Our full-time Foundation Acting course offers a student-centred approach to learning with a strong focus on the individual and their formative journey into training and beyond.
Led by Sam Gibbs, a Theatre Maker and Actor Trainer, the course, based in specialist studios at the Lyric Hammersmith, provides rigorous training that prepares students for the next step in their professional career.
Regular sessions with industry professionals ensure that the intensive actor training is blended with invaluable insights into the demands and opportunities in the performing arts sector. Recent visiting tutors have included Sean Kempton (Cirque du Soleil), Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens (Beats & Elements, Escapade Global Films). Georgie Jones (Just These Please, Performance Poet), Sean Turner (Associate Director of The Play That Goes Wrong), Danielle Kassaraté (Co-Founder of Mawa Theatre Company).
The variety of the material used in classes and projects initiates discussions on relevant topics in today’s world, that promote students’ personal development and understanding. Tutors cultivate a safe, but challenging, environment to encourage students to experiment, explore and embrace their training journey, its failures, and successes. Students are supported in choosing, and discovering, a path that is right for them at the conclusion of the course.
“An incredibly helpful and insightful course that has allowed me to develop and grow not only as an actor, but as a person too. I’ve learnt more than I could’ve imagined, and I am leaving the course feeling more than ready for my next step in life.”
Full Time Foundation Acting Student (2022-23)
The Foundation course is based in specialist studios at the Lyric Hammersmith, just a 3 minute walk from Hammersmith Underground Station and a short bus ride from ArtsEd’s main building at 14 Bath Road. Foundation students have full access to the resources in the main building, these include the library, canteen, and studio and rehearsal spaces. The latter are free to book outside of timetabled hours. Foundation students also enjoy membership of Young Lyric with benefits that include access to masterclasses and subsidised tickets to main house shows.
This programme is validated by City St George’s, University of London and you will receive a City St George’s, University of London award on successful completion.
Applications for 2025 open 1 October 2024.
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Am I Eligible? If you are over 18 with a good general standard of education you may apply for the Acting Foundation Course. Entry is by audition. You can find out everything you need to know about auditions here (including advice on making your self tape)
Accreditation: ArtsEd is a member of the Federation of Drama Schools, set up in June 2017 to provide information for prospective students about conservatoire drama training.
UCAS code: ArtsEd does not subscribe to UCAS. All applications should be made online through our website.
What next? Applications for 2025 open 1 October 2024. Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news on our degrees and diplomas.
What else? If you need to work whilst you study, then why not take a look at our Part-Time Foundation Acting Course as an alternative training option. With evening sessions spread over two terms, this course might be a good fit.
Click here to view the full Course Guide for CertHE in Acting
You can find more general FAQs here.
