1 Year Screen Acting Programme

Designed for actors seeking the opportunity to hone their skills and gain valuable industry experience part-time. Participate in regular classes with industry leaders and star in a short film.

Course Highlights

Hybrid Learning

Regular online sessions support practical in-person workshops filmed and held at Pinewood Studios, giving you flexibility to maintain a job whilst progressing your acting skills.

Designed by Professionals

Tailored by Film & TV Professionals, designed to maximise chances of success for screen actors and increase employability skills for acting work.

Regular Showreel Filming

Over the 12 Month Course you will film a variety of showreel scenes, each with a unique genre and designed to showcase your progression.

Training Overview

Month 1: Fundamentals of Technical Screen Performance

Amongst being able to define key screen acting terms you will apply the differences between stage and screen acting and develop on-camera presence in practical filming sessions.

Online: Understanding Screen Acting Techniques
  • Define key screen acting terms.
  • Identify differences between stage and screen acting.
  • Begin developing on-camera presence.
Online: Analysing Scripts for Screen
  • Analyse and dissect screenplays – props and continuity.
  • Understand character motivations and objectives.
  • Practice script breakdown techniques.
Online: Developing Vocal Awareness with Mel Churcher
  • Understand the fundamentals of voice in screen acting and how it impacts a take.
  • Learn techniques to improve tone and diction for scripts of any genre.
Online: Sustaining Vocal Clarity
  • Develop daily habits to protect and look after your voice even when you’re not acting.
  • Learn and implement the quick fixes for finding free vocal tone before auditions and filming.
Understanding Blocking for Camera

Introduction to the concepts of on-camera blocking. Exercises in understanding space and camera angles. Practicing blocking with simple dialogues and movements.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Gain foundational knowledge of on-camera blocking.
  • Understand how to move effectively in relation to the camera.
Physicality and Continuity in Movement

Workshops on physical expression and presence in front of the camera.

Exercises in maintaining continuity of movement across different shots.

Group activities to enhance spatial awareness and physicality.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop skills in maintaining physical continuity basics within a scene.
  • Enhance on-screen physicality and presence.

Month 2: Developing Your Character with Emotion and Authenticity On Camera

Having built the structure for performing on screen, Month 2 will arm you with a unique skillset for bringing emotion to your performance, supported by psychological gestures, vocal delivery and physical freedom on set. 

Online: Emotion and Authenticity
  • Learn techniques for portraying authentic emotions on screen.
  • Practice emotional recall exercises and how to manage them.
  • Begin building emotional range for various genres.
Online: Scene Study and Character Development
  • Analyse scenes for character development.
  • Develop character backstory and relationships.
  • Apply emotional authenticity to scenes.
Online: Apply Vocal Choices to Your Performance
  • Review a script from the perspective of voice.
  • Learn vocal choices that can be made to enhance a character and how they are perceived.
Physical & Vocal Development for Screen Performance

Begin to enable increased emotional and creative freedom through physical and vocal delivery. Consolidate your vocal technique and increase confidence.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Advance your understanding of how the body can support the voice and encourage a fresh delivery for every take.
  • Develop a muscular connection with the voice.
  • Learn to activate muscles which develop the voice and realise tension.
Emotional Authenticity On Camera

Focused exercises on portraying authentic emotions on camera.

Scene rehearsals emphasising emotional expression and reaction.

Feedback session on emotional delivery and authenticity.

New skills are underpinned by the blocking fundamentals from month 1.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Improve skills in portraying genuine emotions on screen.
  • Gain insights into effective emotional delivery for screen acting.
Character Development and Scene Blocking

Advanced scene study focusing on character development.

Practicing scene blocking with a focus on character dynamics on camera.

Group critiques and discussions on character portrayal from playback.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Deepen understanding of character development within scenes.
  • Enhance ability to integrate character backstory into blocking on camera.

Month 3: Introduction To Auditioning For Screen

This month is dedicated to not only teaching the foundational skills required for successful auditions but also to identifying and addressing the individual fallbacks or weaknesses that each student may have. 

This self-awareness and targeted improvement will be crucial for your growth as an actor for future months of the course and enable tutors to provide more specificity in their direction.

Online: Audition Techniques For Screen
  • Learn how to prepare for screen auditions.
  • Perform mock auditions with feedback.
  • Introduction to Self Taping.
Online: Cold Reading and Improvisation in Auditioning
  • Practice cold reading skills.
  • Enhance improvisational abilities for auditions.
  • Receive feedback on improvisation.
Audition Preparation and Best Practice

Workshops on preparing for screen auditions, including self-tape setups.

Mock auditions with peers and instructors, simulating real audition scenarios.

Group discussions on techniques and strategies for successful auditions.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Master the art of audition preparation.
  • Learn effective techniques for screen auditions.
Feedback On Auditions and Improvisation Authenticity

Receiving and implementing feedback from mock auditions.

Improvisation exercises to enhance spontaneity in auditions.

Final round of auditions incorporating improvisational elements.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand how to adapt based on audition feedback.

  • Improve improvisational skills in audition settings to offer fresh delivery for casting directors.

Month 4: Beneath The Text: Advanced Script Analysis & Showreel Filming

Unlock the secrets of subtext in screenwriting enabling you to discover complex emotions and thoughts beyond the text of the script. Working with Director Sue Dunerdale, you will learn how to build upon overarching scene analysis by dissecting dialogue line by line, building specific subtext for every word of a character.

To support analysis of the text, you will introduce non-verbal communication and develop skills in improvisation, supported by character and story motivations; fundamental for successful auditions and fresh performance delivery on set.

Online: Subtext and Non-Verbal Communication
  • Understand subtext in screenwriting.

  • Practice conveying emotions through non-verbal cues.

  • Analyse scenes for subtextual layers.

Online: Advanced Scene Analysis
  • Dive deeper into script analysis.

  • Explore subtext and character motivations.

  • Develop strategies for navigating complex scenes.

  • Scenes given for weekend filming.

Filmed Workshop Subtext and Non-Verbal Communication

Exercises in conveying subtext through non-verbal cues to enable improvisation.

Scene rehearsals focusing on the layers of subtextual communication.

Feedback and analysis of non-verbal performance elements.

You will begin to work on scripts in preparation for showreel filming.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop ability to convey subtext through non-verbal means.

  • Gain deeper understanding of non-verbal communication in scenes.

Advanced Scene Analysis and Showreel Filming

In-depth scene work exploring complex character motivations and subtext.

Group performances filmed for showreel material, with a focus on nuanced emotional delivery.

Critique and feedback session on scene analysis and performance.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Enhance skills in analysing and performing complex scenes.

  • Refine ability to deliver nuanced emotional performances.

Month 5: The Chubbuck Technique: Creating Emotional Impact & Embodying a Character with Props

Find your emotional parameters using The Chubbuck Technique so that the character becomes you, and you become the character. You will begin to understand more about yourself and personal nuances that can create interesting and dynamic behaviour appear and feel like a subconscious process on screen.

Further extending character embodiment skills you will begin to understand how props can become part of your performance and how to incorporate them into a scene of any genre.

Online: Principles of The Chubbuck Technique
  • Explore The Chubbuck Technique having read the book (Provided in the course).

  • Practice sensory and emotional memory exercises.

  • Apply Method Acting to character development.

Online: Building Complex Characters
  • Develop multi-dimensional characters.

  • Explore character arc and transformation.

  • Apply character-building techniques to scenes.

The Chubbuck Technique and Character Immersion

Introduction to The Chubbuck Techniques and exercises.

Workshops focused on deep character immersion and backstory.

Group activities to explore and develop character nuances.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand and practice Chubbuck Acting techniques.

  • Understand how to immerse in a character in a safe environment.

Integrating Character Depth into Scenes

Filming of scenes incorporating advanced character-building techniques.

Group rehearsals focusing on character transformation and arc.

Feedback session on character portrayal and scene integration.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply character-building techniques to complex scene work.

  • Enhance ability to portray character transformation authentically take after take.

Month 6: Vocal Freedom and Connecting Thoughts to Breath

Freeing your voice is imperative to progressing in new genres, specifically period drama.

Working alongside two of the industries top dialect coaches, you will be encouraged build upon training your voice and learning technical vocal skills that can be applied to a performance with quick results, vital on time constrained film sets.

Online: Voice and Diction for Screen
  • Master voice modulation and articulation.

  • Understand the importance of clear diction.

  • Practice voice exercises for screen acting.

Online: Physicality and Movement with Voice
  • Explore character physicality and mannerisms led by the voice.

  • Understand how body language conveys character traits.

  • Apply improvised physicality to scenes.

Applying Voice and Diction Techniques To Scripts

Workshops on voice modulation and articulation.

Vocal exercises and drills for clarity and expression.

Recording and playback for voice analysis.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Master techniques for effective voice modulation.

  • Realise the impact of diction in screen acting and how to maintain it in preparation.

Vocal Physicality and Movement in Screen Acting

Explore character physicality through movement exercises.

Techniques for portraying different character mannerisms.

Group activities to understand the role of body language.

Integrate your voice and body for an emotionally freeing performance.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Have a dedicated toolkit of vocal exercises to enhance any performance on demand.

  • Understand weaknesses in your body that interfere with physical freedom in performance and how to fix them.

Month 7: Acting Against The Schedule: Filming Out Of Sequence

As a screen actor, you will find yourself portraying characters whose emotional arcs unfold in non-linear ways, requiring you to embody various emotional states with authenticity regardless of filming order.

In this month, you will hone your skills in maintaining character consistency, continuity, and emotional truth while navigating the complexities of shooting scenes out of sequence. By the end of this month, you will emerge with a heightened ability to craft compelling performances that seamlessly fit within the demands of any shooting schedule.

Online: Working With Longer Scripts Across a Filming Schedule
  • Master maintaining continuity in scenes.
  • Ensure emotional consistency throughout takes.
  • Analyse professional on-set practices.
Online: Self-Directed Study and Scene Analysis
  • Analyse and choose scenes for personal development.
  • Engage in self-directed study and analysis for when you can’t be with the Director.
  • Prepare a scene for in-person practice. 
Scene Continuity & Consistency Against Filming Schedules (2 Days)

Over two days you will be stretched to practice delivering a consistent performance and character arc out of sequence.

Day 1 Learning Outcomes:

  • Exercises focused on maintaining continuity in acting across different takes.
  • Work on emotional consistency within the context of the scene.
  • Performances followed by a review session for detailed feedback.

Day 2 Learning Outcomes:

  • Master the skills needed to maintain continuity in scenes.
  • Understand and practice emotional consistency in acting.
  • How to match where your stakes are from one day to another.

Month 8: Genre Exploration - Drama vs Comedy Acting

This month is dedicated to understanding the nuances of each genre and equipping students with the tools to excel in both. Through in-depth analysis of iconic scenes, hands-on exercises, and immersive workshops, you will delve into the unique storytelling techniques, pacing, and tone that define drama and comedy.

Whether evoking tears or laughter, you will complete the month filming two showreel scenes each with a focus on the two contrasting genres, and skills to apply in your acting career.

Online: Genre Exploration - Drama
  • Understand the nuances of dramatic acting.
  • Analyse and perform scenes from various dramatic genres.
  • Embrace the challenges of dramatic storytelling.
Online: Genre Exploration - Comedy
  • Explore comedic timing and delivery.
  • Perform comedic scenes with precision.
  • Develop a strong sense of humour on screen.
Showreel Filming of Dramatic Scenes

Workshops on acting for dramatic genres and showreel filming with a Director and Crew.

Scene work from dramatic scripts, exploring emotional depth.

Group discussions on the nuances of dramatic storytelling.

Showreel Filming of Comedy Scenes

Workshops on acting for comedic genres and showreel filming with a Director and Crew.

Exploration of comedic timing and delivery.

Performing and analysing comedic scenes.

Techniques for creating humour and engaging the audience.

Month 9: Dialect & Accents On Screen

Expand your casting potential and ability to authentically portray characters from diverse backgrounds and regions with the asset of accents. Through hands-on exercises, interactive workshops, and expert guidance from a dialect and accent coach, you will develop a keen ear for accents and learn the techniques necessary to convincingly embody characters with precision and authenticity.

These tools can be applied to any accent and help those who’s English is their second language improve on their delivery of dialogue in varying genres.

Online: Introduction To Accents
Grasp the fundamentals of phonetics and accentuation. Recognise the role of accents in enhancing character authenticity. Begin developing an ear for different accents.
Online: Practicing Standard American and British Accents

Focused practice on Standard American and British (RP) accents, including vowel and consonant adjustments, rhythm, and intonation patterns.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Ability to perform basic exercises in Standard American and British accents.
  • Understand the key differences and nuances between these accents.
  • Start developing proficiency in switching accents.
Intensive Accent Practice On Camera

Comprehensive practice sessions focusing on Standard American and British accents.

Use of audio-visual materials and exercises for imitation and correction.

Personalised feedback from a dialect coach.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Improve proficiency in Standard American and British accents.
  • Develop skills to accurately mimic accents through listening and practice.
Accent Application In Performance

Applying learned accents to scripted scenes.

Exercises on maintaining accents consistently during performances.

Exploring the influence of character backstory on accent.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply acquired accents in a scripted performance context.
  • Maintain consistency in accent use throughout a scene.
  • Understand the impact of character background on accent choice.

Month 10: Success On Screen - Audition Success

Month 10 of our comprehensive 1-year screen acting course shines the spotlight on audition success, equipping students with the skills and strategies needed to excel in the highly competitive world of casting.

With a focus on practical techniques and insider tips, this month offers you invaluable insights into the audition process, empowering you to confidently navigate auditions and leave a lasting impression on casting directors.

Online: Advanced Audition Preperation
  • Develop a personalised audition preparation routine.
  • Perform advanced cold reads and sides.
  • Handle callback auditions with confidence.
Online: Audition Psychology and Mindset
  • Understand the psychological aspects of auditioning.
  • Overcome performance anxiety and nerves.
  • Apply mental preparation techniques.
Audition Simulation and Preparation

Advanced audition simulations with diverse roles and scenarios.

Techniques for preparing and presenting audition pieces.

Feedback session from instructors and peers.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop advanced skills for preparing and executing auditions.
  • Gain insights into handling different audition formats.
Audition Psychology and Strategy Professional Mock Audition

Workshops on mental preparation and overcoming audition anxiety.

Role-play and scenarios to practice audition psychology.

Group discussions on strategies for successful auditions.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand and apply psychological techniques for audition success.
  • Learn strategies to manage performance anxiety and nerves.

Month 11: Short Film Prep

During Month 11, you will delve into the pre-production process, working closely with directors, writers, and fellow cast members to understand the concept, script, and storyboard for the short film.

Through workshops and practical exercises, you will learn about casting, location scouting, set design, costume and other essential elements of production, preparing you for the exciting journey ahead. As you develop your characters alongside the Director’s vision you will learn how all areas of the production can enhance your performance.

Online: First Table Read of The Script

Students will deliver their first read through of the script with the Director and Writer Present. This process will allow for any dialogue tweaks and for the cast to hear each character for the first time.

Online: Walk Through Of Shooting Schedule with 1st AD

Cast and Crew will discuss the filming schedule. This will help you to be best prepared for each day of filming and understand the world flow of making a film. 

You will gain an insight into what informs a filming schedule and how to ensure continuity in your performance.

In-Person: First Rehearsal with Cast & Director (Two Days)

Over two days you will work with your co-stars and the Director to workshop each scene of the film, discussing thematics and character choices in addition to props and costume.

In-Person: Rehearsal with Cast, Director, DOP & 1st AD (Two Days)

Rehearsals are continued with the Director, Cast, DOP and 1st AD to discuss the cinematography of scenes and refine the shooting schedule against the requirements.

Month 12: Short Film Production

In Month 12, the focus shifts to production as you step into your characters and bring the story to life with a professional crew. From rehearsals and blocking to filming and editing, you will gain firsthand experience in the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking, collaborating with a dedicated team to ensure the success of the project.

Throughout this exhilarating month-long process, you’ll deepen your understanding of the filmmaking process but also cultivate invaluable teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for acting success in the industry. With a short film as a calling card, graduates of this intensive course will be well-equipped to embark on an careers as versatile and confident screen actors, ready to make their mark in the world of film and television.

Principle Photography Of The Film (5 Days)

You will work alongside an award-winning crew and Director to apply your training on a professional film set. Over a diverse 5 Days you will shoot on location and at Pinewood Studios, learning the demands of performance in difference scenarios.

now showing at pinewood studios

Start Your Career
On The Big Screen

Your short film will be premiered at the famous John Barry Theatre,
Pinewood Studios named in memory of the legendary Bond composer.

Month 11 and 12 of our dynamic 1 Year Screen Acting Course culminate in an exhilarating exploration of the production process, as you bring a short film to life from script to screen.

This immersive experience offers you the opportunity to apply the skills developed over the year in a real-world setting, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of filmmaking while honing your craft in front of the camera.

Award-Winning Crew

Over 5 Days Of Filming you will work alongside our award-winning crew of industry professionals to bring the story to life, including 1st AD, Art Director, Make-Up Artist, Script Supervisor, Sound Mixer and Gaffer.

A Marketing Tool For Success

You'll lead in a short film which will be submitted to various film festivals, including the Cannes Short Film Corner putting your face on screen around the world.

Embodying The Role On Camera

Through detailed rehearsals with the Director and Cinematographer you will explore the intricacies of your character and how it will be captured on screen.

Build Your Network

Discover a world of opportunity and limitless potential by connecting and collaborating with industry elites. Meet exceptional Producers, visionary Directors, and influential Casting Directors at our exclusive short film screening event.

Professional headshots are fundamental to showcasing your look on an Acting CV.

You’ll participate in a professional headshot shoot with YellowBelly including 3 edited images showcasing different looks. 

Get Listed On
The Home Of Casting

Spotlight connects performers with roles in theatre, television and film productions around the world. Casting professionals choose Spotlight to cast their projects because performers on Spotlight are recognised as the industry’s best. 

Spotlight Eligibility

Upon completion of our 1 Year Screen Acting Course you will be eligible to apply for Spotlight. 

You will be able to list your Short Film Credit and new acting headshots from YellowBelly, alongside new showreel material filmed over the course duration.

Meet Your Tutors

Meet Your Crew

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Receive Footage From Workshops?

All weekend workshops will be filmed and available to download shortly after your session, crucial to your development. 

How Do I Join Spotlight?

Upon completion of the course you will be eligible to apply for Spotlight. 

Will I Receive A Showreel From This Course?

Over the duration of the course you will film showreel scenes with a professional crew and Director. These scenes will be professional edited and available to use on casting platforms.

Will I Receive Headshots From This Course?

Yes! We have partnered with YellowBelly to provide actors with professional headshots. You will be given a slot during your time on the course.

How Do I Apply For The Course?

You can book through our website. We accept all major Credit & Debit Cards, PayPal and International Payment Providers. After payment we will request a self-tape and your acting CV. Your booking will be confirmed upon review of this information.

Is The Course Suitable For International Students?

Yes we welcome international students on all of our screen acting courses. Please note you must have strong spoken and written English skills.

Where Is The In-Person Training Held?

All in-person workshops are held at Pinewood Studios on the weekend, either on a Saturday, Sunday or across both days. Please see our Getting To Pinewood page for details on getting to the studios.

How Many Students Are On This Course?

There is a maximum of 12 participants.  

What Time Do Workshops Run?

Online Sessions are held from 6pm to 9pm UK Time. In-Person Sessions are held on the weekend 10am to 5pm UK Time with the exception of showreel filming days which are longer.

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Pricing Plans

Start Your Journey To The Silver Screen

Pay In Full

£9,950
00
  •  

Payment Plan

£10,950
00
  •  

Booking Options

Select a course date and add to cart to proceed with payment. The 1 Year Course has limited availability and spaces are offered on a first come first served basis.

Please read our Terms and Conditions before making a booking.

Select a date then choose your payment method. This is a highly popular course and spaces are limited so we advise booking ahead to secure your booking.

After payment we will request your CV and a Self-Tape to confirm your booking.

Please read our Terms and Conditions before proceeding with your booking.

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