BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen

This course is designed to provide a credible vocational training for applicants who have completed two years of Higher Education. Our brief in designing the course was to create an exciting pathway for the many people who have completed HND, Foundation Degrees, Associate Degrees or two years at the Higher Education level in any subject area, and want a training course that is of equal value to more traditional conservatoire courses. Our close ties with Scotland’s only Screen Academy (housed at Edinburgh Napier), Queen Margaret’s history and expertise in actor training, close links with the industry and, our proximity to, and involvement in, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival give this course a context that cannot be matched elsewhere in the UK. The Degree works in two phases: students begin with a year of intensive teaching, then move gradually toward more independent work in their final year: forming companies, working with playwrights, screenwriters and film makers, learning to produce and being mentored through a full run at the Edinburgh Festival. Along with this career-launching run, students leave with a show reel and significant experience in acting for screen. While training, our students have worked with National Theatre of Scotland, Gridiron Theatre company, Lyceum Theatre company, Royal Shakespeare Company, and Bard in the Botanics. The degree is designed to help students make the transition from student learning to independent freelance artist as smoothly as possible. Given our Edinburgh location, you’ll be working in some exciting venues, with professional directors and teachers, and the course culminates in a full run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This is a full-time course studied over two years. What you study Year 3 Intensive training in voice, movement and acting Approaches to sustained performance and theories of performance Stage and screen performance technique Advanced techniques for performing classical texts Entrepreneurial business skills appropriate for a freelance career in the entertainment industry Year 4 Professional productions on stage and screen Critical approaches to acting and performance The integration and practice of skills in public performances The application of acting techniques appropriate to a particular style of performance The development of a personal portfolio showcasing the individual’s work Workshops with industry professionals Festival performance In both years there will be particular focus on style and the ability to adapt performance to specific medium. Through intensive study of the similarities and differences between the demands of stage and screen acting, you'll gain a critical understanding of your own acting process and confidence in your ability to work easily in both areas. Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study. You can view a list of all current modules in our module catalogue.