BA (Hons) Acting at Leeds Conservatoire

Study BA (Hons) Acting at Leeds Conservatoire

The BA Acting programme at Leeds Conservatoire offers rigorous, practical, conservatoire training for a career as a professional actor. Through practical skills training and individualised artistic development, you will acquire the skills to sustain a career as a working artist in theatre, television, film and recorded media - serving the performance industry now and in the shaping its future.

Starts: September 2024
Duration: 3 Years
UCAS Course Code(s): W320
UCAS Institution Code: L30
Apply Via: UCAS Undergraduate
Study Mode: Full time
Validated By: University of Hull

Course Overview

Intense Training

Over three years you develop your skills in acting, movement, voice and performance-based research. Training is practical, physical and intensive. You are required to be fearless, as you acquire new skills and challenge those you arrived with. Training includes ensemble skills classes, 1-1 coaching, skills in context, seminars and rehearsals; culminating in a final year season of performance that serves as an industry introduction.

The programme celebrates individualism, you will develop your skills alongside your individual artistry and are actively encouraged to create new work.

The programme staff team is made up of teaching artists and visiting industry professionals, who work intensively with you to develop your skills, enabling you to work professionally. Working with industry active practitioners insures your training is relevant, contemporary and responds directly to the demands of the industry.

Individual Tuition

All actors on the programme will receive 1:1 training and support to develop specific acting skills – in particular developing vocal strength, stamina and flexibility which can be applied to a wide range of performance styles and mediums.

Collaboration

Storytelling is a collaborative artform and collaboration is at the core of all we do at Leeds Conservatoire. Acting students spend their first weeks of training developing an ensemble practice that transforms a cohort into a collaborative theatre company. Throughout training, students are given the opportunity to collaborate with theatres, creative partners and leading artists in the region. We actively encourage cross programme collaboration with artists from other disciplines. Our ambition is for students to establish a creative network in training, originate live performance and take both with them into the profession.

Spotlight and Equity Recognised

Our course is professionally recognised, which will allow graduates to gain full Equity and Spotlight membership upon graduation.

“As a Casting Director, I have worked extensively in the North, casting actors for theatrical productions. Conservatoire level training in Leeds provides a great resource of new talent in the region. I very much look forward to meeting graduates from this programme.”
– Sarah Hughes, Casting Director

What You Will Study* (See Modules and Specifications)

This course is a full-time, high-contact, vocational training programme which is taught in six academic terms over three years. Contact time averages 30 hours a week, across 30 teaching weeks each year.

The course has two core strands; Skills Training and Artistic Development. Time assigned to each adjusts each year to promote the transition from learner to independent artist.

Year 1

Year 1 is dedicated to intensive skills training.

Fundamental techniques in Acting for Stage and Screen, Movement, Dance, Research for Performance, Spoken and Sung Voice.
Artistic development focused on understanding the self.
Students receive an allocation of one-to-one hours that can be dedicated to spoken voice work, singing lessons or creative mentorship.

Year 2

Year 2 builds on the skills from Year 1, with a focus on projects and industry partnerships.

Skills developed in year one are applied in the context of rehearsals and project-based work. Students are consistently engaged in creative processes, led by professionals with contrasting specialisms.
The project nature of year 2 allows maximum opportunity for industry partnership, develops the skills associated with a portfolio career and promotes creative dexterity in graduate performers.
Artistic Development shifts from understanding the self to understanding the creative industries.

Year 3

The final year of study provides the developing artist with a bridge to the profession.

Skills training becomes part of the individual’s artistic development.
Training is dedicated to a season of live performance for a public audience.
Students are showcased through the live performance season and create a portfolio of recorded performances, enabling them to market themselves professionally.
Having developed a culture of entrepreneurship through years 1 and 2, final year students are encouraged to exercise creative agency – making and featuring in performances.

Entry Requirements

96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include an A Level or BTEC Extended Diploma in an Acting-related subject.

A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).

Read our full entry requirements for more detail.

How to Apply

Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)

Read our step-by-step application guide

Auditions

Applicants to BA (Hons) Acting at Leeds Conservatoire will need to audition.

Find more audition information for UK applicants and International applicants.

Leeds Conservatoire does not charge audition fees for any Undergraduate or Postgraduate course.

Fees & Funding

Visit our Fees and Funding section to find out more about Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Fees & Funding for International Students.

View our Acting kit list for clothing and equipment requirements.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:

How To Apply
Auditions
International Entry Requirements
Fees & Funding

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 3 years
Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
UCAS Code: W320
UCAS Institution Code: L30
Validated by: University of Hull*

*Note for applicants and offer holders for 2022/23 entry:

Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.

Course Key Information Document 2020/21

Leeds Playhouse Partnership

“We’re excited about the development of a degree-level acting course run by Leeds Conservatoire. We look forward to working in partnership with Leeds Conservatoire and the tutors and students at all levels of the course.

“There are great benefits for Leeds in providing this level of training and as one of the UK’s leading producing theatres committed to making excellent theatre, the training of artists and meaningful community engagement, we look forward to working in partnership with Leeds Conservatoire and the tutors and students at all levels of the course.”

James Brining, Artistic Director and Co-Executive Director of Leeds Playhouse

Drama Facilities - Playhouse Square, Mabgate and more

Our Performing Arts students benefit from bespoke new facilities in our brand new Playhouse Square building.

Teaching will take place at our St Peters Square, Mabgate and Playhouse Square buildings as well as external teaching spaces where necessary.

We are confirming teaching spaces for 2023/24, but teaching spaces in 2022/23 also included Slung Low Theatre Company in Holbeck, Dance Studio Leeds and Yorkshire Dance.

Take a look at our custom-designed studios with panoramic views over Leeds city centre.