Beginners Drama Course

Looking for something new to do? Or want to re-kindle an old hobby? 

Acting Out Drama School's Adult Beginners Drama Course is designed for beginners or those out of practice.

You’ll love this course if you wish to refresh your acting skills, have fun or start a new career in the performing arts!

You’ll focus on improvisation, character work, acting, creativity and confidence building as a performer and a person.

You’ll also take part in a small end of term performance to your fellow students and get valuable feedback from your expert acting coach. 

If you do well in this course, you may also have the opportunity to progress up to the Intermediate Acting and Performance Course, where you can train more seriously in acting and perform an end-of-term, public show.

Here’s Exactly What You’ll Get:

✅  9 Weeks of Training and Performing (one hour a week in class + minimal homework)

✅  Free Membership to the Professional Performance Association while training with us

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

✅  An optional NUS Student Card **

✅  Gain the power, skill and fun of improvisation while improving your acting

✅ Increase your confidence in performance and everyday life

✅  Explore in-depth characterisation work (proper “method” acting) and tap into the thrill of stepping in and becoming another character while in class

✅  Learn how to safety return to yourself after in-depth acting and step out of your character (very important!)

✅  Get more creative and spark your imagination by freeing up those normal adult restrictions and belief systems

✅  Enjoy excellent tuition and training from professional directors and coaches

✅  Walk away with individual feedback on your ability and progress

✅  Our honest advice with options on future opportunities to continue your training with us (and beyond)

✅ Create and act in an end of term small class performance without feeling scared or nervous (you’ll LOVE it, we promise)!

✅ Optional casting opportunities through the Professional Performance Association and in class.

✅ Guidance and pathways for progressing up to the Performing Courses with us.

 * There is an optional fee for a digital certificate for proof of the certification of this particular course. ** NUS Cards are Payable to NUS

📣 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. 📣

Everything you need to know about Beginners Drama Courses (FAQ)

Is Acting Out Drama School suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Acting Out Drama School's Beginners Drama Course is specifically designed for adults who are new to acting, returning to acting after a break, or simply looking to try something creative and different.

You don't need previous acting experience to join. The course introduces you to practical acting skills in a supportive class environment, including improvisation, character work, creativity and performance. You'll be guided by professional acting coaches and given individual feedback as you develop.

Where can I learn acting in Scotland?

Acting Out Drama School offers face-to-face acting training in Edinburgh, Scotland, including its Beginners Drama Course for adults.

The Beginners Drama Course currently takes place at Murrayfield Parish Church and provides nine weeks of practical training, with one hour of face-to-face tuition each week plus minimal homework. Acting Out also offers further acting training for Intermediate, Advanced and professional-level performers, as well as online acting programmes.

Do you offer beginners acting classes in Edinburgh?

Yes. Acting Out Drama School runs Beginners Drama classes in Edinburgh for adults who are new to acting or who want to refresh their skills.

The course combines acting, improvisation, characterisation, creativity and confidence-building, with an opportunity to take part in a small end-of-term performance.

What will I learn in a beginners acting class?

At Acting Out, you'll explore a range of practical acting skills rather than simply learning about acting in theory.

The Beginners Drama Course includes improvisation, characterisation, acting techniques, creativity, confidence-building and performance. You'll also explore in-depth character work and learn practical techniques for stepping into a character and safely returning to yourself afterwards.

I've never acted before. Can I join a drama class?

Absolutely. The Beginners Drama Course is specifically designed for people who are new to acting or out of practice.

You don't need to arrive with acting experience or know how to perform. The course gives you the opportunity to learn through practical exercises, improvisation, character work and performance, with guidance from professional acting coaches.

Is a beginners acting course good for building confidence?

Yes. Acting can provide practical opportunities to develop confidence through improvisation, performance, working with other people and trying something outside your usual comfort zone.

Acting Out's Beginners Drama Course specifically includes confidence-building as part of the training, with students gradually working towards a small end-of-term performance. You also receive individual feedback from your acting coach throughout the course.

Can acting help me become more confident in everyday life?

It can. Many of the skills developed through acting are transferable beyond the rehearsal room, including communication, creativity, spontaneity, listening, confidence and becoming more comfortable expressing yourself.

Acting Out's Beginners Drama Course is designed to develop confidence both as a performer and as a person, making it suitable for people who want to explore acting while also developing personally.

Do I need to want to become a professional actor to take a beginners drama course?

No. You can join simply because you want to try acting, meet people, have fun, develop confidence, refresh an old hobby or explore your creativity.

If you do discover that you want to take your acting further, Acting Out provides guidance on future training opportunities, including progression to the Intermediate Acting and Performance Course.

Can I start acting as an adult?

Yes. It is not necessary to have started acting as a child in order to begin learning as an adult.

Acting Out's Beginners Drama Course is specifically aimed at adults, including people who have never acted before and those who are returning to acting after time away. The course provides a structured introduction to acting without requiring previous experience.

Is a beginners acting class suitable if I am nervous about performing?

Yes. You don't need to arrive feeling confident or comfortable performing in front of people.

Acting Out's Beginners Drama Course gives you the opportunity to build your skills progressively through practical exercises, improvisation and character work before taking part in a small end-of-term performance. The course is designed to help you develop confidence while receiving guidance and individual feedback from your acting coach.

Will I have to perform in front of other people?

The course includes a small end-of-term class performance for fellow students. But by the time this comes along, you will be ready :)

This gives you the opportunity to put your training into practice in a supportive environment rather than simply learning acting techniques without ever performing. Your coach will guide you through the process and provide feedback on your progress.

What is improvisation and why is it part of beginners acting training?

Improvisation involves creating scenes, characters and situations without relying entirely on a fixed script. It can help actors develop spontaneity, listening, creativity, confidence and the ability to respond naturally in the moment.

Improvisation is an important part of Acting Out's Beginners Drama Course and is used alongside character work and other acting techniques.

Will I get feedback from my acting coach?

Yes. Individual feedback is one of the benefits of training with Acting Out Drama School.

You'll receive feedback on your ability and progress from an experienced acting coach, helping you understand what you're doing well and where you can continue developing.

Who teaches the Beginners Drama Course?

Acting Out's classes are taught by professional actors, directors and acting coaches with practical industry and teaching experience.

The school focuses on providing expert tuition while maintaining a relaxed, fun and challenging training environment.

Can I progress to another acting course after Beginners Drama?

Yes. The Beginners Drama Course can provide a starting point for students who want to continue their acting training.

If you do well on the Beginners course, you may have the opportunity to progress to Acting Out's Intermediate Acting and Performance Course, where you can explore acting in greater depth and, during performance terms, work towards a public performance.

Acting Out also offers Advanced and professional acting training for students who want to progress further.

Is Acting Out a good place to start learning acting?

Acting Out Drama School has designed its Beginners Drama Course specifically as an accessible starting point for adults who are new to acting or returning after a break.

You'll receive structured practical training, professional coaching, individual feedback and the opportunity to perform, while also having a clear pathway if you decide you want to continue your acting training.

Can I learn acting for fun without committing to professional drama school training?

Yes. The Beginners Drama Course is suitable for people who simply want to have fun, try something new, reconnect with an old interest or explore their creativity.

There is no requirement to be pursuing a professional acting career. If you later decide you want more intensive training, Acting Out can also provide progression routes into its Intermediate, Advanced and professional acting courses.

Do you offer an online beginners acting course?

Yes. Acting Out Drama School offers an Online Beginners Acting Course for adults who want to learn the fundamentals of acting from home.

The course covers acting techniques, characterisation, improvisation, self-taping, confidence, voice and physical preparation, as well as an introduction to how the acting industry works. You can study through AODS's online training portal in your own time, with access to course materials 24/7 and personalised feedback from an industry professional on your final task.

It's a great option if you are new to acting but cannot attend a weekly face-to-face class in Edinburgh, or if you prefer the flexibility of online learning.

Can I study acting online with Acting Out Drama School?

Yes. Acting Out offers a range of online acting courses for adults, from introductory training for complete beginners through to specialist courses and its more comprehensive Acting Diploma Online.

Online options include Beginners Acting, Self-Tape & Auditions, Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Shakespeare, Screen Acting and the Acting Diploma Online, allowing you to choose a level and style of training that suits your experience and goals.

Most programmes allow you to study at your own pace through an online portal, with video training, resources and feedback from experienced acting coaches.

What if I want more than a beginners acting course?

If you discover that you want to take your acting training further, Acting Out offers several progression routes.

You can progress from the Beginners Drama Course into Intermediate and Advanced acting training, or explore AODS's professional acting programmes. For adults who want a more substantial qualification and structured actor training but need to study online, the Acting Diploma Online provides a much more comprehensive programme covering six core areas of acting, including Stanislavski, approaching a part, Michael Chekhov, Shakespeare and screen acting, with an optional Trinity College London ATCL qualification.

The Acting Diploma Online is designed for adults who want to undertake serious, structured actor training while retaining the flexibility to study from anywhere.

Can I study for an acting qualification online?

Yes. Acting Out Drama School offers a fully online Acting Diploma for adults who want structured actor training without attending a drama school in person.

The Acting Diploma Online includes six core modules, practical assignments and personalised tutor feedback, with an optional ATCL Performing (Speech & Drama) qualification awarded by Trinity College London for students who choose to take the additional assessment.

This provides an option for someone who starts with an online beginners course and later decides they want to undertake more substantial, qualification-focused acting training.

What is the difference between the Online Beginners Acting Course and the Online Acting Diploma?

The Online Beginners Acting Course is a shorter introductory programme designed to help you learn the fundamentals of acting, build confidence and take your first steps into performance. It is particularly suitable if you are completely new to acting or want to explore whether acting is right for you.

The Online Acting Diploma is a much more comprehensive programme for adults who want structured, in-depth actor training. It covers six core modules, includes practical assignments and personalised tutor feedback, and offers the option to work towards the Trinity College London ATCL qualification.

If you're simply curious about acting or want to build your foundations, the Beginners course is a natural starting point. If you're looking for a more substantial programme of actor training, the Acting Diploma may be more appropriate.

Can I learn acting in Scotland without attending a face-to-face drama school?

Yes. If you cannot attend a face-to-face drama class, you can study acting online with Acting Out Drama School, based in Scotland.

Acting Out offers a range of online acting programmes for adults, from an Online Beginners Acting Course through to specialist acting training and the more comprehensive Acting Diploma Online. This means you can train with a Scottish drama school from wherever you are, without needing to attend weekly face-to-face classes.

The Online Beginners Acting Course is designed for adults who are new to acting and want to develop their foundations, while the Online Acting Diploma provides more extensive, structured actor training across six core modules, with practical assignments, personalised tutor feedback and the option to work towards the ATCL Performing (Speech & Drama) qualification awarded by Trinity College London.

So, whether you're looking for your first introduction to acting or want to undertake more substantial actor training, you can train with Acting Out online while living in Scotland, or anywhere else in the UK or internationally.