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 an 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.

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 Professional Showreel, Agency Invited Performance, Headshots, Equity Membership and Spotlight Eligibility.

With a small class of around 14 students, you will train part time in acting with leading acting coaches & directors with a mixture of residential days and online modules.

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.

Course Highlights 

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

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

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

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

✅ A Theatrical Performance in a Professionally Directed & Agency Invited Showcase

✅ A Portfolio with Professional Headshots & Assisted CV Creation

✅ Full Spotlight Performers Membership

✅ Equity Membership

✅ 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

✅ Your Talents Promoted to Agents before your showcase (we use your showreel and photos to create a buzz)

✅ Working with 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, coaches, directors, partnerships or outcomes may change after you have enrolled.

Your Two-Year Journey to Professional Acting

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 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 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 be casted and directed in an agency invited performance and get your professional headshots. Your talents will be promoted to agents before your showcase (we use your showreel and photos to get agents interested before they see you). You’ll gain industry essential training with workshops on casting, auditions, taxes, accounts, Equity, Spotlight and more. 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.

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.

* 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.

Dates for 2025 - 2027

Your official starting date begins as soon as you enrol where you will be given access to your online portal and the first module which gets you started. You will have online modules to complete and home study as well as these essential residential dates below.

Year 1:

Saturday 18th January, 2025

Saturday 15th February, 2025

Saturday 8th March, 2025

Saturday 19th April, 2025

Saturday 24th May, 2025

Saturday 21st June 2025

Saturday 13th September, 2025

Saturday 4th October, 2025

Saturday 22nd November, 2025

Year 2:

Exact Dates confirmed by June 2025.

Normally Wednesday Evenings from Jan - June 2026 and September - November 2026

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 full day residential sessions will run from approx 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. In Year 2, your evening sessions will run during the week (likely to be on Wednesdays). 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 through private lessons or various courses. Although this is not part of the Professional Acting Course, it offers additional opportunities to enhance your academic knowledge and improve your CV.

FEES

Acting Out is an 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 of around 14 students, central facilities, professional online portals and high end products with reputable partners (showreels and headshots) for launching your acting career.

The full fee for the 2 Years is £4995.00

On acceptance of a place, you may pay:

1) Full payment (cheapest option)

2) £1000 deposit then £425 for 10 months.

2) £1000 deposit then £295.00 per month for 15 consecutive months.

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.

*** Auditions for 2025 - 2027 course 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. 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?

In some cases, 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?

In some cases, this is possible. There may be an option to complete Year 1 of this course and receive an Acting Out Drama School certificate, accredited by Education Scotland and PLFind. This year and certificate would cover only the training and outcomes of Year 1. 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.

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 be casted and directed in an agency invited performance and get your professional headshots. Your talents will be promoted to agents before your showcase (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.