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...
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:
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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:
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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: