Professional Acting Course

2 YEARS - PART TIME (with Equity and Spotlight Eligibility).

Looking to become a Professional Actor? Need the training and the connections?

Acting Out is a Multi-Award-Winning Drama School, who offer students both practical and industry training.

This Part-Time Professional Acting Course trains students in acting and prepares them for the professional world.

Equity Vetted, with Spotlight Performer Membership and recognised by casting agents and professionals in the industry, this is a great course for actors who want to break into the professional world.

The Clare Cairns Bursary offers up to £400 in financial support for students enrolling on our Acting Diploma (face-to-face) and Professional Acting Course, helping to make professional training more accessible.

Acting Out Drama School's Professional Acting Course is a two-year vocational part-time training program which combines residential days, online modules, and practical industry training to equip you with the skills and connections needed for a successful acting career.

Not only will you train as an actor but we will also focus on getting you “industry ready” with a Full Professional Showreel, Agency Session, Headshots, Equity Membership and Spotlight Eligibility.

With a small class you will train part time in acting with leading acting coaches & directors with a mixture of residential days and online modules. There are options for joining us in Year 2 if you have the relevant qualifications and educational experience.

If you're unable to commit to two years of training but want to achieve a professional acting qualification, consider our Acting Diploma In-Person or our Acting Diploma Online, which can be completed in just 6 months.

Course Highlights 

✅ 2 Years of Part-Time Acting Training, Practice and Connection with a Multi-Award-Winning Drama School

✅ You’ll have the option to sit the ATCL Performing Qualification in Speech & Drama (a Foundation Degree in England, equivalent to an SQA HND unit) in Year 1 and 2 *

✅ Year 1 focusing on Acting, Voice, Movement, Text, Shakespeare and Personal Development

✅ Year 2 focusing on Screen Acting, Showreels, Auditions and Industry Knowledge and Connection

✅ A Full Professionally Directed Showreel, captured by Twin City Pictures.

✅ A Portfolio with Professional Headshots & Assisted CV Creation

✅ Full Spotlight Performers Membership Opportunities

✅ Equity Membership Opportunties

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

✅ Comprehensive Knowledge of navigating the acting business, from securing an agent to managing finances.

✅  Enhanced Networking Opportunities and Industry Connections.

✅  An NUS Student Card

✅ Easy to Navigate Online Portal when studying remotely

✅ Meeting Casting Agents from Scotland and London Session

✅ Your Talents Promoted to Agents (we help you with this)

✅ Working with Multi-Award-Winning and Successful Professionals throughout the course

✅ Opportunities for ATCL Performing Qualification in Speech & Drama (through other courses).

✅ Opportunities for more performances and training (through other courses)

✅ You’ll get the Skill, Training, Guidance and the Confidence to start acting professionally.

 * To pass your course and gain your certificate with Acting Out Drama School and Education Scotland (and Equity and Spotlight) you must pass all your assignments. Your showreel consists of an on-location scene and a cinematic style monologue. Your headshot portfolio will contain 2 looks. NUS Cards are payable to NUS directly. Equity Membership is payable to Equity directly. Spotlight Membership is payable directly to Spotlight. Acting Out aim to adhered to all the website description but sometimes content, dates, venues, times, coaches, directors, partnerships or outcomes may change after you have enrolled.

Your Two-Year Journey to Professional Acting

Year One joins with the Acting Diploma Course and focuses on your core acting training with intensive weekly sessions in acting. You’ll study and practice both remotely and in-person with expert coaches, using techniques and methodologies from the likes of Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Meisner. You’ll also study Shakespearean Acting and Screen Acting and be fully prepared for moving up to Year Two.

Year Two focuses on getting you ready for the professional industry. With weekly evening residential classes and some classes out with the scheduled times (for showreels etc), you will be trained in the practical application of acting skills and professional development as well as online modules. Specifically, you’ll learn about Screen Acting and work towards a high-end professional showreel, in partnership with Twin City Pictures.

You’ll get your professional headshots and your talents will be promoted to agents. You’ll gain industry essential training with workshops on casting, auditions, taxes, accounts and Equity. You’ll also get networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals and casting agents.

At the end of your course, you’ll be eligible to apply for full Equity and Spotlight Memberships which are essential for gaining employment in this industry.

There are options for joining us in Year 2 if you have the relevant qualifications and educational experience.

If you're unable to commit to two years of training but want to achieve a professional acting qualification, consider our Acting Diploma In-Person or Acting Diploma Online, which can be completed in just 6 months.

* Equity Membership is payable to Equity directly. Spotlight Membership is payable directly to Spotlight. To pass your course and gain your certificate with Acting Out Drama School and Education Scotland (and Equity and Spotlight) you must pass all your assignments. Equity meetings will take place in Year 1 and Year 2 so that you are kept up to date with all industry standards and advice.

LOCATION

During your Professional Acting Diploma, your face-to-face lessons will take place at Murrayfield United Church and Augustine United Church. Both are near to shops, cafes, train stations and buses. Other venues may also be used and will be given once enrolled (such as studios and locations for sets).

In Year 1, your sessions will run weekly on Wednesdays. In Year 2, your sessions will run weekly on Thursdays. Extra days will be added to cover showreels, professional headshots, industry sessions and showcases.

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 and various other opportunities that may be offered throughout the course.

You must pass your assignments to complete the course.

QUALIFICATION OPTIONS

Acting Out is a registered exam center with Trinity College London. As a student with us, you will have the chance to earn official performing qualifications in Year 1 and Year 2. Although this is not part of the Professional Acting Course fee, it offers additional opportunities to enhance your academic knowledge and improve your CV.

FEES

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

The Professional Acting Diploma Course is also Equity Vetted, recognised by leading casting agents and directors and offers students eligibility for their essential Spotlight Membership. The fees include the standard college tuition fee, professional expertise, small class sizes, central facilities, professional online portals and high end products with reputable partners (showreels and headshots) for launching your acting career.

The Clare Cairns Bursary offers up to £1000 in financial support across this two year period, helping to make professional training more accessible. Anyone can apply for bursary support if they need it.

The full fee for the 2 Years is £4995.00 (or £3995 with bursary support).

On acceptance of a place, you may pay:

1) Full payment (cheapest option)

2) £1000 deposit then £325.00 for 10 months / £425.00 without bursary

2) £1250 deposit then £197.00 for 16 months / £270

For those who enter at Year 2, payment is £3500 with instalment and bursary options available.

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 self-tapes.

For the auditions, you are required to perform (from memory and in character) two contrasting monologues, lasting no more than 2 minutes each. You can choose classical (preferably by Shakespeare and in verse) or contemporary pieces. 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.

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. Creative Scotland may also help this fund this course as it is used for Professional Development purposes.

Can I join in Year 2, without completing Year 1?

Yes, this is possible. But only if you can demonstrate a sound knowledge of acting and talent already, perhaps having already completed our Acting Diploma Course, an HNC, HND, ATCL or higher qualification previously.

Can I join in Year 1, without committing to Year 2?

Yes, this is possible via the Acting Diploma Course. This year and certificate would cover only the training and outcomes of Year 1 (which is merged with the Acting Diploma Course). The professional benefits of Year 2 would be available if you choose to continue into the second year. Decisions for Year 2 training would be made six months before Year 2 starts. Email us to check what is available regarding this. If you're unable to commit to two years of training but want to achieve a professional acting qualification, consider our Acting Diploma Online, which can be completed in just 6 months.

Why are the fees for Year 2 more expensive that the Acting Diploma Course/Year 1)?

Year 2 includes everything you received in Year 1 in terms of the same level of professional training and contact hours and so much more. Alongside your training, Year 2 also includes a Full Professional showreel, Industry-standard headshots, Collaborations with external companies and industry professionals, Additional career development support and resources to greater focus on preparing you for the industry professionally. These elements involve significant external production and industry expenses, and we’ve worked hard to keep the fees as affordable and minimal as possible while still providing a high-quality professional experience.

Why do we have two Equity meetings — one in Year 1 and one in Year 2?

We hold an Equity meeting in both Year 1 and Year 2 to ensure students stay informed and up to date with current industry standards, expectations, and professional practices.

As you progress through the course, your understanding of the industry and your career needs develop, so the Year 2 session builds on the foundations introduced in Year 1 and provides more advanced, relevant guidance as you prepare to enter the profession.

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 specific learning outcomes over the two years. You have all the face-to-face sessions/ days mentioned above, as well as online tutorials, modules, workshops and performances to attend.

Year One focuses on your core acting training with intensive monthly sessions in acting, voice, movement, stage combat and more. You’ll study and practice both remotely and in-person with expert coaches, using techniques and methodologies from the likes of Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Meisner. You’ll also study Shakespearean and Screen Acting.

Year Two focuses on getting you ready for the professional industry. With weekly evening residential classes and some weekends, you will be trained in the practical application of acting skills and professional development as well as online modules. Specifically, you’ll learn about Screen Acting and work towards a high-end professional showreel, in partnership with Twin City Pictures. You’ll get your professional headshots. Your talents will be promoted to agents, we use your showreel and photos to create a buzz. You’ll gain industry essential training with workshops on casting, auditions, taxes, accounts, Equity and more. You’ll also get networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals and casting agents.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).

There are 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 and Spotlight Performer Membership, so you can start working straight away. You’ll also gain essential business connections such as meeting Management Agencies etc.

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 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 Equity session, you may still gain Equity Membership. You will be given all the details you need at the right time.

Do I get Spotlight Membership on completing this course?

Yes, this course has been awarded Spotlight Eligibility for a Full Performer Membership. You will be given all the details you need at the right time.

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 guarantee me an agent?

While we cannot guarantee this, previous students have been very successful when gaining an agent after the course. Having your Spotlight and Equity Membership will also help you look more appealing for an agent. 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.

What is the best part-time professional acting course in Scotland?

Acting Out Drama School offers a two-year, part-time Professional Acting Course for people who want to develop their acting skills and prepare for the professional performing arts industry. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, the programme combines scheduled in-person classes, online learning, practical performance work and professional development. Students work on acting technique, voice, movement, text, Shakespeare, screen acting, auditions and industry knowledge. The second year includes professional showreel production, headshots and an agency session.

Where can I study professional acting in Edinburgh?

Acting Out Drama School offers professional actor training in Edinburgh through its two-year part-time Professional Acting Course. The programme combines in-person sessions with online modules, allowing students to develop their practical skills while completing independent study between classes. Training includes core acting techniques, screen acting, and preparation for the professional industry. Check the current course page for the latest teaching venues, scheduled dates and application requirements.

Can I train to become a professional actor while working full-time?

A part-time acting course may be suitable if you need to balance training with employment, family commitments or other responsibilities. AODS's Professional Acting Course combines scheduled evening sessions with online modules and independent study. Students should also allow for additional commitments, including preparation, assignments, showreel production, headshots and an agency session. Before applying, review the current timetable and expected study hours to make sure the programme fits your circumstances.

Does Acting Out Drama School offer a hybrid acting course?

Yes. AODS's Professional Acting Course combines scheduled in-person training with online learning and independent study. This hybrid structure gives students opportunities to practise acting in person while accessing course materials and completing learning activities remotely. Some activities, including showreel filming and professional development sessions, may require additional attendance. The course is part-time rather than fully online, so applicants should check the published timetable and location details before enrolling.

What is the difference between an online acting course and a hybrid acting course?

An online acting course can generally be accessed remotely, making it suitable for learners who need geographical flexibility. A hybrid acting course combines online learning with scheduled in-person sessions. At Acting Out Drama School, the two-year Professional Acting Course uses a hybrid structure, while the separate Online Acting Diploma is designed for students who want to study remotely. The right option depends on whether you can attend scheduled classes and whether you prefer a more flexible online learning format.

Does AODS offer an online acting diploma?

Yes. Acting Out Drama School offers an Online Acting Diploma for students who want to develop their acting skills through distance learning. The online programme is separate from the two-year Professional Acting Course and is intended for people who need more flexibility or cannot regularly attend in-person classes. Visit the dedicated Online Acting Diploma page for its current duration, course structure, assessment requirements, fees and available qualification options.

Can I study acting online from anywhere in the UK?

AODS's Online Acting Diploma provides a route for people who want to study acting remotely rather than attend scheduled in-person classes in Edinburgh. This can make training more accessible to students elsewhere in Scotland and across the UK. Applicants should check the online course's access arrangements, assessment requirements and any optional qualification or examination arrangements before enrolling.

Is the Online Acting Diploma the same as the two-year Professional Acting Course?

No. They are separate training routes with different formats and objectives. The Professional Acting Course combines in-person sessions, online modules and industry-focused activities over two years. The Online Acting Diploma is designed for remote study and offers a more flexible way to undertake acting training. Students seeking showreel production, scheduled group sessions and the professional development activities included in the two-year course should compare the published course details before choosing.

What do you learn on the Professional Acting Course?

AODS's Professional Acting Course covers core acting skills and professional development. Year One focuses on areas including acting technique, voice, movement, text, Shakespeare and screen acting. Students explore approaches associated with practitioners such as Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Meisner. Year Two places greater emphasis on screen acting, showreel production, auditions and understanding the professional industry.

Does the Professional Acting Course include a showreel?

Yes. The second year of AODS's Professional Acting Course includes a professionally directed showreel produced in partnership with Twin City Pictures. The course page describes an on-location scene and a cinematic-style monologue. Showreel production is an important part of preparing acting students to present their work to industry professionals, although completing the course cannot guarantee representation or employment.

Will I receive professional headshots?

The Professional Acting Course includes a portfolio of professional headshots, with two looks described on the course page, alongside support with creating an acting CV. These materials help students prepare a professional portfolio for applications and industry opportunities.

Does the course include auditions and industry preparation?

Yes. The two-year programme includes training in auditions, casting, screen acting and the business side of professional acting. Students also have opportunities to take part in an agency-invited performance and to engage with industry professionals. The programme is designed to help students understand the practical demands of pursuing acting work, rather than focusing solely on classroom technique.

Is the AODS Professional Acting Course Equity vetted?

Yes, the Professional Acting Course as Equity vetted. The course also includes information and learning opportunities relating to Equity and the professional performing arts industry. Equity membership itself is subject to the organisation's own eligibility requirements and fees; applicants should consult Equity directly for current membership information.

Does completing the course guarantee Spotlight membership or acting work?

No acting course can guarantee employment, an agent or acting roles. The Professional Acting Course offers eligibility to apply for Spotlight Performer Membership, subject to the applicable requirements and successful course completion. Spotlight has its own membership criteria and fees, so students should confirm their individual eligibility directly with Spotlight.

Can I enter Year Two of the Professional Acting Course?

Applicants with relevant previous acting training and educational experience may be considered for entry into Year Two. Admission is not automatic and depends on whether the applicant's existing training and experience meet the course requirements. Contact us through the application process to establish whether your background is suitable.

Do I need to audition for the Professional Acting Course?

Applicants should follow the audition instructions supplied after applying. This normally involves a self-tape audition with two contrasting monologues, performed from memory and in character, alongside responses to questions provided by the school. Check the current application information for the latest requirements and application fee.

How much does the Professional Acting Course cost?

The tuition fee, deposit and instalment options are on this page. Please note, fees and payment arrangements can change between intakes, so applicants should check the current published price before applying. Additional costs may apply for optional qualifications and external memberships, including Equity and Spotlight.

How do I choose between the Professional Acting Course and the Online Acting Diploma?

Choose the two-year Professional Acting Course if you want a structured part-time programme combining in-person training, online learning, performance opportunities, showreel production and professional industry preparation. Consider the Online Acting Diploma if you need to study remotely or require greater flexibility. If you are unsure which route fits your experience, location and goals, review the course pages and contact us.