51Âþ»­

This is an exciting and forward-looking actor training programme that reflects the rapidly changing nature of the acting profession and the next generation of professionals that seek to work within it. Designed to train actors who are adaptable and skilled enough to work across multiple media, the programme delivers all the fundamental skills and techniques required for acting on stage, screen, spaces beyond the studio and digital environments. We aim to create passionate, innovative and industry ready graduates who will be equally adept on stage as they are acting for microphone and for camera.

You will:

• Learn a range of approaches to creating theatre and techniques in performing texts as solo artists and as part of a collective
• Develop your career path through an understanding of performance-based industry practices and application/audition processes
• Gain a wide-ranging skill set including the technical workings of productions, using cameras and microphones, creating promotional materials and developing professional portfolios

The core teaching team is made up of professional playwrights, performance makers, dancers, community practitioners, writers for radio and academic writers. Beyond this, you will engage in masterclasses, presentations and talks from visiting specialists.

Central to the course is our longstanding partnerships within the city (Leicester) and regional theatre-makers and companies, such as Bamboozle Theatre, Spark Arts for Children, Soft Touch Arts. The Little Theatre, Upstairs at the Western.

You will have regular access to rehearsal space at Curve Theatre and Curve employees contribute to the skills element of a number of modules with a particular emphasis on preparing you for graduate entry to the industry (show reels, casting, auditions, head shots).  

The course is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage anyone with an appetite for acting and a desire to engage with the professional industry to apply.  

Key features

• Kick start your career with 51Âþ»­’s intensive study programme that makes you eligible for a SpotlightPROFILE as well as Graduate membership with Equity.
• Benefit from our long-standing partnerships with local theatres and performance venues, such as Curve theatre, Little Theatre, and Sue Townsend Theatre.
• We work in partnership with the Pauline Quirke Academies and host their national Drama festival each year.
• 51Âþ»­ is recognised as a Centre for Excellence in Performance Arts, with great facilities providing specialist studios and rehearsal spaces designed specifically for drama and performance learning activities.
• Benefit from an extensive range of performance opportunities including performance festivals and professional stage productions, as well as working with world-leading practitioners in subject specific workshops.

• Continually develop your professional portfolio through employability support sessions, professional development workshops, and extensive support in developing showreels and taking headshots. You will also have the opportunity to access a financed Equity Student Membership. 

• Harness developments in technology, media and new pedagogy alongside more traditional forms of acting to become an adaptable performer. You will have the opportunity to gain a British Academy of Dramatic Combat Standard (Level 1) certificate.

• Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Highlights from Curve Collaboration 2023

^{Banner and Curve Collaboration 2023 photography credit: Kieran Vyas}

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