferable skills in a range of creative areas, and wide opportunities in the avenues open to them.

For Students with Disabilities

Due to the practical nature of some modules it is possible that a student with a physical difficulty may find these particularly challenging. If so, the student is advised to contact the Disability Officer to discuss any specific needs prior to application. The Disability Officer will liaise with the Programme Director, as necessary. As the course includes theatre trips, please advise the Disability Officer as soon as possible about any specific access needs.