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East 15 Acting School’s BA Physical Theatre course is for actors who want to specialize in a world of physical and visual performance beyond traditional theatre and television. We combine dynamic, exciting acting training with devised and ensemble work, offering all you would expect from a traditional British drama school coupled with modern European performance methodologies.
We are looking for actors and performance makers who are passionate about physical performance, creating new work, and re-imagining traditional text whilst working in parallel with the traditional intellectual approach to acting.
You acquire a wide skills base by experiencing areas such as aerial circus, devised storytelling, mask, mime, puppetry, and clowning. This is underpinned by core training in acting, voice, singing, and movement, enabling you to create challenging new shows and to re-imagine traditional pieces for public performance.
UK entry requirements
Applicants will need to successfully complete a physical workshop audition and should also have, or expect to have:
A-levels: CDD, or the equivalent in UCAS tariff points, to include 2 full A Levels
BTEC: MMP
IB: 25 points or three Higher Level certificates with 433.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Levels. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard levels, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
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.
20 hours per week.
Your first year focuses on developing the basic skills that you will use throughout your career. You will:
Develop fundamental voice, movement, and singing techniques
Focus on acting, improvisation, Poor Theatre, devising, mask, mime, bouffon, acrobatics, and contextual studies
Work towards classroom-based performance in contemporary scene work, Poor Theatre, narrative & story theatre, mime, and expressive mask
Present your own devised work to peers through East 15’s unique ‘Theatre Café’
Many modules culminate in performances among your peers and your practical classes are supported by contextual and historical study.
During your second year, you will extend and build on the skills developed through the first year and continue core work in acting, voice, movement, and singing. You will also engage with more technically demanding subjects, such as:
Aerial circus
Object theatre & puppetry
Commedia Del Arte
Melodrama
Acting technique
Technical skills work results in two major classroom-based performance projects per term.
Your final year concentrates on professional performance and career preparation. Alongside core classes, this includes:
Employment talks and workshops with industry professionals from major companies
Training in acting for screen, including filming material that can be used in a professional Showreel
Working with industry professionals on full productions in our state-of-the-art theatre, including an ensemble-devised performance, a scripted play, and a self-created small group-devised performance. Since 2016, we have collaborated with the artist-led international theatre company, ‘David Glass Ensemble’ to create shows that can be professionalized and taken beyond East 15
Students also undertake an Industry Showcase for an invited audience of influential agents, casting directors, and film, motion capture, 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.
If you do not require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK then we will assess your English language proficiency/ability at your interview or audition.
If your first language is not English and you are an international student that requires a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK then you will need IELTS 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
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For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.
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