Advanced Acting & Performance Course

Looking to become a professional actor? Are you already trained or experienced and want to up-skill your acting and perform in an agency attended show? 

You’ll love this course if you are ready to step up, stand out and start working professionally.

ENROLLING NOW…

February 2027

Advanced Acting & Performance Course (Face-to-Face)

Dates: Thursday 18th Feb 2027- 13th May 2027  (running every Thursday with a performance on Friday 14th May 2027)

Times: 8pm - 10pm

Location: Augustine United Church (Studio/Theatre), 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL

Important Dates: Performance is scheduled for Friday 14th May 2027.

Cost: £510.00

Instalment options are available when booking.

Entry by audition only unless you have trained with us before at this level. Plays will be confirmed around week 3 of class.

Class sizes are small and places are limited.

We aim to run all sessions as planned in the website descriptions but sometimes dates, content, coaches, directors, venues or outcomes may change after you have booked your course.

If you want to become a professional actor or take your acting more seriously, then this is the course for you.

All students are screened first so we can be sure they meet the demands of the course and achieve the necessary standard required.

Therefore entry is by audition only.

You’ll work with industry leading, professional and award winning directors. In previous terms this has included Clare Cairns (Multi-Award-Winning Founder and Director of Acting Out), John Mitchell (former associate director of the Traverse Theatre), Paul Bianchi (award-winning performer, writer and director from Hollywood), James Beagon (multi- award winning playwright and director) and Jake Norton to name but a few.

You’ll focus on methods from highly regarded experts such as Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Adler, Hagen, Strasberg, Meisner, Mamet and many other different Theatre Art Forms.

You will also be casted and directed in an end of term public performance which agents are invited to.

After this, you’ll receive valuable, individual feedback on your Acting by your expert Acting Coach.

Plus offered Pathways and Guidance to progressing towards the Professional Industry, including the Professional Acting Course.

Terms vary depending on the expert coach, the director, the students and the objective set for each term.

As each term is different students enrol term after term, making places very competitive.

Here’s Exactly What You’ll Get:

✅  Training and Performing with expert, professional directors and acting coaches who guide your acting journey and experience

✅  2 Hours per week of intensive class time, plus moderate homework (average completion time of 45 mins per week per student)

✅  Free Membership to the Scotland Casting & Training Network for Actors and Speakers.

✅ A Certified Course with Education Scotland (CPD PLFind) *

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

✅ You’ll be auditioned, casted and directed in a full length Public Performance in the Theatre (or online for online specific courses)

✅  You’ll learn and practice advanced and professional levels of acting methods from highly regarded experts (such as Stanislavski, Chekhov, Uta Hagen, Adler, Hagen, Strasberg, Meisner, Mamet and more) ***

✅  You’ll discover the power, skill and fun of different methods and acting skills, from improvisation to characterisation.

✅ You’ll work on both classical and contemporary scripts ranging from tragedy to comedy (depending on which term you enrol and what we are covering).

✅ You’ll learn the skills needed to bridge you up for professional acting and performing

✅  You’ll increase your confidence in performance and everyday life

✅  You’ll explore and practice scene and script work with other advanced students and your professional director

✅  You’ll learn how to work with a professional director in professional setup and how to take his/her guidance (essential if you wish to become a professional performer).

✅  You’ll get directed by a professional and expert acting and directing coach, who can help improve your skill and how you come across

✅  You’ll get more creative and spark your imagination by freeing up those normal adult restrictions and belief systems

✅  You’ll walk away with individual feedback on your ability, progress, talent and your performance delivery.

✅  You’ll get our honest advice with options on future opportunities to continue your training with us (and beyond)

✅ You’ll get optional casting opportunities through the Professional Performance Association and in class.

✅ If you book your spot early enough, you’ll get offered manageable payment plans to help spread the cost. These are all show when you click the “ENROL” button below.

 
 * There is an optional fee for a digital certificate for proof of the certification of this particular course ** NUS Cards are Payable to NUS *** Content varies each term and is not restricted to these mentioned. Therefore you can cover one, all or none of these mentioned practitioners and approaches. The play and outcomes are also subject to change, although we will do our best to keep it as it is stated. The coach may also vary from term to term.

If you have already studied with us at this level before, you are free to enrol without audition.

Once you’ve signed up for an audition, you’ll get an automatic email with all the details of how you can audition.

Normally you are required to perform via self-tape methods (from memory and in character) one monologue, lasting no more than 90 seconds, either classical (preferably by Shakespeare and in verse) OR a contemporary. You then answer a few set questions. The automatic email you receive once you have applied will give you full details.

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. 

Decisions for audition outcomes are normally made at the end of each month. We do not offer feedback on auditions.

Once you have successfully passed your audition, you can enrol.

You will then have 1-2 further casting auditions with the director of the show (and potentially other members of the cast/class).

You are guaranteed a part because you have enrolled onto the term. Your part depends on the success of your class casting auditions. As you may expect, in some terms you may have a larger role than in others. We will do our best to give you a chance to shine on stage but this may take a few performances and more training before you are given a larger or more challenging role.

Advanced Acting Course in Edinburgh Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best advanced acting course in Edinburgh?

Acting Out Drama School (AODS) offers an Advanced Acting & Performance Course in Edinburgh for experienced actors who want to develop their technique, work with professional directors and perform in a public theatre production. The course combines advanced acting methods, script and scene work, character development and individual feedback. Agents are invited to the end-of-term performance, giving students an opportunity to showcase their work in a professional performance setting.

Who is the Advanced Acting Course suitable for?

The AODS Advanced Acting & Performance Course is designed for adults who already have acting experience or previous training and are ready to take their performance skills further. It is particularly suitable for actors who want to challenge themselves with more demanding scripts, explore advanced acting techniques and gain further stage experience. Students are screened through an audition process to ensure they have the skills and experience needed for the course.

Do I need to audition for the Advanced Acting Course?

Yes, entry to the AODS Advanced Acting & Performance Course is by audition unless you have previously trained with AODS at this level. The audition process helps the school assess whether you are ready for the demands of the course. Applicants are normally asked to submit a self-taped monologue of no more than 90 seconds, either classical or contemporary, performed from memory and in character, alongside answers to set questions. Full instructions are provided by email after you apply to audition.

What will I learn on an advanced acting course?

Students develop advanced performance skills through characterisation, script analysis, scene work, improvisation and practical application of established acting techniques. Depending on the term, training may draw on practitioners including Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner and David Mamet. Students also explore classical and contemporary scripts, working closely with professional coaches and directors to refine their technique and performance choices.

Will I perform in a professional theatre production?

Yes. Students who enrol on the AODS Advanced Acting & Performance Course are guaranteed a role in the end-of-term public performance. Casting auditions help the director determine the most suitable role for each student. The size and complexity of individual roles can vary according to the production and casting decisions. The performance takes place in a theatre setting, and agents are invited to attend, giving students the opportunity to present their work to industry professionals.

Are agents invited to the Advanced Acting Course performance?

Yes. AODS invites agents to its advanced acting performances, giving students an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of industry professionals. An agency-attended performance can be a valuable experience for actors developing their professional careers, although attendance does not guarantee representation or employment. There is also no guarantee agents will attend every performance.

Who teaches the Advanced Acting Course at AODS?

The course features professional acting coaches and directors with experience in performance, theatre and actor development. Previous directors and coaches have included Clare Cairns, John Mitchell, Paul Bianchi, James Beagon and Jake Norton. The teaching team can vary between terms, and the current course listing identifies the director or coach for the upcoming programme.

How long is the Advanced Acting Course in Edinburgh?

The course runs in scheduled terms, with two hours of face-to-face acting training each week and additional homework. The duration and performance dates vary by term. For example, the February 2027 course is scheduled to run from 18 February to 13 May 2027, with a public performance on 14 May 2027. Always check the current course page for the latest dates and timetable.

How much does the Advanced Acting Course cost?

The course fee depends on the term you enrol in, with instalment options available when booking. Check the AODS website for the current fee and available payment arrangements before applying.

Where is the Advanced Acting Course held?

The face-to-face Advanced Acting & Performance Course takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, normally at the Augustine United Church (Studio/Theatre), 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL. Venues can change, so applicants should confirm the current location on the course webpage before attending.

How much time do I need to commit to the course?

Students attend two hours of acting training each week and should allow additional time for homework and preparation, averaging approximately 45 minutes per week. Additional preparation may be required for scripts, casting auditions and the final performance. The course is designed to help actors develop their skills while working towards a public production.

Will I receive individual feedback on my acting?

Yes. Students receive individual feedback from their acting coach following the course performance, covering their ability, progress, talent and performance delivery. This feedback can help you understand your strengths, identify areas for improvement and plan your next steps as an actor.

Can the Advanced Acting Course help me become a professional actor?

The course is designed to help experienced performers strengthen their technique, gain performance experience and take steps towards professional acting. Working with professional directors, preparing challenging material and performing in an agency-attended show can all contribute to your development. AODS also provides guidance on potential future training and industry opportunities. However, professional employment and agency representation cannot be guaranteed.

What is the difference between intermediate and advanced acting classes?

Intermediate acting classes help performers build on their existing experience through further technique development, script work and performance practice. Advanced acting classes demand a higher level of preparation and performance ability, with more challenging material and closer work with professional directors. At AODS, the Advanced Acting & Performance Course is audition-based for new students, ensuring applicants meet the standard required for the programme.

Can I join the Advanced Acting Course if I have already studied with AODS?

Yes. If you have previously studied with AODS at the advanced level, you can enrol without auditioning again. If you are new to the advanced course, you will normally need to complete the audition process before enrolling. Contact AODS if you are unsure which level is most appropriate for your experience.

Is the Advanced Acting Course accredited?

The AODS Advanced Acting & Performance Course is listed as a certified course with Education Scotland through the PLFind CPD framework. An optional fee applies if you wish to obtain a digital certificate as proof of certification. Please check the current course terms for details of the certificate and any associated fees.

Does the course include membership or additional casting opportunities?

Students receive free membership for the Scotland Casting & Training Network for Actors and Speakers The school may also offer optional casting opportunities through the association and within classes. These opportunities are additional to the course's core training and performance experience and can help students explore potential next steps.

How do I apply for the Advanced Acting Course in Edinburgh?

Visit the AODS Advanced Acting & Performance Course webpage and select the audition option if you are a new applicant. You will receive an automatic email with instructions for submitting your self-tape and answering the audition questions. Once your audition has been successful, you can enrol on the course. Students who have previously trained with AODS at this level can normally enrol directly without auditioning again.

📣 We aim to run all our face to face classes in our venues but if our venues close due to government restrictions, lockdowns or circumstances out-with our control, we’ll go online and return to venues when it’s safe to do so.  Online sessions will be recorded, so if you can’t show up on the day, you won’t miss any content. Rest assured, your health, safety and wellbeing is our top priority so we will follow the current guidelines on the appropriate dates of the course and comply with our school and venue risk assessment measures.  📣 

Payment Plans Available on this Course for early enrolments

Please note, while we have every intention of the production being what we advertise, this may change at any point in time by the discretion of the director. Additionally, content, coaches, directors or outcomes may change after you have booked.