inline-defaultCreated with Sketch.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Foundation
Major
Acting | Performing Arts | Theater Arts
Area of study
Arts
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Foundation Course in Acting - Foundation

Overview

This course allows you to learn the secrets of a successful audition, alongside voice, movement, dance and acting classes. The Foundation Course in Acting will give you a broad foundation in performance techniques and methods, and will be invaluable to anyone wanting to go to Drama School or take up a place on a performance course at University. It is also available to those who want to expand their experience in acting before applying. Former students have gone on to train at a variety of drama schools in the UK and in the USA.


Why Choose Us?

  • A course aimed at committed and enthusiastic young people, who have a passion for acting and who want to improve their experience level.
  • Studying on the foundation year will guarantee an audition for our BA Acting course at no extra cost.
  • The University is the largest producer of creative professionals outside the South East.
  • Former students have gone on to train at a variety of drama schools in the UK and in the USA.

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

  • No previous qualifications are necessary.
  • Applicants will need to complete an audition for this course; see audition arrangements below.

Audition arrangements

  • Applicants will be required to successfully pass an initial and recall audition.
  • For full details and advice about auditions and interviews, please visit the Acting Auditions and Interviews section of the Conservatoire website.

Mature students

  • Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.

International qualifications

  • EU / International students
    • Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept.
    • In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

  • Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
  • The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
  • Award: Foundation
  • Starting: Sep 2026
  • Mode: Full Time
  • Duration: 20 weeks
  • Fees: £7,000 in 2026/27

International students

  • Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
  • The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
  • Award: Foundation
  • Starting: Sep 2026
  • Mode: Full Time
  • Duration: 20 weeks
  • Fees: TBC

Course in Depth

Full time

  • The 20-week full-time programme includes two terms of 10 weeks.
  • The course is made up of a combination of classes, workshops and projects, in addition to external masterclasses and workshops.

Classes

  • Acting Technique
    • These classes form an introduction to the application of the principles of character creation and application in performance.
  • Acting Through Song
    • An introduction to the creation of character and performance in the medium of song through exploration of repertoire.
  • Audition Preparation
    • Coaching on auditioning for drama schools and individual work on audition pieces in small groups.
  • Improvisation
    • An opportunity to access the creative imagination and explore the uses of improvisation as a rehearsal and performance tool.
  • Movement and Dance
    • Exploring the use of the body as a tool for the creation of character and the telling of dramatic stories.
  • Singing
    • An introduction to the mechanics of the singing voice and individual work on solo songs in small groups.
  • Stage combat
    • Work in both armed and unarmed combat for the stage.
  • Text Analysis
    • An introduction to the analysis of a script to discover the dramatic relationships and character clues.
  • Voice
    • An introduction to one of the actor’s most important tools, whilst developing the mechanics and safe use of the voice.

Projects

  • You will also work on two projects per term – four in total across the 20 weeks – which usually include Musical Theatre, Shakespeare, Improvised Storytelling and Modern Playwrights.

Workshops

  • The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire has the good fortune to be within easy reach of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
  • You may have the opportunity to visit Stratford and experience workshops with the RSC actors.
  • We also attend The Globe Theatre as part of the course to undertake workshops, usually including work on the Globe’s stage.
  • You will also undertake mock audition panels with industry professionals including agents and casting directors who also offer workshops.

External Visits

  • The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is surrounded by a great variety of theatres and performance spaces; we may have the opportunity to visit several of these and examine the many performance styles offered by different spaces.
  • Access to London and its empire of theatres is also extremely easy and visits may be organised to watch plays relevant to the work undertaken on the course.

Employability

  • While many students will want to move on to train for careers in performance, the course offers a unique experience and transferable skills that will be useful in many walks of life.
  • Some students have gone on to gain places at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to continue their training, while others have gone on to a host of other UK and American drama schools, including:
    • Bristol Old Vic
    • Guildford School of Acting (GSA)
    • East 15
    • Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
    • Rose Bruford
    • Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
    • LIPA
    • Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Theatre School)
    • ALRA
    • Oxford School of Drama
    • American Academy of Dramatic Art
    • Stella Adler

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

  • Foundation Acting students are primarily based in the idyllic location of Bournville, south Birmingham, near to Cadbury World, Stirchley, and the student community in Selly Oak.
  • Facilities include rehearsal and teaching spaces, a resource room with a range of plays, and a student common room.
  • You will also have the opportunity to perform your final showcase at an external performance venue. This will vary each year dependant on availability.

Our staff

  • Danièle Sanderson
    • Head of Undergraduate Studies (Acting); BA (Hons) Acting Course director
    • Danièle started life as a Drama student, training at the Drama Centre, London.
    • She followed her interest in the body and actor by training in Physical theatre both in London and in Paris.
    • After working for 10 years as a freelance actor and movement director, her interest turned to directing and she gained a Masters in Theatre Directing from...
SHOW MORE
About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
Diploma
Foundation
Courses

Birmingham City University


Overview:

Birmingham City University (BCU) is a large and diverse university located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It boasts over 31,000 students from over 100 countries, emphasizing practice-based learning.


Services Offered:

BCU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

    Accommodation:

    Seven halls of residence with various on-campus and inner-city living options.

    Financial Support:

    Scholarships and financial aid programs to help students fund their education.

    Career Services:

    Support for graduate employment, self-employment, volunteering, mentoring, and graduate events and training.

    Learning Support:

    Resources and assistance for students with learning difficulties.

    Library Services:

    Access to the university library for alumni and students.

    Student Union (BCUSU):

    A student-led organization providing representation, activities, and support.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

BCU offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities to explore:

    Life in Birmingham:

    The university provides information and resources for students to navigate life in the city.

    Campus Facilities:

    Access to industry-standard facilities, innovative learning spaces, and social spots.

    Virtual Tours:

    Immersive 360-degree tours of the campuses to experience student life virtually.

    BCU Boost:

    A financial support package designed to simplify student life, including travel incentives, financial management tips, and discounts.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Practice-based Learning:

    BCU focuses on practical skills development and real-world application of knowledge.

    International Opportunities:

    The university offers international study opportunities and a diverse student body.

    Employability Focus:

    BCU emphasizes career readiness and provides resources to help students find employment.

    Gold for Student Experience:

    BCU has received the highest possible rating for student experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Academic Programs:

BCU offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties:

    Arts, Design and Media

    Business, Law and Social Sciences

    Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

    Health, Education and Life Sciences

    Royal Birmingham Conservatoire


Other:

    Alumni Community:

    BCU has a strong alumni network with opportunities for engagement through events, mentoring, and international ambassador roles.

    Research:

    The university has research centers and projects across various disciplines, aiming to contribute to knowledge and the world.

    STEAMhouse:

    A unique space for innovation, enterprise, and skills development in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

    News and Events:

    BCU regularly publishes news and updates on its website and social media platforms.

Total programs
312
Location
How can I help you today?