Acting: Foundation (Certificate Level 2)

What is the course about?

This is a one-year, part-time intensive course: one full day per week for 23 weeks, plus Induction, a half day Sharing Practice event and individual exit tutorials. There is therefore a high level of student care and support built into the offer. The course is designed to develop your skills in the core disciplines of drama, with practical exercises in acting, voice and movement, taught by industry professionals. You will work individually, in small groups and as an ensemble with your peers on the course. Entry is by a free audition: everyone is welcome to audition. Course dates: Sat 11 Jan–5 Apr 2025 (half-term break 22 Feb), Sat 3 May–26 July 2025.
Sharing Practice Day: Sunday 6 April 2025.

What will we cover?

The course will cover the three main aspects of fundamental drama training—Acting, Voice and Movement skills—with units in Stanislavskian methodology, naturalism and emotional recall, movement and voice technique, and the study of contemporary plays. You will develop and apply the skills learned, culminating in an exciting day of presentation of scene work to an invited audience.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Demonstrate a clearer understanding of acting methodology
• Exhibit correct breathing techniques and vocal resonance and clarity
• Interpret text, working in a collaborative way with others
• Work from the neutral body to create character physically and use space effectively.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Ideally, you'll have completed at least one beginners' and one improvers' course in acting either at City Lit or elsewhere, or have comparable experience. Entry is via audition, at which you will need to demonstrate suitable practical skills. Please prepare a contemporary (written in the last 20 years) monologue no longer than two minutes.
At the audition and during the course you'll need to communicate intention clearly, respond positively, assimilate constructive feedback, and demonstrate your interpersonal skills in collaboration with others.
To apply: Applications are made through our online portal, click the "Start Assessment" button to log in and start the process. If you have any queries, please email the Drama Department with your name and contact details.
Audition dates: you will be invited to audition after your application is received. Information and advice on how to prepare for your audition is in our Drama Audition Advice.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught by qualified tutors with vocational experience. Regular attendance and punctuality is essential as a discipline of the professional theatre; you are expected to arrive 15 minutes before the first class to be ready to work when the class begins. Some homework will be required, e.g. line-learning and reading around the topics.
Some work will be filmed as part of our assessment, verification and moderation processes. Please note that filming/recording of you is therefore crucial and recordings will be shared with OCN, the accreditation board, for this course. Your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and recordings will be held by the college for verification purposes until six months after the course has finished. By enrolling on the course you acknowledge that you understand this, and that you cannot withdraw consent to being recorded.
HEALTH CHECK
You may be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this; if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The course fee for 2425 is £1,349 and includes the accreditation fee. Course fees can be paid upfront or in instalments through a City Lit payment plan. When you enrol you commit via your signature to paying the whole fee; accredited courses are non-refundable.
You will be required to wear loose black clothing for all sessions. You will also need to borrow or purchase the five principal text books (estimated total cost £90) and have notepaper and pen at each session.
Those eligible can apply for a student bursary before the course begins, and for financial support towards travel, books etc. See Help with paying for your course for information on help with paying for your course, including whether you are eligible for financial assistance.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may wish to audition for City Lit’s Acting Diploma (Level 3) a one-year part-time course, starting in September each year, which can lead to working in the industry and/or further study at drama school.
You may also be interested in City Lit’s wide range of non-accredited courses in any of the three disciplines, or in related disciplines such as screen acting, radio and TV presenting, dance, singing, or other performing arts.
The course leader and your tutors will provide individual advice and recommendations.