One year actor training course for theatre and screen
At the Actors' Institute, we provide the highest level of actor training and development, equipping students with the skills and techniques necessary to build a successful career in theatre and screen.
Our part-time actor training programme is designed to support aspiring Actors, no matter what age, to gain the in-depth knowledge and experience needed to make it in the industry.
The programme has been developed by experienced practitioners including Actors, Directors, Theatre Makers and Film Makers, to create dynamic and bold performers, who are risk-takers, collaborators and entrepreneurs.
The programme is highly practical and you will train weekly, honing your instincts as an Actor. You will also receive ongoing training through our regular masterclasses in acting, voice and movement from our team of industry professionals and achieve an Equity recognised Stage Combat qualification from the APC. This course will also provide you with a professionally filmed and edited showreel.
Recognised by Spotlight. Our one-year training programme contributes to Spotlight membership. Eligibility for membership requires successful completion of two years' part-time training at Actors' Institute.
“When I was growing up in Swindon, I came through the traditional drama route, which is great, but this training gives actors alternative ways of developing skills, which is really, really exciting!”
Billie Piper, Patron
Course features
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Work and train at the same time. Our part-time actor training programme, offers the freedom to continue training around your employment or other study commitments.
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No upper age limit.
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Highest quality training from industry professionals. Develop career skills, audition techniques and performance skills.
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10 month course, September to July.
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Weekly Actor training sessions.
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Casting workshop with a professional Casting Director and monthly intensive masterclasses covering a wide variety of disciplines including motion capture, voice work, puppetry, theatre and screen skills. ​
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Three Equity recognised APC Basic Exam qualifications.
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Professionally filmed and edited showreel footage.​
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Opportunity to top-up with additional training to gain Spotlight membership.
Who we work with
As we work with industry professionals our masterclass facilitators will vary each year
Luke Marquez
Head of Acting
Cheryl Stapleton
Commedia dell'arte
Bee Daws
Puppetry
Tamsin Collison
Acting for Audio
Tom Jordan
Stage and Screen Combat
Danica Pickett
Casting Director
Gemma Prangle
Movement
Cathleen McCarron
Voice and Accent Coach
Matt Cross
Acting for Screen and Motion Capture
Gurch Singh
Film Production
Rebecca Gausnell
Accent Coach
Harry Myres
Voice Acting
Who should apply?
Our part-time actor training programme is for students aged 18+ who are serious about a career in the performing arts.
The acting industry is increasingly reliant on versatile performers and theatre makers. During this course you will work on your core acting skills, with a focus on acting from impulse. We want to help you stand-out by helping you find a truthful performance in every moment.
Students should be self-motivated, disciplined and able to work creatively and collaboratively with others.
If you are planning to audition for Drama School or University.
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Our course is a great option if you are looking to audition for Drama School. Not only will you get valuable training and experience, you will also have the option to supplement with additional 1-2-1 support throughout your audition process. We can also help you with choosing the right drama school for you, selecting speeches, audition preparation and personal statements.
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We have an excellent track record for nurturing the careers of 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 weekly over three terms.​
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Weekly classes every Tuesday – 7.30pm – 9.30pm
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Intensive masterclasses the first Saturday or Sunday of every month (Sometimes these sessions may run across two days and will include a Saturday and Sunday, you will be given ample notice of these dates.)
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Termly 3 day intensive stage combat training and practical combat APC exams
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Acting for Camera and Showreel, 4 day Intensive (June)
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The total course fee for one-year is £1,600
A deposit of £200 should be paid on acceptance of your place on the course to secure your place. The remaining fee may then be paid in full on starting the course, or in agreed instalments throughout the year.
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Full scholarships are available to students aged 18-25, who live local to Swindon and the surrounding areas. Awards are made to individuals on the basis of their talent, potential and personal financial need and can be applied for after a successful audition.
Applications now closed for 2023
For our course starting at the end of September 2023, we are holding our auditions digitally rather than face-to-face.
To apply for our next round of auditions, please complete and submit our application form and we will then send you an email confirming the next steps.
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Please submit your application form before 5pm, Friday 14th of July to apply for Sept 2023.
We are a 'zero audition fee school' so there are no fees to audition for this training programme.
"My training here has been invaluable, I feel as I have had amazing amounts of growth and has gave me the tools and skills to better my craft and to work in the industry"
Mitch Shaw, Student 2022/23
Location
Workshops are delivered at the Wrong Shoes Studio located in Old Town, Swindon.
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With free car parking nearby and great public transport links 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.