Acting Diploma Course (In-Person)

ATCL - HND EQUIVALENT UNIT

Looking to become a Professional Actor? Have you recently left school or reached a point in your life where it’s time to pursue your dreams? 

*** Applications for November 2024 Entry now open***

Acting Diploma Course (ATCL)

NEW TERM BEGINS NOVEMBER 2024 - SEPTEMBER 2025

Acting Out Drama School's Part-Time Acting Diploma (equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree) with Trinity College London trains students in acting and prepares them for the professional world. It's a Part-Time, Distance Learning Acting Diploma Course which lasts up to One Year.  

This Equity Vetted Course, is recognised by casting agents and professionals in the industry. With a small class of around only 12 students, you will train part time in acting with leading acting coaches & directors with a mixture of residential days, online modules through a professional portal system and home study.

Gain experience and build your networking skills while working towards an ATCL Acting Diploma. This is Foundation Degree (England) & equivalent to HND qualifications in Scotland. Specifically it’s a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) which compares to the first year of a bachelor's degree, Level 4 qualification.

During the year you will cover the main skills of Acting and Performing, learning and practising theories from the pioneers of the acting world including Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Meisner, Uta Hagen, and more. Exact content may vary each year depending on the expertise of our professional artists, coaches and directors.

You will delve deeply into characterisation, relationships, actions and narrative.

You will have at least one monthly residential face to face full day session during term time spanning a six month period (November, January, February, March, April and May) as well as online sessions and modules and work to complete and pass at home. Practical lectures and advice in the acting business are essential so you are kept up-to-date with current industry requirements and practice. These tend to take place in July, August, September and October and are normally from external professionals and organisations such as casting agents, Equity, actors and directors from all over the world.

As this course has been vetted and approved by Equity, you’ll also be able to apply for your student membership while studying with us, as well as your professional membership on graduating. This will help towards getting professional contracts and helping to gain your future Spotlight Membership.

You will be guided throughout the year by expert acting coaches, directors and practitioners who really care about your acting and your future career.

As Acting Out Drama School is connected to new writers and directors, you will also get the chance to work with some highly successful and award-winning artists.  You will have opportunities for Industry based education, such as Professional CV writing, Professional Head-shots at discounted rates as well as visits or online sessions with other Professionals. 

You will also have direct contact with all your coaches and directors throughout the 12 month period.

This is an Equity Vetted Course and is recognised by casting agents and professionals in the industry. You will also be apart of a small class of around only 12 students.

 Here’s Exactly What You’ll Get:

✅ An ATCL Performing Qualification in Speech & Drama. This is Foundation Degree (England) & equivalent to HND qualifications in Scotland. This Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) compares to the first year of a bachelor's degree and is a Level 4 qualification (takes place in June).*

✅ A Certified Course with Acting Out Drama School and Education Scotland with digital certificate **

✅  You’ll explore and cover a whole range of acting theories, practitioners and subjects so when you leave, you’ll have a sound knowledge and skill of acting. You’ll get the exact curriculum once enrolled, as we change it each year to keep up with industry demands. An example of what you might cover is Sanford Meisner, Constantin Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Screen Acting, Contemporary Drama and William Shakespeare.

✅  You’ll get monthly residential full days during term time for a six month period where you’ll practice your knowledge and develop your skills under the guidance of your professional coaches and guest experts. From July - October you will turn your attention to the Industry and how to make acting a Business.

✅ You’ll also complete 5 online modules

✅ You’ll meet Casting Agents from Scotland and London

✅ You’ll meet the team from Equity and learn about professional contracts, networking & more

✅ You’ll be able to get your optional Equity Membership as your course has been vetted and approved by Equity

✅ You’ll take part in a discussion and meeting with a Professional Accountant to help start you off as a Self-Employed Actor

✅ You’ll walk away with guidance on how to create a Professional CV

✅ You’ll get opportunities to arrange your own Professional Head-shots with Award Winning and Agency Approved Photographers from London and Edinburgh

✅ You’ll take part in an Acting Audition Workshop to help you prepare for casting opportunities

✅ You’ll get the essential training in “Mastering RP Accent” by a highly regarded industry dialect expert so you can add accents to your Professional Acting CV

✅ You’ll get the low down on how to make it in L.A. from a Successful Actor, Theatre & Film Maker

✅ You’ll get opportunities for learning how to gain a Spotlight Membership (please see FAQ below for more information on this)

✅  You’ll get an optional NUS Student Card ***

✅ You’ll get practical lectures and advice in the acting business so you are kept up-to-date with current industry requirements and practice.

✅ You’ll learn and practice with expert, professional performers, directors and coaches

✅ You’ll uncover the secrets on how to gain professional performing work today by learning from guest and in-house professional and working actors and directors

✅ You’ll work with Award-Winning and Successful Professionals throughout the course

✅ You’ll get expert tuition in screen and stage acting

✅ You’ll get the skill, the guidance, the courage and the confidence to start acting professionally or go on to further education

 * This is on the basis you are put forward and pass your exam **This is on the basis that you pass all your assignments and the course ** * NUS Cards are Payable to NUS

LOCATION

During your core curriculum residential days of the Acting Diploma, your face-to-face lessons will take place in the heart of Edinburgh at the Augustine Centre, George IV Bridge. Near to shops, cafes, train stations and buses, it’s a great place to study. Other venues may also be used and will be given once enrolled.

Your full day residential sessions will run from approx. 10am to 5pm on Saturdays (see the exact dates below). 

You are also expected to do around 4 hours private study a week (this is an average over the whole year and some weeks there will be more or less expected). Your private study times involve online modules, preparation for your face to face sessions, follow up assignments, a graded assignment and various other opportunities that may be offered throughout the course.

You must pass your assignments and exam to complete the course.

From January onwards, the course work intensifies.

Extra morning/afternoon sessions may be added for professional visits and/or extra tuition. Some weeks will be busier than others.

To be considered for the examination, you must have passed all your end-of-module assignments (as we need evidence you are ready to sit the exam before we can put you forward).  

 You are also encouraged and able to enrol onto our vocational performing courses, such our Intermediate Acting Course and Advanced Acting Course where you will be apart of a performance in a professional theatre (agents are invited). 

QUALIFICATION

Your practical exam is an ATCL Performing Qualification in Speech & Drama (a Foundation Degree in England, equivalent to an SQA HND unit). You will be assessed, graded and awarded your qualification by Trinity College London. Your examination is likely to be digital. You will be fully supported with an online module dedicated to exam preparation as well as a group sessions and a mock exam with your acting coach. All information will be given to you while in your course.

DATES

You will have online modules to complete and home study as well as these dates below. Your official starting date begins as soon as you enrol where you will be given access to your online portal/folder to get you started.

Your Residential and in-person dates are as follows:

Saturday 16th November 2024 (ALL DAY)

Saturday 18th January 2025 (ALL DAY)

Saturday 15th February 2025 (ALL DAY)

Saturday 15th March 2025 (ALL DAY)

Saturday 19th April 2025 (ALL DAY)

Saturday 17th May 2025 (ALL DAY)

JUNE 2025 (EXAMS)

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2025 (INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS)

More dates may be added to this list throughout the year, including dates to meet casting agents, Equity, professional actors and directors, workshops and more which normally take place around July, August, September and October. These can be face to face or online depending on the organisations we are connecting with at the time. They can be held on evenings, weekends, or between office hours. Please note, anything outside the list of dates above are not essential to attend in order to pass your course but are excellent opportunities for you to train, engage, learn and connect with the industry.

FEES

Acting Out Drama School is a Private Drama School, accredited by Trinity College London and offering students professional and vocational courses in acting.

The Diploma Acting Course is Equity Vetted and recognised by leading casting agents and directors. The fees include the standard college tuition fee, professional expertise, small class sizes of around 12 students, central facilities, professional online portals, preparation for working in the industry, sound business advice, Professional CV Guidance, plus opportunities for professional head shots, Equity and Spotlight Membership. 

The full fee is only £1595 (including your exam and qualification fee).

On acceptance of a place, full payment is due or your choice of suitable instalment plan. Paying in one lump sum works out cheaper. For last minute applications full payment may be due before the start of the course.
 

AUDITIONS

Once you have applied you will receive an automatic email detailing all your audition information. Our main auditioning methods are online self-tapes.

For the auditions, you are required to perform (from memory and in character) one monologue, lasting no more than 2 minutes, either classical (preferably by Shakespeare and in verse) OR a contemporary. We require you to film your monologue and answer questions to the camera that are sent beforehand via email. 

We will be looking for clear evidence of the abilities required for the course, evidence of practical and intellectual skills necessary for the nature of this course, and personal qualities that would contribute to the class and the school. More details will be given after we receive your application.

Decisions for audition outcomes are normally made at the end of each month.

There is a small fee of £10 which covers your application and audition.

*** Applications for November 2024 Entry now open***

FQA

Is there funding for this course?

Most students pay for the course themselves as the cost is very small compared to higher educational qualifications. In the past, students who don't have the full payment upfront have paid for courses in instalments or made the most of student banking services such as the free student overdrafts or soft student loans (including career development loans). You can also contact your Local Education Authority or Charitable Trusts who help finance Performing Art Students. Check out your local library for more information. 

Will the SAAS pay for my fee?

Again, most students pay for the course themselves as the tuition fee is low. To build your connections to London (the place to be for actors and directors) Acting Out have chosen to work with Trinity College London for your certified qualification. Therefore as your qualification is an English qualification, the SAAS may not cover your tuition fee. You may still be entitled to a student loan. Check the question above about how students have paid in the past. 

I may need special assistance, is that possible?

Yes. Your coaches will be on hand to assist you if you need extra time, additional help, or more guidance. For the exam, as long as you can prove in writing that you are entitled to extra time, you should be able to secure it.

Exactly how is the course structured?

The course is made up of around 25-30 learning outcomes over the year. You have all the face-to-face sessions/ days mentioned above, as well as some online tutorials and modules. These cover a variety of different acting training techniques from Stanislavski to Physical Theatre. You also have other days and opportunities on top of this that are added throughout the year.

Your main sessions are conducted by expert acting coaches and award winning directors and theatre makers from all over the world who you will be in contact with throughout the whole of the course (and for up to one year after you graduate). You can check out list of current coaches here.

The structure and content change from year to year depending on the students who have successfully gained a place on the course and the expertise directors and coaches we have per term. Normally your core training is based around Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Meisner.

We also explore a whole host of other practitioners and theories so as to encourage students to expand and develop their training, skills and acting tool belt.

There are approx. 10 assignments and pieces of homework to submit as well as many more to practice and explore in your own time. You must pass all the assignments to complete the course. Full details on all your learning outcomes and assignments will be given prior to starting your course.

There are additional benefits we include such as an Equity Membership (so you can start working and building networks straight away), business training days, including how to be pro-active and get work, meeting and working with Management Agencies, our recommended contacts for you in the industry and at least one Q and A session with a professional actor, director or theatre maker.

What if I miss a session?

If you miss sessions due to illness or a prior commitment, we do everything we can to ensure you don’t fall behind. There is lots of contact between students and
coaches. It’s normal for coaches to send a breakdown of what was covered after each session as well as help students with assignments if they need it. So missing one or two sessions due to sickness is okay, as long as you can put the work back into your
course in your own time. 

Do I get an Equity Membership on completion of this Course?

Yes, this course has been vetted and approved by Equity. All students who pass the course and are present on the business day in July, not only meet Equity and gain a huge amount of knowledge about the professional industry and how to start your professional journey, but you will also be offered full Equity Membership. If you miss the business day, you can still gain Equity Membership. You will be given all the details you need at the right time.

How do I get my Spotlight Membership?

On the Business Day you will meet and work with a number of organisations including Casting Directors, Management Agencies, Professional Actors, Directors and Equity. One the biggest topics we cover on this day is Spotlight and how to get your membership. By attending this course, you will gain a professional qualification which you can use towards your Spotlight credits in conjunction with any credits you gain from other professional work.

If you do not have professional work yet, we would recommend you audition and try to gain a place in our Advanced Acting Course, so that you gain professional performing experience while you are training, making it easier to apply for your spotlight membership on graduation.

If you still don’t have professional experience by the time you graduate, don’t worry. This is where your Equity Membership comes in. Your Equity Membership is guaranteed on this course and will ensure your future experience is professionally contracted. You will also work with casting agents and meet industry professionals throughout your course, so you could also gain professional experience simply by networking.

If you follow the advice we, casting directors and management agencies give you on the Business Day regarding Spotlight, you will have a very good chance of being accepted and gaining that membership. Despite this being a part-time course, most of our students do go on and gain their Spotlight Membership.

Overall, you are in good hands!

Do I need a Visa?

If you are not from the UK, you don’t need a visa to enrol onto any of our courses (providing you are legally allowed to stay in the UK or are traveling in and out of the UK for your residential day each month). We have lots of foreign students and you would be very welcome to join us.

Will this course allow me entry onto the second year of an acting degree?

It all depends on how strong your application is when you graduate. Students have been very successful previously when wanting to gain further education or professional work. The course is a great place to start your education and your professional journey. This is a diploma course (which is the English equivalent of a foundation degree) but it’s not the first at uni (as it would need to be full time). Even so, many of our students are offered places on the second year of acting degree courses, and above. Around 30% of our students are offered MA places (Year 5, thus skipping 3-4 academic years). Overall, anything is possible and the harder you work within this course, the better your chances of academic success in the future.

Will this course guarantee me an agent?

Again, previous students have been very successful when gaining an agent after the course. It all depends on how strong you are and what agents are looking for when you leave the course.

How do I apply?

Just click below. There is a small application and audition fee of £10.