BATH SPA UNIVERSITY / Courses
Acting
BA (Hons) Acting
This actor-training programme is for students who want to act or direct in theatre, radio, film or television, or write for actors.
Typical offers: 280–340 UCAS Tariff points including two A-levels at minimum BB (one in drama or theatre studies). Entry is by audition only
UCAS CODE: W410 Institution code: B20
Location: Newton Park campus Length: 3 years full-time Tuition fee (2013): £9,000 per year (subject to annual inflationary increase)
Projects include: – Acting for the Microphone – Acting in Comedy – American Drama – Devised Theatre – Introduction to Writing and Directing – Physical and Visual Theatre – Shakespeare and his Contemporaries – Short Film Project
01
This is a practical, in-depth and professionally focused course. Applicants either know exactly what kind of actor they want to be, or wish to explore the possibility of being writers or directors, and the programme prepares students for a varied career by allowing them to explore each of these disciplines, but always considering ‘how to act.’ Why choose this course? The programme’s professionally experienced staff foster creative approaches to performance and encourage the development of entrepreneurialism to create work, not just seek it! The University’s excellent teaching reputation guarantees rigorous practical training, balanced with research and analytical skills. Many industry links with companies – such as the Theatre Royal Bath and Salisbury Playhouse – embed industry practice in all classes. Graduates have established theatre companies with performances in London, Edinburgh
and the South West, and have secured work in film and television – for example, C4’s Skins and work on Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows. Other graduates continue to study, or work in allied performance areas. About the course Year 1 is an introduction to acting: – Skills classes develop professionally focused vocal and physical skills. – Context classes examine theatre history to place modern performers within an ancient tradition. – Process classes explore the range of ‘acting tools’ required for a professional career. – Form and Composition classes consider how to devise work. Year 2 tests the learning of Year 1 through a series of performance projects that continue to develop the vocal and physical skills already gained. In Year 2, these include the addition of stage combat and production management skills.
No. Of applicants (2012): 392 No. Of places (2012): 63 Assessment: Through coursework, including rehearsal, performance, journals and essays. No written exams More information: www.bathspa.ac.uk
Students can follow a single route (for instance, just plays) or explore the variety of acting. Context classes examine 20th and 21st century critical theory. Year 3 consolidates the skills acquisition of the first two years. Context classes focus on a written project and preparation for the business side of the industry. To bridge the gap between study and work as an emerging professional, the Department of Performing Arts has created an innovative project: all Year 3 students become members of a production company managed by the School’s promotional arm, Bath Spa Live. Each student appears in three different productions including a range of devised pieces, plays, TV sit-coms, radio dramas and films. Students on the Theatre Production programme provide professional production values throughout. Larger ensemble cast pieces tour to venues like Cornwall’s Minack Theatre; smaller cast pieces showcase individual students, and the year culminates in the Summer Festival Project. Emerging directors and writers produce their own work on stage, film or radio, while actors encounter a range of projects and styles of work. While guest professional practitioners lead many of the productions, the Festival provides opportunities for students to create their own companies and stage work at venues across the city as part of Bath’s Fringe Festival. As members of this graduate company, students will not only be fully equipped for a professional freelance career, but they will also have a product ready for the market upon graduation.
01 Comedy acting class
55