Part-time foundation course: Acting

Our Foundation in Acting course offers a rigorous and in-depth training that will give you the skills, techniques and confidence, invaluable either as preparation for further vocational training, higher education, or for a career in the performing arts.

If you are auditioning for Drama School, the competition for places is tougher than ever, with record numbers auditioning for a handful of drama school places each year. 

Our foundation course in acting is designed to give you the competitive edge, providing expert guidance and inside knowledge, as well as high quality actor training from our team of industry professionals. We also provide support in choosing the right drama school for you, selecting speeches, audition preparation, personal statements, as well as training in acting, voice and movement.

In addition to training from our regular tutors, you will also take part in specialist workshops from visiting professionals and benefit from discount on all Actors’ Institute Masterclasses.

Students will also work as a theatre company to create a performance at the Shoebox Theatre.

“When I was growing up in Swindon, I came through the traditional drama route, which is great, but the training at the Shoebox Theatre gives young actors alternative ways of developing skills, which is really, really exciting!” 

Billie Piper

Patron of the Shoebox Theatre

Features

​Our foundation in acting course offers part-time training, which works around your employment or study commitments.

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• 10 month course, September to June

• 10 hours per week intensive training, covering a wide variety of disciplines

• Performance experience

• Personal development

• Help selecting and applying to drama school

• Discount on all Actors’ Institute master-classes

• Highest quality actor training

• Opportunities to learn from industry professionals

• Easy access to public transport and local amenities

Who should apply?

Our part-time foundation course is for students aged 17-25 who are serious about a career in acting and/or wish to audition for Drama School or University.

Students applying for this course should be self-motivated, disciplined and able to work creatively and collaboratively with others. 

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We have an excellent track record for nurturing the careers of young actors and have most recently seen students successfully audition for Drama Schools such as East 15, Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford, Fourth Monkey and Drama Studio, as well as Universities.

Course structure and fees

Classes take place over three ten-week terms on the following evenings and weekend days:

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• Monday - 7pm - 10pm

• Wednesday - 7pm - 10pm

• Sunday - 10am - 12noon and 12:30pm - 2:30pm

You will receive core skills training in acting, voice and movement throughout the 3 terms. 

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In term 1, you will receive personal development coaching to help you plan your auditions, prepare your personal statement and select your audition monologues.  

You will continue to receive audition support throughout the year alongside your core skills training and masterclasses.

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The total course fee is £2,000

A deposit of £200 should be paid on acceptance of your place on the course. The remaining fee may then be paid in full on starting the course, or £600 paid each term.

How to apply

For our course starting in October 2020, we are holding our first round of auditions digitally rather than face-to-face.

To apply for an audition, please complete our application form by 5pm on 30th June 2020 and we will then send you an email confirming the next steps.

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Our second round of auditions will happen in person at our studio, we do not currently have a confirmed date for these sessions, but are aiming for August/September.

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There are no fees to audition for this course.

Location

Workshops take place at the Shoebox Theatre - our purpose built, fully equipped studio located in Swindon’s historic railway village.

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With numerous public car parks nearby and only a 10 minutes walk from the Swindon train and bus stations, access is a breeze wherever you’re coming from.

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Swindon is conveniently located on the M4 and is easily commutable  from Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Winchester, Reading, Cheltenham and Gloucester. 

 APC Equity recognised exam courses in stage combat at basic, intermediate and advanced levels.​

Masterclasses for Actors to refresh or build their skills.

Weekly sessions focusing on either scripted or improv work to keep your acting technique sharp and well-practiced.