There's more than one style of acting, and there's more than one way of learning about acting. Theatre and performance have been part of cultures all around the world for millennia, with vast differences in theory and practice from country to country.
Every acting tradition has its own strengths, and in this programme you will experience training in techniques from a range of world theatre cultures. The BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen celebrates the richness of theatre and performance from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas.
The programme combines an active mix of theory and practice. Through a comparative study of world theatres, you will explore your creative potential in acting, voice, movement and theatre-making. You will learn from other cultures through the programme itself and your collaborations with other students. For your graduation show, each student has a substantial part in a play directed by a professional director and shown in our own Marylebone Theatre. You will also have various opportunities throughout the programme to collaborate with students from our Film & Screen programme. This will help you learn how to act in front of the camera, as well as learn about the processes of acting for the screen.
London will be the centre of your experience at Regent's. Our central Regent’s Park location puts our cultural capital within easy reach. You will explore the intermixing of theatre and artistic endeavours through our connections with the industry, and you will work with other students to form your own creative hubs of talent and skill.
An optional Study Abroad semester is a key part of your university experience. You can immerse yourself in a new country and its unique culture at one of our many partner universities. You will gain the confidence and skills to take to the stage or screen anywhere in the world.
Key features include:
- Study abroad opportunities at leading institutions around the world including the prestigious Vancouver Film School and New School in New York among others
- Final year stage production directed by a professional theatre director
- Screen acting opportunities working alongside our Film & Screen students
- London theatre and performance central to the curriculum
- Specialist focus on creative enterprise for the actor in final year
This is a three-year, full time programme.
In the second year, you will get the option to undertake a Study Period Abroad, or remain at Regent's and take a selection of elective modules.
Year 1
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Acting: Ensemble | This module establishes the groundwork and fundamental acting techniques, core acting skills and collaborative practice in the ensemble. The class aims to free the student of inhibition, and promote impulse, individual creativity and group complicity. Linking the personal ‘I’ with the dramatic ‘I’, the aim is to encourage the discovery of personal emotional, physical and imaginative resources. This module investigates the experience of truth and integrity, exploring narrative through the physical, non-verbal and the spoken word. |
| Developing Performance Making | Developing Performance Making will draw upon performance making approaches acquired in earlier modules. Students will explore conceptual thinking and making within the parameters of a distinct performance practice. Focus will be on the use of dramaturgical, choreographic and scenographic structures that do not center on the spoken word. This may include exploring the use of object, colour, light, sound and body in space to create image-based performance. |
| Global Perspectives | This module introduces a range of ideas and ways of thinking based around the University’s values, reflected in its learning outcomes. It encourages students to interact with the broader University community, both socially and academically, asking them to cross the physical and intellectual borders of their degree programmes. Global Perspectives aims to increase self-awareness and prepares students for their subsequent studies by familiarising them with the resources available to meet their lifelong learning needs. |
| Introduction to Performance Making | Introduction to Performance Making aims to bring together a diverse student cohort aiming to develop them as individual performers and collaborative practitioners. Drawing on various acting methodologies, theatrical forms and traditions, students will have a chance to explore making their own performance work in a nurturing environment. |
| Introduction to Production | This module will enable you to begin to develop your media literacy which will support your academic progress and your professional development. You will be taught the basics of genre and narrative structure in drama. |
| 19th and 20th Century Text and Performance | This module explores a range of approaches to script analysis and acting techniques for texts by 19th and early 20th century dramatists. It seeks to enable students to use research and practical experiment to explore the performance potentials of these plays. Workshops explore how different theatrical genres may engage different approaches to movement, voice and character creation and why this is the case. |
| Voice and Text | This module provides an opportunity for students to develop core vocal skills and techniques. This module explores processes and techniques to achieve core competencies in vocal production, vocal health, oral interpretation of dramatic texts, and a grounding in speech work. Beginning with an exploration of the student’s own physicality and voice, it introduces principles and techniques to encourage dynamic use of the voice for a range of performance styles. Material studied will include exercises and practices that can be used for personal as well as group warm-ups. Practical explorations in the use and development of the voice are the focus of the module, and encourage the student to develop a basic repertoire of techniques for performance. |
Year 2 (Core Modules)
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Acting for Camera | The aims of this module are to introduce students to the skills and techniques necessary to work in the front of the camera, and for the students to acquire the vocabulary and basic technical expertise to respond to some of the demands of a film script and some of the expectations of a film director. |
| Acting: Contemporary Text and Performance | This module builds upon the range of skills first encountered in Year 1. It is designed to deepen students’ exploration of contemporary plays and performance texts, and to engage with the contexts which have informed their creation and performance histories. The module also explores a range of approaches to script analysis and acting techniques. It seeks to enable students to use applied research and practical experiment to explore the performance potentials of plays. |
| London Performance: Current Contexts | This module examines contemporary performance making in London today. Using ideas and theories from diverse disciplines, it investigates artistic practice in relationship to personal, social, cultural and political contexts. Particular performances are investigated to discover similarities and differences in the processes, form and content of work. Whilst special focus falls on London, the discoveries made will be discussed in reference to the performance practices of other cities and nations. |
| Study Period Abroad Option | In the second year, you will get the option to undertake a Study Period Abroad, or remain at Regent's and take a selection of elective modules. Module details regarding the Study Period Abroad Option are below. |
| Regent's Semester Option | In the second year, you will get the option to undertake a Study Period Abroad, or remain at Regent's and take a selection of elective modules. Module details regarding the Regent's Semester Option are below. |
Year 2 (Study Period Abroad Option)
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Study Period Abroad | As the Study Abroad Semester is intended to introduce students to living and studying in a new environment, students should not opt for an institution in the same country as their nationality. Students must be in good academic standing and have progressed to Level 5. Students should ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover their time abroad and that their financial arrangements are in place prior to departure. Students must fulfil the application, insurance and visa requirements required by their host institution. Students must clear any financial obligations to Regent’s University and/or host institution prior to beginning their Year 3 study, as failure to do so may jeopardise progression to their final year of study. |
| Study Period Abroad: Vancouver Film School | As the Study Abroad Semester is intended to introduce students to living and studying in a new environment, students should not opt for an institution in the same country as their nationality. Students must be in good academic standing and have progressed to Level 5. Students should ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover their time abroad and that their financial arrangements are in place prior to departure. Students must fulfil the application, insurance and visa requirements required by their host institution. Students must clear any financial obligations to Regent’s University and/or host institution prior to beginning their Year 3 study, as failure to do so may jeopardise progression to their final year of study |
Year 2 (Regent's Semester Option)
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Acting: Performance Project | The module aims to enable students to create a theatrically-engaging ensemble performance. Students will experience the processes of production from initial idea through to post-show reflection. They will learn production protocols, rehearsal strategies, how to engage with theatre technology, issues of spectatorship and above all, how to work as creative collaborators with fellow actors, director, scenographer and other members of the production team. |
| Directing for the Stage | This module aims to introduce students to the basic principles, techniques, and challenges of directing for the stage. Students will analyse production concepts and directorial strategies chosen by influential directors to inform his/her own creative practice. Students will gain practical experience in aspects of stage direction through class exercises, discussions, observations, analysis, and scene work. |
| Film: Developing Performance for the Screen | The aims of this module are to develop the skills acquired in Acting for Camera and to build on the students’ knowledge of a variety of genres of film and television acting. Students will be introduced to acting on screen in commercial and corporate environments and will develop their techniques for self-taping (now a central part of the casting process) and for the more conventional style of casting. |
| Special Topic in Theatre and Performance | This module is designed to afford students the opportunity to engage with an area of theatre or performance studies, which is outside the usual range of core modules. The Special Topic enables students to benefit from specialist expertise and up-to-date research: for example, a) the tutor has expertise in a particular theatrical period, form or technique or b) a member of the team is engaged in a research project or book, which would be of pedagogical value to the student experience. The module may also conceivably be delivered by professional theatre practitioners and drama researchers on short-term attachments such as visiting artists, academics on Erasmus programmes or exchange schemes. |
Year 3 (Core Modules)
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Creative Enterprise: Making Work | This module enables students to explore potential pathways for producing their own performance work. It encourages students to deploy their skills and knowledge from previous modules in simulations of the phases and processes of production that underpin new work in London. Within this process, students will be supported to identify and develop transferable skills for entering employment, including roles other than acting. The module develops students’ ability to conceive, plan and resource new work. Special focus falls on understanding the mechanisms of collaboration, commissioning, funding, and promotion. |
| Film: Filmed Project | The aims of this module are to develop the skills acquired in Acting for Camera, to build on the students’ knowledge of film and television and prepare for onward pathways in the industry. They will continue to learn to apply skills specific to acting for the lens, as well as those already acquired in the study of acting for the stage, to the very contrasting world of the studio and location. The focus of the module will be to create a short film project in collaboration with film tutors, potentially working from commissioned scripts, examples from the extant canon, or self-generated material. Students will develop enhanced acting skills, skills in script analysis, and will build greater understanding of the collaboration necessary to a larger scale project. Students will also increase their knowledge of the technical side of film-making and camera-work. |
| London Performance: New Work | This module extends perspectives introduced in London Performance: Current Context modules and connects to the coming Creative Enterprise: Making Work module. It expands students’ understandings of performance practice as an ever-evolving phenomenon through examining the practice of creatives in the field of emergent and new work. At its heart is an independent research approach which helps students’ foster dialogue with a range of practitioners in diverse roles, including writers, actors, designers, directors and producers. The module has two connected points of focus. It develops students’ critical awareness of how innovation and experimentation interact with stable traditions and dominant structures. It also introduces students to how the mechanisms of commissioning, casting, funding and investment influence this process. |
| Major Performance Project | The Major Performance Project requires students to demonstrate advanced expertise in collaborative practice, acting, vocal and movement skills, characterization, scenographic practice, dramaturgy, script analysis, and issues of spectatorship, together with skilled use of appropriate theatre technology where appropriate. It serves as the capstone of the student’s degree and to synthesise previous learning and skills acquisition and own development as a theatre-maker. |
| Shakespeare in Performance | In this module students put into practice key Voice and Acting skills introduced and developed in Levels 4 and 5. It aims to provide students with first-hand experience of the challenges of creating character through Shakespeare’s complex language and stylistic conventions. Students discover ways to understand the structure and form of Shakespearean language, and through exploration of selected sonnets, speeches and scenes, learn the principles of performing classical text. They will develop their practical research skills through creating a production proposal for a selected play. |
Year 3 (Elective Modules)
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Creative Enterprise: Preparing for Work | The objective of the module is to work on monologues to help the student to develop ideas about their own casting and the range of work for which they might be suitable. It also creates a space for close, personal coaching and the chance for students to apply acting techniques encountered in earlier modules to tasks that will develop their interpretive abilities. |
| Creative Enterprise: Theatre Laboratory | This module allows students to utilise and consolidate skills and knowledges acquired in Creative Enterprise: Making Work and Creative Enterprise: Preparing for Work, and is intended to serve as a ‘laboratory’ for students to develop their own theatrical material within a supportive environment. Students may explore a range of performance options, building upon the materials previously encountered in acting, film, performance-making and contextual studies modules. |
| Solo Performance Making | This module challenges students to develop creatures, animals and larger-than-life characters similar to those developed for motion capture. Drawing from various movement and acting methodologies, this module will improve students’ technique, overall stamina, creativity and range of movement. |
| Special Topic in Voice | This module is designed to afford students the opportunity to engage with an area of voice studies, which is outside the usual range of core modules. The Special Topic enables students to benefit from specialist expertise and up-to-date research: for example, a) the tutor has expertise in a particular genre, form or technique or b) a member of the team is engaged in a research project or book, which would be of pedagogical value to the student experience. The module may also conceivably be delivered by professional theatre practitioners and drama researchers on short-term attachments such as visiting artists, academics on ERASMUS or exchange schemes. |
| Voice and the Actor | This course provides an opportunity for students to build on the skills acquired in Voice & Text and to expand their vocal skills for performance. It comprises a chiefly practical investigation of the processes and techniques required to facilitate practical competency and a recognition of the potential of voice in performance. Specific emphasis will be given to stylised speech and poetic language, culminating in a short, small group performance which utilises the skills and materials explored on the course. |
How to apply
Applying to study at Regent's University London is quick and easy. We have put together some helpful information to guide you through the process. We accept direct applications, have no formal application deadlines and there is no application fee.
Step 1 Apply
You can apply in the following ways:
- Apply for September 2019
- Apply through UCAS (The Regent’s UCAS code is R18)
- Apply through The Common Application
- Apply using the paper application form
If you have not uploaded the relevant supporting documents during the online application process, you should ensure that we have the below supporting documents as soon as you have completed your application. These can be sent to the Regent’s Admissions Department via email to [email protected].
- Copies of academic transcripts and certificates from all previous studies (i.e. secondary school and/or university certificates)
- One academic letter of recommendation
- A 300-500 word personal statement outlining the reasons for applying to your chosen programme, how you feel you will benefit from the programme of study, what contributions you will make to the University and how this will help your future career aspirations.
- A copy of your passport photograph (ID) page
- If you are not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency
Credit Transfer
- If you’ve already studied part of a degree course elsewhere, you may be able apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and join the programme at an advanced entry point. If you’d like to request entry part-way through a programme, make sure you state this clearly in your statement of purpose and provide us with the transcripts and module descriptions for the relevant study.
Step 2 Receive a response to your application
You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days of receipt of your completed application and supporting documents.
We will assess whether you meet our entry requirements and will notify you of the decision via email. UCAS applicants will also receive official notification via the UCAS system.
For some of our programmes, the selection process may include an interview or audition. Interviews/auditions can take the form of a one-to-one interview, group interview or portfolio review which may be conducted by telephone or as a Skype call. Arrangements of these are made between the Admissions Department and the applicant.
Step 3 Accepting your offer
If you wish to accept the offer you must pay the advance tuition fee deposit (non-refundable) to confirm your place.
Please note: There is no formal deadline to pay your advance tuition fee deposit, however we recommend that you confirm your place as soon as possible.
Please see here for information on how to pay.
Step 4 After you have accepted your place
Closer to the start of the term, the Admissions Team will send information regarding the registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment prior to your arrival as well as a checklist of documents you will need to bring with you to fully register onto the programme.
Information for international students
If you are an overseas student requiring visa sponsorship to study in the UK, our team will be in touch with information on applying for your student visa and the documents you will need. More information can be found on our visas and immigration page.
Scholarships, funding and bursaries
Undergraduate loans - Student Finance England 2018/19
Funding for UK, and EU nationals, as well as students with the status of Migrant Worker.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Students with three B grades at A-level (or equivalent qualification), and progressing Regent's foundation students who achieve a minimum 70% average across all modules will receive a £1,500 scholarship for each year of their degree programme.
Bursaries
As part of our public benefit commitment, we aim to ensure that students are not deterred from applying to Regent’s University London because of financial difficulties. Each year we offer a number of means-tested University bursaries for full-time study on undergraduate programmes.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship
Professor Aldwyn Cooper, Vice-Chancellor of Regent’s University London, wishes to recognise and reward three students each year who demonstrate particular commitment to upholding the University’s values and the ability to play an ambassadorial role for the University during their studies.
Future Finance loans
Alternative loan funding* for students studying at Regent's University London.
State-Sponsored Funding for Students from Norway
Loans and grants for Norwegian students studying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at Regent's University London.
State-Sponsored Funding for Students from Sweden
Loans and grants for Swedish students studying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at Regent's University London.
The Dean of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences Excellence Scholarship
The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences has established three scholarships that celebrate the University’s independent, cosmopolitan and enterprising spirit.
Regent’s Family Reward
Regent’s offers an intimate style of education, characterised by lots of personal attention. This personalised approach extends beyond our students to their families, with the University welcoming increasing numbers of brothers, sisters and even children of our alumni each year. The University is delighted to offer the Regent’s Family Reward as a thank-you to our alumni for their and their families’ loyalty.
The Filippo Corsini Polo Scholarship, in association with the International Federation of Polo
The University awards two polo scholarships each year to students who show both the polo skills and the leadership acumen to help the Regent’s polo team's development. The scholarship is named in memory of Regent’s student Prince Filippo Corsini, an accomplished equestrian and showjumper.
Annual Tuition fee
Degree level fee (starting September 2019): £17,500
Non-refundable advance deposit
Home/EU students: £1,000
Non-EU students: £4,000
Non-EU students in receipt of US Federal Loans: £1,000
What do fees include?
Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources. Fees are presented for the first level of study which equates to two terms.
What other costs should I budget for?
You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips, visits, activities or courses that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of the programme.
The library hold a limited number of copies of core text books and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own text books and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your programme of study.
When are fees paid?
Fees are payable in the following instalments:
- An initial non-refundable advance deposit paid when you accept your offer of a place
- The advance deposit is allocated against the first term’s fees
- Tuition fees (including fees for subsequent terms) are due two weeks in advance of classes commencing
Calculating fee increases
- The University sets tuition fees on an annual basis in line with the University's financial year which runs from 1 August to 31 July
- The fees quoted here are for one academic year of study
- For students starting their programme in January the programme spans two separate financial year accounting periods. Fees for the different teaching terms are calculated separately in line with fees charged in each financial year
- Fees for subsequent years of study are subject to fee inflation
- The University aims to keep annual fee increases in line with the University’s cost inflation. The expectation is that this will be no greater than UK consumer price inflation (CPI) plus 3%. There are occasionally variations to this dictated by the costs of running specific programmes or facilities required for our programmes
- As a registered charity, all fee increases are subject to approval of the Trustee Board thus ensuring that affordability for our students remains a primary concern in any decisions regarding fee increases
There is a high level of practical and experience-based learning, both on and off campus. Training as a performer is demanding, and the programme requires integrity, discipline and teamwork. You will find it both challenging and richly rewarding to see your skills and knowledge develop.
You will have the opportunity to attend talks and masterclasses which will enable you to learn from established theatre-makers. You will have the opportunity to go on field trips and theatre visits and experience London’s diverse theatre scene.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by experienced London theatre professionals, who work closely with students to develop their potential and inspire a passion for world theatre. Our teaching staff have postgraduate qualifications and include working actors, directors, scenographers and writers connected with London’s theatre community.
Contact hours and expected workload
Training as a performer is both physically and mentally demanding, and requires integrity, emotional maturity, good work ethic and self-discipline. Students normally have a minimum of 15 contact hours per week. They are also expected to engage in rehearsals, projects and independent study outside of class time.
Assessment Structure
Throughout the programme, your development will be charted through practical work, productions, research presentations and essays. During your Study Abroad semester, you will develop your own research project, and in the final year, create a career planning portfolio.
Students with disabilities
We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns. This includes learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, mental health difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, mobility difficulties, and temporary or chronic health conditions.
Our dedicated Disability Officer is here to support you. We ask that you speak with Student Registry and our Disability Officer as early as you can to enable us to support you. Find out more about our disability support and contact us.
Academic Requirements
A Regent’s education provides you with a high level of personal attention, and this begins from the moment you apply to study with us. We want to understand who you are and what your skills and interests may be – we are interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements. We review each application comprehensively and on its individual merit, considering all of your skills, interests and attributes.
If you are holding A levels, we would typically make you an offer at two A-Levels at Grades A-C.
We will also assess your application for proficiency in Mathematics, asking for a GCSE in this subject at grade A-C / 9-4 (or the international equivalent).
We receive applications each year from over 170 countries and are happy to assess all international qualifications. For example, if you are studying the International Baccalaureate, we would make an offer based on your successful completion of the IB Diploma; if you are studying an American High School Diploma, we would make an offer based on a minimum GPA of 2.8 plus two APs at grades 3,3.
Audition
In addition to meeting the above academic requirements, applicants for the BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen degree are required to undertake and successfully pass an acting audition. Once you have submitted your application and supporting documents, and we have assessed your academic eligibility, successful candidates will be contacted with an invitation to attend audition along with a detailed audition pack.
Each candidate will be assigned a time for their individual audition and interview. The audition pack will include speeches from which you may select and further guidelines as to how to prepare for your audition. If you are unable to travel to London you will be required to produce and submit a DVD portfolio in replacement of your audition.
English Requirements
We require proof of English Proficiency. For example, we ask for:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with 6.0 or above in Reading and Writing and 5.5 or above in Listening and Speaking
- Pearson’s Test for English (PTE): Overall score of 58, with 51 or above in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT: Overall score 80 (We do not accept TOEFL from applicants requiring a Tier 4 visa, as this qualification is no longer accepted by the UK Visas and Immigration Department (UKVI)
- A-level/GCSE/IGCSE English: grade C / 4 or above (for IGCSE certificates, please provide the Supplementary Certifying Statement with the breakdown of component grades)
- International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 in A1 or A2 English at Higher or Standard Level
This list is not exhaustive, we will review the English qualifications you have as part of your application and be in contact if we require anything further.
For applicants who wish to improve their English language proficiency, please see our English language courses.
On-campus diagnostic test
For offer holders in London, we can provide a free on-campus English diagnostic test. This test must be arranged in advance. To book a test, please contact [email protected]. Please note, this is a diagnostic test for Regent’s University London only.
The programme will equip you with the skills you need for a career as a performer. You will also gain the knowledge and expertise to undertake a wide range of other roles in theatre and the creative industries, including:
- Acting
- Film
- Presenter
- Producer
- Technical theatre
- Theatre design