BA (Hons) Acting and Contemporary Theatre
Overview
What is the BA (Hons) Acting and Contemporary Theatre?
East 15’s BA (Hons) Acting and Contemporary Theatre is a three-year, industry-focused degree for aspiring actors who want to bring innovative new work to today’s stages.
Based at our Loughton Campus, the course develops both your performance ability and creativity, preparing you to enter the performing arts industry as a creative, proactive and collaborative artist.
"The creation of a course that focuses on the actor as a creative force is quite simply revolutionary [...] both ahead of its time and rooted in the most important theatrical developments of recent years" — Alexander Zeldin, Associate Director of the National Theatre
Why this course
The BA (Hons) Acting and Contemporary Theatre is renowned for its pioneering methodology and award-winning original productions. It’s a hub of innovation which combines the development of your talents with experimentation in European physical theatre, creative writing, expressionism and music. You’ll try your hand at the roles of actor-writer, actor-musician and actor-choreographer.
Your training will be inspired by leading companies such as Complicité, Schaubühe and Gecko, and led by our faculty with a wealth of industry experience, encouraging you to realise the full scope of your artistic potential.
In the first year, you’ll explore character development practice, taking inspiration from Stanislavski, Commedia dell’Arte and Gaulier. In your second year, you’ll experiment with forms such as physical expression, Clown, Shakespeare, film, devising and writing. In your final year, you’ll showcase original work in various London venues.
By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to enter the industry as a versatile actor and join an alumni network of leading international practitioners in the Debut Festival.
"A formidable track record of training some of the best collaborative makers in UK theatre." — David Byrne, Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre
Who should apply
- Multi-talented performers eager to work with and create their own original works of theatre
- Aspiring actors committed to building a professional acting career and seeking structured, high-level training
- Those seeking a rigorous programme that equips them with the skills and readiness to enter the industry directly upon graduation
- Individuals eager to explore their acting potential and develop a distinct artistic identity
What you’ll learn
- Acting technique and performance skills: Develop strong skills in acting, movement, voice, singing, improvisation and character creation through intensive, practical training
- New work: Explore the contemporary landscape of theatre across the globe, from issue-led pieces to unconventional performance spaces, and curate your own approach to them
- Artistic identity: Discover and refine your individual artistic voice, developing confidence, self-awareness and a performance style that is uniquely yours
- Professional practice: Experience professional rehearsal, performance and audition processes with directors, actors and casting professionals
Your learning experience
- Intensive studio training: Most classes take place in focused, small-group workshops led by experienced tutors and visiting industry practitioners
- Specialist teaching and facilities: Train with acting, voice and movement specialists in our dedicated studios, rehearsal rooms, on-campus theatre and screen-acting facilities
- Industry-focused final year: Shape your own professional-standard production from concept through writing or devising to producing, managing and marketing
Careers and outcomes
A BA (Hons) Acting and Contemporary Theatre prepares you for careers such as:
- Actor and performer in contemporary, devised and touring theatre productions
- Playwright, theatre-maker and deviser
- Director or producer
Where have graduates gone on to work?
Recent graduates from this course have gone on to work with major theatre and film companies including:
- National Theatre
- Cirque Du Solei
- The Royal Court
- The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- BBC
- Netflix
- Warner Bros
- Gecko
- Complicité
- Frantic Assembly
- Improbable
Notable graduates
- Beatrice Grannò (White Lotus)
- Ami Okumura Jones (My Neighbour Totoro)
- Jeremias Amoore (No Way Up)
- Anna Leong Brophy (Shadow & Bone)
- Avital Lvova (Dalíland)
What is Loughton Campus like?
- Ideal location: A calm, scenic campus just a 10-minute walk from Debden Underground station, offering fast access to Central London’s theatres and culture
- Hatfields estate: A beautiful Georgian house surrounded by landscaped grounds, home to acting studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces
- Corbett Theatre: A medieval tithe-barn converted into a fully-equipped performance venue, with a busy student production calendar
- Roding House: A 15-minute walk from Hatfields, featuring 10 rehearsal studios, a sound recording space, video editing suite and costume department
- Unit 4: A purpose-built facility for the Stage Management department, 15 minutes’ walk from Hatfields House, housing a large workshop, paint shop, prop shop, prop storage facilities and teaching spaces
- Undertake dynamic and intensive contemporary actor training
- Feature in an industry showcase and present original work at leading professional venues
- Join an alumni community of award-winning international practitioners
"This course nurtures creativity and playfulness in its actors whilst instilling in them a practical and extensive understanding of theatre craft and its artistry. It allowed me to develop both as an actor and an artist. By the time I graduated I had already signed to a leading agent and established a production company with two of my peers. We went on to win national awards at the Edinburgh Festival, leading to an international tour."
Nathan Parkinson of POLICE COPS
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements
- A-levels: EE, or 32 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
- BTEC: PP, or 32 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
- Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 32 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
- T-levels: Pass with E in core.
- IB: two Higher Level certificates with 33
- IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications.
Applicants will need to submit a video audition and, if successful, complete a recall audition/workshop. Applicants should also have, or expect to have:
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Undergraduate Admissions team at ugquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.
English language requirements
If you do not require a student visa to study in the UK then we will assess your English language proficiency/ability at your interview or audition.
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
Pre-sessional English courses
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Structure
Course structure
We offer dynamic and unique courses for actors, directors, producers, technical theatre specialists and students of theatre practice. Training at East 15 draws upon 50 years of tradition combined with a keen sense of the world of stage and screen today.
Our carefully selected modules will give you the chance to explore and develop your specialist training.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.
Teaching
Year 1
Your first year focuses on introductory acting, voice, articulation, singing and movement. You explore your own individual creativity and responsiveness to other actors. During the first year you will:
- Develop skills in observation and self-assessment
- Work alongside peers on the parallel BA Acting courses, following the traditional East 15 training and focus on the development of methodical characterisation work
- Realise your neutral starting point as part of rehearsal process and preparation
- Create individual character studies
- Learn to re-create through reflection, research and improvisation
- Understand how to act and react to emotional upheaval through a wide variety of texts
Year 2
Your second year focuses on familiarisation with form and style, allowing you to explore and experiment with a range of areas, including:
- Physical expressionism, contemporary and classical text, Commedia dell'Arte, the theatrical clown, script writing, devising, music and parody
- Exploration of form and style
- Scriptwriting
You will also explore the relationship between film and theatre as well as theatre as a tool for social change. In addition, you will construct original works including an expressionist piece, physical comedy show and short film.
The year ends with a site-specific production of a classical text.
Year 3
Your final year focuses primarily on staging new work. Led by visiting practitioners from the industry, students develop ideas and produce a range of different projects including new plays, burlesque and short films.
You will also receive guidance to prepare you for your post-training career with professional development classes in forming companies as well as casting exercises.
You also have opportunities to stage work in public, including a showcase event for an invited audience of influential agents, casting directors, film, voiceover, TV and theatre directors. East 15 continually liaises with industry professionals to ensure the format for the event accords with the changing landscape of the industry.
Fees and funding
Home/UK fee
£10,050 per year
Additional costs for materials and field trips of up to approximately £650 per academic year. Equipment lists are reviewed annually.International fee
£23,750 per year
Additional costs for materials and field trips of up to approximately £650 per academic year. Equipment lists are reviewed annually.Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
Scholarships and financial support
There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.
Fees and funding guide
What's next
Applying
You can apply to our full-time undergraduate courses through either the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) or the University of Essex Direct Application Form.
If you choose to apply through UCAS, you can find step-by-step guidance on how to fill your UCAS undergraduate application. UK students (as well as some EU and international students) who are still in school or college may apply through their institution. Your school will help you complete and submit your UCAS application. The option to apply through UCAS is also available to independent UK and international applicants.
The UCAS code for the University of Essex is ESSEX E70. The individual campus code for our Loughton Campus is ‘L'.
In addition your UCAS or University of Essex application, you must also submit an East 15 Application Form.
For full details on how to apply, please visit the Applying for an Undergraduate Course page on the East 15 website.
Auditioning
Applicants to this course must submit a Round 1 video audition as part of your East 15 Application Form. If successful at this stage, you'll be invited to a Round 2 audition, which may take place on our campus, online, or at a regional or international audition.
We no longer charge an audition fee for Round 1 auditions. There is a £10 administration fee for Round 2 auditions. Administration fee waivers are available for eligible applicants. You can check your eligibility for a waiver on the Applying for an Undergraduate Course page.
Our staff regularly travel to conduct auditions worldwide. So if you're not based in the UK, it's likely that we may hold auditions near you. These will be one-on-one auditions. You can find the locations and dates of these auditions on our International Auditions page.
Offers for this course are made only after successful auditions.
For details of what to prepare for our auditions, please visit our Preparing for Auditions page.
Visit Loughton Campus
You’ll be in intensive training at one of the most prestigious and internationally respected conservatoires in the country, gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the performing arts. You'll arrive at a campus with state-of-the-art study and performance facilities, nestled in the stunning grounds of a country house.
But fear not! It’s not all work and no play at East 15 Acting School in Loughton and you're just a short step away from the bright lights and big city of central London.
Open Days
Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at East 15. We run Open Days at our Loughton Campus each year, which give you the chance to:
- tour our campus
- get answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, student support and more
- meet our students and staff
We also occasionally offer course-specific Visit Days, which enable you to discover what each course has to offer.
At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.
The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.