Actor Training and Coaching

Entry requirements

You will normally have a degree or an equivalent qualification in a subject that includes an element of theatre or performance practice; or have a degree and can provide evidence of previous training and experience with performance disciplines; or have a strong acting or actor training background and at least two years’ professional experience in the acting industry. An offer will normally only be made after audition and interview.

An MFA top-up year for those with an existing MA in this subject is also available.

Months of entry

October

Course content

This course does not train actors, but develops a practical understanding of what it is to act, enabling graduates to work as actor trainers and coaches, drama and theatre practitioners, and directors of actors. Students are introduced to the principles and practices behind the training, education and support of actors and performers developing their practice.

Teaching methods include tutorials, group seminars and workshops. Practical sessions are designed to enhance understanding of acting processes and skills in pedagogy, together with associated study of contemporary issues of performance including theatre, film and television.

In the first year, students of the MA and MFA combine for terms one to three of their course. The MFA extends into a second year that involves workplace attachments, mentorships and practice, in close liaison with members of related industries.

MA and MFA students may expect to encounter work associated with Stanislavski, Chekhov, Meyerhold, Bogart, Lecoq, Grotowski and Meisner, as well as methodologies appropriate for acting for screen. They will develop aptitude in the fundamentals of embodied learning and pedagogy and practice-based research, relating these to a range of artistic contexts.

Students will develop advanced interpersonal, facilitation, coaching and pedagogy skills. These include:

• How to research, plan and deliver courses
• Knowledge of a wide range of acting methodologies and practices, as well as some movement and voice, education and support of actors
• Research skills, both as an individual and through group research
• Presentation skills
• An ability to plan, conduct and critically reflect on the student’s own practice as an actor trainer/practitioner.

In the MA and the MFA first year there is the opportunity to undertake a teaching/assistant directing/coaching placement, as well as placements to engage with different acting and production contexts with the duration ranging from eight hours to three months. Placements are a vital part of the course and will enable students to develop experience and hone skills as a pedagogic/practitioner.

The MFA second year widens opportunities to practice knowledge within a professional context. Students are expected to undertake one or two work place attachments, as well as tutorials and occasional seminars throughout the year as part of an ongoing process of pedagogical reflection and engagement leading to the submission of the final assessment.

Information for international students

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to prove their English language proficiency by gaining an overall score of 7.0 in an IELTS test. We do accept equivalent English language qualifications

More information for international students can be found on Central’s website.w.

Fees and funding

See Central's current range of scholarships and bursaries