Birmingham School of Acting Prospectus

Birmingham school of actingProspectus 2010 & 2011

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WELCOME TO THE BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL OF ACTING (BSA) PROSPECTUSThis is an exciting, contemporary place to train, not only for the theatre, film and television, but also for associated disciplines such as community and applied theatre and dance theatre. Our state-of-the-art studios are second to none, and the school buzzes with creativity.

As well as the advantages of being a student at a major university, we can offer you individual care and attention and all the other benefits of studying at a specialist vocational drama school.

The school is a founder member of the Conference of Drama Schools (CDS), and its two acting courses are accredited by the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT). This means you can be assured of the quality of our training and its approval by the industry. Birmingham City University is a Skillset Media Academy – the only such academy in the Midlands – which means it is recognised as one of the country’s top providers of training for media.

We have strong links with the entertainment industry, with which we have developed courses and created student placements. As one of our students you may also be invited to participate in the New Generation Arts Festival, a summer festival which provides a showcase for all of our graduate talent.

If you want to see more of what we have to offer, please get in touch or come to one of our Open Days.

STEPHEN SIMMS DIRECTOR, BSA

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Discover Us Discover professional accreditation Both our acting courses are accredited by the NCDT (National Council for Drama Training). A course accredited by the NCDT will stand you in good stead professionally, physically and mentally and because these courses attract the best candidates, they are also highly competitive. As a result, they are well respected within the industry.

Discover links with the performance industryOur BA (Hons) Community and Applied Theatre / Dance Theatre course is partnered with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, one of the UK’s leading producing theatres. Students will be able to engage with The REP’s facilities, productions and extensive learning and participation programmes. We also have strong links with agents, production companies, Theatre in Education organisations and TV producers like the BBC.

Discover professional development A great emphasis is based on preparing our students for working as a professional within the performance industry. Our intensive, production based teaching means you will work in a number of different professional theatres and take part in our theatre in education season touring regional schools. In your final year actors will take part in live showcase events in both Birmingham and London where agents are invited to see your performance. We also employ professional directors to create a DVD of scenes from plays/films performed by our final year students which are sent to agents throughout the UK. All BSA students have meetings arranged with London agents.

Discover excellent facilitiesBirmingham School of Acting moved into its new, bespoke home in 2007. All the facilities were created with the school’s needs in mind. There are purpose built rehearsal studios, with sprung floors, state of the art changeable acoustics sound equipment and mirrored walls, and a performance space with stage, sound and lighting rigging and a dance floor. For our students there is a common room (with drink and snack vending machines) a resource room with IT equipment, plus showers, changing facilities and lockers and a secure reception entrance. The school is housed within the city’s Millennium Point complex which holds cafes, restaurant and a bar, a cash machine, the IMAX cinema, the Think Tank Science Museum, a library (within another faculty of the university which BSA students can access), and more.

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Excellence in the ArtsBirmingham City University has an enviable and growing reputation for excellence in both the traditional and digital arts. From music to media, and film to fashion, our students regularly win awards and gain national recognition for their achievements. You’ll see them on television and on the stage, hear them performing in concert halls, jazz clubs and on CD, and see their works in art galleries and on the high street.

Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD) is one of the country’s leading centres for art and design. Its recent success is reflected by its strong performance in the Independent Complete University Guide league for 2009, which saw its Art and Design provision leap 21 places up the table.

Birmingham School of Acting’s provision is professionally accredited by the National Council for Drama Training and the School occupies exceptional bespoke facilities for the training of actors, including 11 studios with sprung floors, acoustic panelling and air displacement systems. The School enjoys an excellent relationship with the industry - locally, regionally and nationally.

Birmingham Conservatoire is an internationally recognised centre for teaching, research and the performance and composition of music. It has some of the finest performing and teaching facilities in the country, including the renowned 520-seat Adrian Boult Hall, 150-seat Recital Hall uniquely equipped for performance with technology, six recording studios and a specialised and extensive music library.

Birmingham School of Media is one of only two schools in the Midlands with Skillset Media Academy status. Skillset is the industry body which supports skills and training to ensure the UK’s creative media industries maintain their world class position, and centres must undergo rigorous evaluation to achieve academy status.

The School of English enjoys a strong research profile with five professors and two readers, a number of staff with internationally recognised work to their names, and a world-renowned research unit for English language studies. Notably, the School collaborates with the National Academy of Writing to offer a prestigious course that enables developing writers to learn from leading professionals.

Whether providing a platform for emerging professionals through our New Generation Arts showcase, or encouraging the next generation of talent through our Junior Conservatoire, acting summer schools and pre-University art and design courses, the University remains a key player in the West Midlands arts scene.

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TEACHING AND LEARNING ABOUT BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITYOUR STAFFTHE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

GRADUATE DESTINATIONS GRADUATE PROFILESALUMNI

BIRMINGHAM AND THE ARTS

BIRMINGHAM THE ARTS SCENE

STUDENT LIFE

THE STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT SOCIETY AT BSA ACCOMMODATION

APPLYING TO BSA

HOW TO APPLY OFFER OF A PLACE OPEN DAYS FEES AND FUNDING DISABILITY/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

QUALIFICATIONS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWSINTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS

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TEACHING AND LEARNING ABOUT BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITYOUR STAFFTHE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

GRADUATE DESTINATIONS GRADUATE PROFILESALUMNI


BIRMINGHAM THE ARTS SCENE

STUDENT LIFE

THE STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENT SOCIETY AT BSA ACCOMMODATION

APPLYING TO BSA

HOW TO APPLY OFFER OF A PLACE OPEN DAYS FEES AND FUNDING DISABILITY/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

QUALIFICATIONS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWSINTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

BA (Hons) ACTING BA (Hons) COMMUNITY AND APPLIED THEATRE BA (Hons) COMMUNITY AND APPLIED DANCE THEATRE BA (Hons) STAGE MANAGEMENT

POSTGRADUATE COURSES

PgDip / PHYSICAL THEATRE PgDip / MA ACTING PgDip / MA PROFESSIONAL VOICE PRACTICE MA ACTING: THE BRITISH TRADITION

APPLICANTS’ GUIDE: AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEW

ACTING PHYSICAL THEATRE PROFESSIONAL VOICE PRACTICE ACTING: THE BRITISH TRADITION COMMUNITY AND APPLIED THEATRE, COMMUNITY AND APPLIED DANCE THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AUDITIONS DRAMA SCHOOLS AND TRAINING

HOW TO FIND USACKNOWLEDGEMENTSDISCLAIMER

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BSA is a leading vocational drama school offering full-time higher education courses funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). It is a small specialist institution with 180 full-time students on four undergraduate courses and a staff of more than 50 working professionals. BSA is part of the Faculty of Performance, Media and English at Birmingham City University.

Since merging with the University, the school has retained its identity as a specialist drama and performance provider and developed its portfolio of courses. It now offers the following undergraduate and postgraduate courses:

• BA (Hons) Acting (NCDT accredited)• BA (Hons) Community and Applied Theatre• BA (Hons) Community and Applied Dance Theatre• BA (Hons) Stage Management• PgDip Physical Theatre• PgDip/MA Acting (NCDT accredited)• PgDip/MA Professional Voice Practice• MA Acting: The British Tradition

TEACHING AND LEARNING SECTION 1

The school also provides part-time classes and summer schools for adults, children and young people.

BSA is located in the centre of Birmingham, a vibrant and culturally diverse city which is recognised internationally as a centre for the arts, entertainment and business.

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ABOUT BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITYBirmingham City University is a vibrant, multicultural university with around 23,000 students and more than 2,000 staff. Our six faculties are spread across eight city campuses.

We have a long history of learning provision in Birmingham dating back to 1843. After gaining university status in 1992 we were known as the University of Central England until changing to our current name in 2007.

Our reputation for practical, professionally relevant courses and excellent teaching is making us a first choice for students. According to UCAS figures, last year Birmingham City University saw the biggest rise in student applications of any UK university.

Our research work is attracting attention too, having been classed as ‘world-leading’ in the independent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008.

We have built strong partnerships with industry and the professions to ensure that every aspect of our courses equips you with the skills and qualifications you need in today’s job market. In fact, many of our courses involve work placements, helping to make our graduates highly employable.

We’ve invested heavily in innovative technology to give our students the best possible preparation for their chosen careers. Facilities include a mock law court, a virtual radiography suite, broadcast studios, fashion workshops, a mock operating theatre and many more.

Our commitment to the future is underlined by the multi-million pound investment we’re making over the next five years. Plans include a new state-of-the-art city centre campus at Eastside, new student accommodation and a £7 million sports village with indoor sports halls, a multi-gym and an all-weather synthetic floodlit pitch.

For more information about Birmingham City University, visit www.bcu.ac.uk

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MILLENNIUM POINT, LOCATION OF BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL OF ACTING

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OUR STAFF

For the training of students on our full-time courses, we employ full-time tutors and course directors as well as a variety of visiting tutors. All our academic staff are industry trained and remain engaged in their professions.

STEPHEN SIMMS Director of School and Head of Acting Stephen is a graduate of Bristol University and RADA. He went on to join the Royal Shakespeare Company, with whom he acted for several years.

He has appeared in the West End, feature films, television, and regional and international theatres. He was also a member of Declan Donnellan’s award-winning Cheek by Jowl theatre company.

Stephen has worked as a director and drama tutor with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the University of Ferrara, Italy, and several US universities including Ohio, Memphis, Texas, Virginia, Boston and Pomona LA. He directs and teaches on both of our acting courses.

COURSE DIRECTORS

DANIÈLE SANDERSON Deputy Head of School BA (Hons) Acting PgDip Physical TheatreDanièle trained as an actor at The Drama Centre, London, going on to study ‘awareness through movement’ in Paris. In England she has worked as a freelance performer, movement director and workshop leader before moving into directing. She successfully completed an MA in Theatre Directing from Middlesex University in 2004.

Danièle initially joined BSA as a director and acting tutor, becoming Course Director for the Graduate Diploma in Acting. She became Course Director for the BA (Hons) Acting programme in 2004. She is currently studying to be a Feldenkrais practitioner.

HANNAH PHILLIPSBA (Hons) Community And Applied TheatreBA (Hons) Community And Applied Dance TheatreAfter graduating from the Central School of Speech and Drama, Hannah became Artistic Director of Adrenalin Arts’ Children’s Theatre Schools, followed by Associate Director (Education) for Y Touring Theatre Company. She then worked as a freelance director/practitioner for companies and venues across London. On her return to Birmingham, she became a Director and Course Director for the Birmingham Theatre School. Hannah is also Artistic Director of her own companies, Pink Space Theatre Company and Birmingham Library Theatre Company, and a film and theatre critic for BBC WM. Hannah joined BSA in 2009 as Course Director while sharing her expertise with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre as its Theatre Education Director.

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LISE OLSONPgDip /MA ActingLise came to Birmingham from Merseyside, where she trained actors for a decade at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). She holds a BA (Hons) Theatre from Northwestern University in Chicago and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Utah. She has done further postgraduate study at the Central School of Speech and Drama (ADVS) and the Shakespeare Institute.

The recipient of directing awards in the USA and UK, Lise was a founding artistic director of Seattle’s first small specialist musical theatre company. Her West End credits include The Witches of Eastwick, Coyote on a Fence and A View From the Bridge

ALEX TAYLORPgDip /MA Professional Voice PracticeMA Acting: The British TraditionAlex has worked extensively in actor training in Higher Education and within the professional theatre both nationally and internationally, as a director and as a voice specialist. Principal of the School of Theatre Manchester Metropolitan University from 1984-90, he has also worked as Head of Voice at Rose Bruford College (1979-84), Master Teacher of Voice at the Juilliard School, New York (1990-92), and as Head of Voice and Movement, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (1993-2003).

His freelance voice work has included serving as a voice and dialect coach for theatre companies in the UK, USA and South East Asia, including: the Royal Shakespeare Company, Hartford Stage (Connecticut), Laura Glen Dance Company (New York), Royal Exchange Theatre Company (Manchester) and the Theatre Royal (Stratford, London). He has taught master classes for Shanghai Theatre Academy, the University of Korea, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and has taught Voice for The Actors’ Centres in London and Manchester. Additionally, he has directed over 40 productions for professional theatre companies and drama schools, including Lady Windermere’s Fan for the National Theatre of Korea.

DAVID VANNPart-time and short coursesDavid is a graduate of the University of East Anglia and trained for the theatre at LAMDA. His professional experience has been very varied, including work as a clown, periods with the National Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre, and in repertory and touring companies. He has considerable experience of radio and television work, including nine years as DS Barry in The Archers

He has directed in theatres and community projects all over Britain and is currently Chair of the Actors’ Centre, Midlands. He is also a director with the New England Youth Theatre in Vermont, USA. His writing work includes several original plays and adaptations for the stage.

He has worked with BSA since the early 1990s and has taught and directed all full-time courses. He has been Course Director of Part-time Courses since 2001.

JACQUI FINDLAY Production ManagerBA Stage ManagementJacqui is a graduate of the University of Birmingham where she studied Dance & Theatre Arts. She became a full-time Deputy Stage Manager with BSA where she progressed to Company Stage Manager before leaving in 2002 to embark on a freelance career. She has toured both nationally and internationally, working as stage manager and production manager. Most recently she has been Tour Manager for CandoCo Dance Company before returning to BSA as Production Manager and Course Director for the BA Stage Management. Jacqui has also worked in both TV and film.

PRODUCTION DEPARTMENTThe Production Department consists of a highly qualified professional stage management team, as well as a Property Master, Set Designer and Wardrobe Mistress. Together, the department helps to deliver a professional experience for students.

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THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTBSA is based in the Millennium Point complex in the city’s Eastside and occupies two purpose-built floors. It consists of 11 studios, including a large performance studio, which have set new standards in drama training facilities. The building has been designed by the renowned Associated Architects and Arup, which specialises in providing engineering and acoustics solutions.

Each studio contains: specialist acoustic panelling, ideal for voice and singing tuition and rehearsals for productions; specialist sprung floors which are essential for our movement and physical skills sessions; a heating system that radiates heat equally around the studio; and an air replacement system that maintains a constant room temperature.

The large performance studio, known as the Patricia Yardley Studio, uses variable acoustics which can be adjusted to suit performance needs. It also houses a fully operational lighting rig and a quadraphonic sound system. This studio is used for taught classes across all courses as well as for performances, where a professional raked seating and/or staging system is constructed.

TRAINING AT BSAThe nature of the training at BSA encourages learning in small groups led by professionally trained staff who are specialists in their fields and have worked extensively in the industry. There is a great deal of emphasis on professional development and student assessments take the form of performances, most of which are in front of an audience.

BSA produces up to 16 live public performances, a range of radio plays and a film screen performance each year. Directors with extensive professional experience are employed to work with students in the final stages of their training. The live performance work takes place in professional theatre venues and is supported by the production department, and radio and screen production is undertaken in partnership with commercial companies and crews. This provides you with a real professional experience.

In the final year BA (Hons) Acting and MA Acting courses, you are presented to invited audiences of agents and casting directors in showcase productions in Birmingham and London.

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OUR COURSESIn 2007 the BA (Hons) Community and Applied Theatre/Dance Theatre was introduced. The first year of this course is delivered primarily by practitioners working within BSA and teaching across all courses. Teaching takes place predominantly within the studios at Millennium Point. Throughout the three years of the course additional teaching, workshops and professional development work are delivered both on and off site by specialist practitioners with experience in a variety of aspects of community theatre. This course has links with Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

The following year saw the launch of our degree in Stage Management, a MA in Professional Voice Practice supported by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and a PgDip in Physical Theatre. In 2009 our MA Acting: The British Tradition was introduced, giving professionals a chance to look closer at the quality of the UK’s theatrical development. These courses all enable students to engage with professional best practice in both performance and pedagogic styles.

In 2010 we intend to offer a postgraduate course in Shakespeare and classical acting.

BSA has strong relationships with many important local industry professionals and organisations. These include the, the BBC, The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, The Drum, Dreamfinder Productions, Aquila TV, Big Brum, Pentabus Theatre, The Soho Theatre, The Old REP Theatre, The Crescent Theatre, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, The Playhouse (Language Alive) and Women in Theatre.

THEATRE COMPANYWith all of our acting courses, the emphasis is on learning through performance. Our Theatre Company comprises final-stage acting course students who regularly present plays in the Birmingham area. Over the years this group has established a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting companies and former members have gone on to enjoy success in films and television, as well as on the professional stage.

SECTION 2 21BA (HONOURS) ACTINGGRADUATE DESTINATIONS

To paraphrase the English artist Hogarth: art is a business. Today’s student leaving BSA understands that to succeed there must be innate talent, but this talent can be so easily wasted if they don’t know how to operate as a business. Here at BSA students will learn how agents, casting directors and employers work. They will have lectures from theatrical accountants, Equity (the actors’ union) and The Spotlight (the trade directory), and at the end of term each student will have a personal meeting with an agent. We want to prepare the student for a successful career but it is important that they realise they are in charge of their own business.

JOHN COLCLOUGH CAREERS CONSULTANT

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22 Graduate Profiles

“I always had an interest in acting when I was younger. I got a part in the school play and after that I just totally got the bug to act. I decided to defer university and thought that I might as well give drama school a shot. I applied to three drama schools including Birmingham. I auditioned at Birmingham first and it had this really warm environment where you were made to feel welcome and comfortable. I had a chance to show the different facets of my ability and personality. I really enjoyed the experience and loved the fact that I was given feedback from the panel while I was there. My second audition at another drama school was a completely different experience; it was just ‘yes or no’.

When BSA offered me a place I thought it was definitely the right school for me. I didn’t really have any expectations when I started at BSA, I was just really hungry to learn and it was hard work from day one. I enjoyed the third year the most. We got to do a variety of plays throughout the year, working with professional visiting directors and experimenting with everything we’d learnt. We also performed in various venues around the city which was great experience compared to just performing in one space all the time. BSA provides a realistic training for any actor. They will prepare you for the real world.”

Tom Lister is currently appearing as Carl King in Emmerdale (ITV).

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Bryony Taylor BA (Hons) Acting (2006)The CragRats company at Holmfirth, where Last of the Summer Wine is filmed, employs more actors than any other organisation. Bryony Taylor has been working for CragRats for the past 18 months. Born in Truro, she trained at BSA and is still based in the city.

When did you decide to be an actor?There was a summer school at Truro College, when I was 17. We were making a musical with some professional directors and one of them pulled me aside and said, ‘You should really think about doing this as a career’. So I did.

So what exactly is CragRats?An education and training company. They set up a drama on a particular theme and then on workshop issues from the drama. They do corporate training with companies such as Asda and BT, and education work in schools. My team is touring schools with a show about responsible drinking. It’s not just about alcohol; it’s about relationships, making decisions and personal safety. There are a lot of physical exercises and games. Then the children fill in a detailed evaluation.

How do you fit in?I’m a team leader. There are three actors in a team. Being a team leader means taking on more of the director’s role in getting the show up on its feet. It’s also being a point of contact when you’re on tour and leading the workshops. We are given a script by the CragRats’ creative team and we can adapt it to suit us. We rehearse at the CragRats headquarters – it’s a restored mill in Holmfirth. It has a small theatre

What is a typical day?Getting up at six o’clock and leaving for school at half past seven. We have to be at school an hour before the show starts, for the set-up. Then we do the show and have a clear one-hour workshop. All the workshops are planned. Then it’s moving to the next school for exactly the same procedure in the afternoon and we finish at about half past three. We have the evenings free and the weekends.

How far have you travelled with your current show?Scotland, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Manchester and London for a couple of weeks. Digs are provided, we don’t have to go looking for them, which is a great help. We were in Scotland last week on the Isle of Islay and we stayed in a castle the night before – a very comfortable castle.

How effective is a CragRats show?Last autumn, CragRats was asked to set up a show to help the fire service in South Yorkshire. They wanted to cut the number of mischievous emergency calls over night and bonfire night by 20%. They said that, as a result of our show, the number of calls was cut by 45% and that had saved the fire service £1.1 million.

How do you relax?Going to the park, sitting in the sun and reading. I like being in Sutton Park, just outside Birmingham.

This piece written by Kevin Berry was originally published in The Stage, 9 June 2009, and we have been kindly allowed to reproduce it here.

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ALUMNI

A selection of our alumni credits

FLORA MITCHELL (2009)The Cherry Orchard (the Lowry Manchester and International and UK tour)

THOMAS ASHLEY (2009) Down to Earth (Kinetic Theatre Company)

NICK HOLBECK (2009) Othello (Icarus Theatre Company).

CHOLE - JEAN BISHOP (2008) Gone With the Wind (New London Theatre)

DANIEL FINN (2008) Blowing Whistles (Leicester Square Theatre), Snow White (Blackfriars Theatre)

AMY BOOTH-STEEL (2007) Sound of Music (West End), Sister Act (West End), Velma in Scooby-Doo (UK tour), Genie in Aladdin (Swan Theatre)

SERAY MORKA (2007) Romeo in the City (Theatre Centre)

ERY NZARAMBA (2007) Romeo in the City (Theatre Centre)

ASHLEY TAYLOR-RHYS (2007) Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Company), War Horse (Royal National Theatre)

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NALINI CHETTY (2006)Yellow Moon (Citizen Theatre Company and Broadway, New York), Amid The Clouds (Battersea Arts Centre)

LOUISE MARDENBOROUGH (2006) Filth: The Mary Whitehouse Story (BBC TV), Doctors (TV), The Snow Queen (Theatre Royal Stratford East)

REBECCA MCQUILLAN (2006Desire Under The Elms (Citizen Theatre Company)

CRAIG STORROD (2006) The Fixer, Sound, The Bill (TV), Five Guys Named Moe (The English Theatre Frankfurt), Romeo and Juliet (Escapade Theatre), The Snow Queen (The Theatre Royal Stratford East)

CATHERINE TYLDESLEY (2006)It’s Adam and Shelley, Iris in Lilies, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Coronation Street, Sorted, Holby City (TV), Miss Nightingale (Film)

DREW WEBB (2006) Filth: The Mary Whitehouse Story (BBC TV)

DANIEL ANDERSON (2005)Fools Paradise (Nu Century Arts), The Bill (TV), God is a DJ (Theatre Centre)

REMI WILSON (2004)Promises and Lies (Birmingham REP), Playboy of the West Indies (Almeida), William and Mary, Hyperdrive (TV). As Remi Nicole she released her debut album ‘My Conscience & I’ on Island Records in 2007, her second album ‘Cupid Shot Me’ was released in August 2009.

HELEN GEORGE (2003)Hotel Babylon, Hollyoaks (TV) High School Musical (Disney Tour), The Woman In White (West End)

NIGEL BOYLE (2003) The Ken Campbell Impro Show (The Inn on the Green), Sweet Love Remembered (Shakespeare Globe), Casualty, The Peep Show, All In The Game (TV)

DHAFFER L’ABIDINE (2002) Rise of the Footsoldier, The Mark of Cain, The Children of Men (Film), The Whistleblowers, Prince of Poets, Thieves Like Us, Spooks, Dream Team (TV)

KIERON HILL (2002)The Histories, King Lear (Royal Shakespeare Company), Scapino, Midsummer Night Dream, Merchant of Venice, The Government Inspector, 5/11, The Gondoliers, The Water Babies (Chichester Festival Theatre). As Director; Unopened Doors (Chichester Edge Festival)

TOM LISTER (2001)Emmerdale, The Bill, Heartbeat (TV), Love’s Mistress (Globe Theatre)

JAMES DAFFERN (2000)Where The Heart Is, Doctors, Holby City, The Rotters’ Club (TV), Smirnoff, Tango, Fiat Punto (Commercials)

KATY LEEMING (1999)Tess of the D’Urbervilles, La Cava, Les Miserables (West End), Beyond The Barricade (UK tour), The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham REP)

LUKE MABLY (1998) Festen (West End), Blue Murder, Who Gets The Dog, Holby City, Dream Team (TV) Save Angel Hope, The Prince and Me 2, Colour Me Kubrick: A True…ish Story, Spirit Trap, The Prince and Me, 28 Days Later (Film)

JIMI MISTRY (1996) Spooks, EastEnders (TV), Blood Diamond, Partition, Ella Enchanted, The Guru, My Kingdom, East is East (Film)

JULIUS D’SILVA (1989) Notes on a Scandal (Film), Henry VI Part I, II & III, Great Expectations, The Great Pretender, House of Desires, Tamar’s Revenge, Dog In The Manger (Royal Shakespeare Company)

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27BA (HONOURS) ACTING

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SECTION 3

BIRMINGHAMBirmingham is a city that is reinventing itself, with a massive amount of regeneration in the city centre. It has all the entertainments and facilities a student needs. With nightlife to rival that of any major city, world-class sporting facilities, a superb arts and cultural scene, cosmopolitan cuisine and excellent shopping facilities, there’s something for everyone.

When you come to Birmingham, prepare to be surprised. The city has enjoyed a renaissance in the last few years, with the renovation of its historic areas and the creation of many new developments. The £500m Bullring centre, which includes the iconic Selfridges building, and other retail triumphs such as the Mailbox and revamped markets, have led to the city being dubbed ‘the shopping capital of Europe’.

One of the jewels in its crown must be the canal side area in the heart of the city. Known as Brindleyplace, it has a wide variety of bars and restaurants, as well as modern office spaces, hotels, the Crescent Theatre and the National Sea Life Centre. The area has gained international recognition with a recent ‘Excellence on the Waterfront’ award.

Nights out can take you from the bustle of Broad Street and the Arcadian in the Chinese Quarter to any one of a host of clubs. Many of these are already firmly on the map of the discerning club-goer, including Air, The Medicine Bar, The Custard Factory and The Sanctuary.

If you’re looking for something more sedate, why not head for Brindleyplace, another recent development with coffee shops, bars and restaurants. And being the home of the Balti, Birmingham’s got to be one of the best venues for multicultural cuisine, with something to suit every palate and wallet.

If people-watching over a coffee isn’t sedate enough for you, there’s an abundance of parks and green spaces and more miles of canal than even Venice can boast. Canon Hill Park and the Botanical Gardens offer peace within the city limits but you can easily head off to the Malverns or the Cotswolds for even more tranquillity.

With a vastly improved transport system opening up historic and modern sights in and around the city, Birmingham is a fascinating place to live and explore. So whether it’s your base for the duration of your course or you settle here on a more permanent basis like many of our graduates, Birmingham truly is a fantastic place to call home.


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THE ARTS SCENERich in cultural diversity and with a vibrant arts scene, Birmingham is an exciting base for emergent art, design, performance and media practitioners. With a multitude of theatres, galleries, design and photography studios, public art spaces and cinemas, the city nurtures artistic practice.

Visual arts are in abundance, from exhibitions in the city’s bars, public spaces and small galleries to national touring exhibitions at the Ikon Gallery and Gas Hall.

Birmingham has a number of venues which provide classical and modern drama, West End musicals, comedies, ballet and student drama, the foremost being the Birmingham REP, Birmingham Hippodrome and Alexandra Theatre. The Hippodrome hosts visiting theatre and dance companies throughout the year and is also the home of the acclaimed Birmingham Royal Ballet. Birmingham is also in close vicinity to Stratford-upon-Avon, home to the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company.

A welcome addition to Birmingham’s exhibition spaces is Thinktank, the refurbished Museum of Science and Discovery. Thinktank celebrates the history of scientific inventors and offers a thrilling peek into the future. It’s situated in the Millennium Point complex which is also home to BSA.

For a multicultural mix of all art forms there’s the Midlands Art Centre, which is unique in representing and reflecting the diversity of cultures in the region. For a varied programme of contemporary African, Asian and Caribbean arts and events, the Drum has established itself as the national centre for black British arts and culture.

This commitment and passion for the arts is reflected in many of the festivals hosted in the city. These include Arts Fest – an annual free festival featuring artists from all disciplines from across the West Midlands. The city also celebrates new British and international contemporary performance and visual live art with the FIERCE! Festival, which takes place at venues and clubs across the region.

Birmingham is a city for music lovers. Symphony Hall, in the International Convention Centre, is one of the finest concert venues in Europe, and is home to the world-class City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The National Exhibition Centre and National Indoor Arena are ideal large-capacity music venues and have hosted concerts by many international stars. There’s rhythm and blues at Jools Holland’s ‘Jam House’ and rock and independent artists at the O2 Academy.

The city also enjoys a fine comedy heritage; in fact Frank Skinner studied at the University and recently received an Honorary Doctorate. There are several fantastic comedy venues, including the Glee Club and Jongleurs, both of which offer student concessions.

As part of Birmingham City University’s commitment to the recognition and support for arts in the city, it launched the New Generation Arts (NGA) Festival in 2006. Birmingham City University continues to showcase young creative talent throughout the year with showcase events across the creative arts. This helps to confirm Birmingham’s position as a centre for culture and emerging artistic talent.

USEFUL INFORMATION:www.macarts.co.uk www.02academybirmingham.co.uk www.icbirmingham.com

31STUDENT LIFE SECTION 4

THE STUDENTS’ UNIONThe Students’ Union is a democratic membership-led organisation which aims to represent and support all students throughout their time at Birmingham City University.

We’re dedicated to getting students involved in as many ways as possible. There are dozens of sports teams and societies you can join, and if you can’t find anything that interests you, why not set up your own? It’s a great way to meet new people and develop transferable skills.

You can also get involved with student campaigns, volunteering, ‘Give it a Go’ activities and Development Needs Answers (DNA) training sessions. Getting involved with your Students’ Union means good fun and a great addition to your CV.

University life can be exciting, fun and rewarding. However, there may be times when you need to deal with money issues, housing problems or academic matters. Our Advice Centre is staffed by professional advisors who can assist you with a range of issues and provide loads of useful information. As part of the Union, the Advice Centre is totally independent and guarantees absolute confidentiality.

If you have any issues or ideas to share, don’t hesitate to contact our Executive Officers – five elected student representatives who are there to support and help you. You can also use our website www.birminghamcitysu.com and suggestion boxes at Students’ Union receptions/bars to give your feedback on Union matters.

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STUDENT SOCIETY AT BSAAt BSA the student council is responsible for helping staff look after the welfare of our students. There are ten members of the council each with specific jobs aimed at making your time at BSA as fun as possible.

The council runs major social events such as the Christmas party and the End of Year Ball. Its responsibilities include finding venues, choosing themes and generally making sure that the party goes off without a hitch.

Not only is the council responsible for the social side of student life, it also provides advice on accommodation for new students. This means that they are able to suggest landlords and areas that are known to be good value and pleasant to live in.

Apart from these somewhat business-like duties, the council is a great support to students as individuals and is always available for advice should you need it. Because the council is made up students, it makes us all the more capable of helping you with settling in and any other problems that might occur during your time at BSA.

KEVIN VARTY Chair of BSA Student Council 2008-2009

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ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is available either through BSA’s Student Society or Birmingham City University’s Accommodation Service.

BSA’S STUDENT SOCIETYHousing days take place prior to the start of each academic year. The Student Society’s Accommodation Officers help new students to find an appropriate residence with other BSA students. Most of our students choose this option and benefit from sharing a house with students who are at different stages of their training. There are Facebook book pages for freshers, where questions and answers about accommodation can be found. Search for ‘Birmingham School of Acting’ to find latest pages.

BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY’S ACCOMMODATION SERVICEThe University offers a range of accommodation across Birmingham. Rooms in our halls of residence are offered on a minimum 40-week contract and include catered rooms, self-catered rooms, en suite rooms, units suitable for postgraduates, units for students with small families, and accessible purpose-built units for students with specific needs. We can also provide details of accommodation in the private sector.

A place in halls is guaranteed for full-time students who hold a Conditional Firm or Unconditional Firm offer by 31 May in the year of entry and who live a distance from the University which precludes commuting.

While our Accommodation Services team try their best to accommodate preferences for particular halls, these cannot always be guaranteed. Full-time students who live in the greater Birmingham area may receive an offer of accommodation if sufficient rooms are available. Offers of accommodation are usually made in the summer period following examination results, once you have confirmed acceptance onto a course. At this point you will be sent more detailed information and an application form.

The cost of a room in halls includes heating and lighting. All rents are subject to an annual increase on 1 September.

All rooms are fully furnished, most are self-catered and all are equipped with a private telephone line and internet access. Shared kitchens have cooking facilities but do not contain crockery, cutlery or cooking utensils. Each site has its own launderette.

For further information please see: www.bcu.ac.uk/accommodation

35BA (HONOURS) ACTING SECTION 5

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS

APPLYING TO BSA

HOW TO APPLYOnce you’ve found the course you’d like to apply for, it’s important that you make sure you have, or are expected to achieve, the entry requirements for that course. Please check the course information in Section 7 (page 42).

You should then submit an application form. You can contact us to request an application form, fill in the request form at the back of this prospectus, download a form from our website or apply directly online. Visit www.bsa.bcu.ac.uk/Auditions/index.html for details.

Applications for all full-time courses should be made directly to BSA; however, applications for the BA (Hons) Community and Applied Theatre/Dance Theatre and BA (Hons) Stage Management can also be made through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). Visit www.ucas.com for details.

If successful you will be invited to either an audition or an interview. For each course we have produced a guide to help prepare you for audition/interview (see Section 9 - page 69).

AUDITIONSThe following courses require an audition:

• BA (Hons) Acting• PgDip/MA Acting• PgDip Physical Theatre

INTERVIEWSThe following courses require an interview:

• BA (Hons) Community and Applied Theatre• BA (Hons) Community and Applied Dance Theatre• BA (Hons) Stage Management• PgDip/MA Professional Voice Practice• MA Acting: the British Tradition

It is possible that you might be asked to participate in a short workshop or other exercise associated with the course.

The interview for PgDip/MA Professional Voice Practice requires the preparation of a Shakespeare sonnet, and a two-minute speech in verse from an Elizabethan/Jacobean play or a musical theatre song. The MA Acting: the British Tradition requires a two-minute speech in verse from an Elizabethan/Jacobean Play and a two-minute speech from a British play written between 1740 and 1950.

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OFFER OF A PLACEFollowing an audition or interview, one of the following outcomes is possible:

• You are offered an Unconditional place on the course – this means that you are definitely offered a place. This offer is only for the year in which you apply.

• You are offered a Conditional place on the course – this is subject to you achieving the required academic qualifications. This offer is only for the year in which you apply.

• You are offered a Reserve place on the course – this is the most common outcome. It indicates that you have reached an acceptable standard, but because applications and auditions/interviews happen throughout the year we cannot allocate all places on a course until the auditions/interviews have been completed. This is of particular relevance to the Acting courses.

• You are not offered a place on the course. You cannot re-apply for a place on the same course in the same academic year.

APPEALING AGAINST AN UNSUCCESSFUL AUDITIONTo appeal against a decision you should contact the Registrar within 14 days of notification. They will send you a copy of the Appeals Policy. An Appeals Panel, led by a senior member of staff who was not involved in your audition, will thoroughly investigate any appeals, and you will be notified of the outcome.

OPEN DAYSOur Open Days provide an excellent opportunity to see our facilities, discuss courses with teaching staff and current students, and get a feel for life as a BSA student. For details of our forthcoming Open Days, visit www.bsa.bcu.ac.uk/events/openday.html or complete the form at the back of this prospectus.

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“The variation of talks, master classes and student experiences was excellent. I walked away with so much determination to go to drama school and BSA in particular.” EMMA HUBBLE

OPEN DAY PARTICIPANT

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FEES AND FUNDINGCourse feesFor UK and EU students on full-time undergraduate degree courses at BSA, part of the course fees are funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). You will need to pay the mandatory student contribution as set by the UK Government – visit www.bcu.ac.uk/prospective/finance for the latest information. Students from outside the EU must pay the full course fees – see www.bcu.ac.uk/international/tuition-fees

Audition/interview fees

FundingStudents in England and Wales may apply to their Local Education Authority for help with course fees, which will be means-tested. Students in Scotland should apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) and students in Northern Ireland should apply to the Department of Education, Northern Ireland (DENI). Students who are assessed as not having to pay full fees may also be eligible for a bursary of up to £525 from Birmingham City University.

EU students may apply to the EU team at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) for help with fees and in some cases student loans.

Students with previous degrees may not be eligible for help with the mandatory fee contribution, but they may still apply for additional student loans. Postgraduate students can also apply for a Career Development Loan.

BA (Hons) Acting .............................................................PgDip/MA Acting ............................................................. PgDip Physical Theatre ...................................................BA (Hons) Community and Applied Theatre ..................BA (Hons) Community and Applied Dance Theatre .......BA (Hons) Stage Management ........................................ PgDip/MA Professional Voice Practice ...........................MA Acting: The British Tradition ...................................

£40 £40 £40 NO FEE NO FEE NO FEE £40 £40

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Student loansFull-time undergraduate UK students can apply for a loan from Student Finance England to cover the cost of their course fees. 75% of the student loan is non-means-tested, which means all eligible students can receive it. The benefit of the loan is that you can delay repayments until you have graduated and are earning a minimum of £15,000.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Student Finance Englandwww.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance

Career Development Loanswww.direct.gov.uk/cdl

Careers Service or Connexions PartnershipYour local Careers Service or Connexions Partnership can tell you about the range of course providers or job opportunities: www.connexions.gov.uk

Adult learningFor information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit: www.direct.gov/adultlearning or call 0800 100 900.

DISABILITY/EQUAL OPPORTUNITIESAt Birmingham City University we think it is important that you feel you can tell us about any disability you may have. We regard disclosure of a disability as a positive step, because once we are aware of your disability we can try to support your individual needs. Please contact the Disability Service on 0121 331 5128, or email: [email protected]

Birmingham City University promotes equality of opportunity in every aspect of its provision. For full details of our Equal Opportunities Policy please visit: www.bcu.ac.uk £40

£40 £40 NO FEE NO FEE NO FEE £40 £40

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IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

41ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SECTION 6

BSA welcomes applications from students from all over the world. Birmingham has one of the largest international student populations in the UK and benefits from a large choice of attractions and entertainment. It also has an international airport serving many of the world’s major cities. Students find it easy to settle into city life and all it has to offer, while also discovering the magnificent rural and historical landscapes on the outskirts of the city. Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, is only 30 minutes away. Elizabethan and Jacobean properties in Birmingham and nearby Warwickshire include the magnificent Aston Hall, Warwick Castle and the beautiful Coughton Court, which was home to Guy Fawkes and the infamous Gunpowder Plot.

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GRADUATE JULIUS D’SILVAIn the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Henry IV Part 2 as part of Michael Boyd’s History Cycle. Image courtesy of the Royal Shakespeare Company

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QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Normally, a candidate for an undergraduate course should satisfy the University entrance requirements for an honours degree in their own country. Please contact the Registrar for further information (see details below).

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS All teaching, performances and assessment on our courses are in English. International candidates should therefore be able to demonstrate proficiency in English; if considered appropriate this will be examined in auditions/interviews. Candidates whose first language is not English and cannot supply evidence of one of the accepted qualifications with their application or at audition/interview may be required to take a diagnostic test in English language skills.

Accepted qualifications include:• An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6 (or 7 if applying for a postgraduate course)• A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 550 including Practical Assessment (score of 600 if applying for a postgraduate course)• A grade C or above in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (grade B or above if applying for a postgraduate course)

A full list of the minimum accepted qualifications is available at www.bcu.ac.uk/international

For further information on International Admissions please contact BSA directly or the University’s International Office:

RegistrarBirmingham School of Acting Millennium Point Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG T: + 44 (0)121 331 7220 E: [email protected] www.bsa.bcu.ac.uk

International Office Birmingham City University Perry Barr Birmingham B42 2SUT: +44 (0)121 331 6714 E: [email protected] www.bcu.ac.uk

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AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWSOur courses require an audition or interview. The table outlines the application process for each course. You should ensure that you have read and understand the entry requirements and that you meet the English language requirements before submitting an application form. Where applicable you should provide evidence that you meet the English language requirements with your application form. You can contact us to request an application form, download a form from our website or apply directly online. Visit: www.bsa.bcu.ac.uk/Auditions/index.html for details.

DVD AUDITION SUBMISSIONSInternational students may submit an Initial Audition on a multi-regional format DVD. The content should follow the instructions for initial audition laid out in Section 9 (page 67) Applicants Guide: Auditions and Interviews. Please do not send show reels as they will not be considered as part of your application.

US AUDITION CENTRESWe occasionally hold auditions in Chicago and New York. Please visit www.bsa.bcu.ac.uk/International/advice.html for the latest information.

SUPPORT WHILE YOU STUDYWhen you arrive in Birmingham, you will take part in an International Welcome, during which you will have the chance to meet and get to know other international students at the University. You can also take advantage of individual support from our Student Services team throughout your studies.

WORKING IN THE UKIf you are not a European Economic Area (EEA) citizen you will usually be granted permission to work in the UK up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. However you should be aware that you will only be admitted to the UK on the understanding that you have identified sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants without taking employment. Therefore you will not be allowed to depend on finding employment in the UK to fund your stay here.

The UK Government has recently changed its policies to make it easier for some students to stay and work in the UK on successful completion of their studies. In particular, if you successfully complete a BSA degree and an employer obtains a work permit for you, then you may become a work permit-holder without having to leave the UK. There may be other conditions under which you would be allowed to stay and work in the UK, for example if you qualified as a highly skilled migrant. Up-to-date information is available at www.ukvisas.gov.uk

Please note that the information in this prospectus is intended to be a guide only.

USEFUL WEBSITESBirmingham City University International Advice Service: www.bcu.ac.uk/studentservices/international

Birmingham City University – information for international students: www.bcu.ac.uk/international

Birmingham School of Acting (BSA): www.bsa.bcu.ac.uk

British Council www.britishcouncil.org or www.educationuk.org

UKCOSA: The Council for International Education www.ukcosa.org.uk

45

COURSE ENTRY THROUGH AUDITION OR INTERVIEW

WHAT TO SUBMIT STAGES OF APPLICATION PROCESS

BA (HONS) ACTING

PG DIP/ MA ACTING

Two-stage audition process: Initial and Recall Audition (please see Applicant’s Guide on page 69)

You should submit the correct application form and you may submit an Initial Audition on DVD.

1. Confirmation that the application has been received. 2. Admissions Manager ensures that the entry requirements are met. 3. You will be invited to an initial audition or the panel will watch audition DVD submission to assess suitability for entry on to the course. 4. You will be notified of the panel’s decision. 5. If you are successful you may be invited to attend a Recall Audition at BSA. 6. Shortly after the Recall Audition you will be notified of the outcome.

BA (HONS) COMMUNITY AND APPLIED THEATRE

BA (HONS) COMMUNITY AND APPLIED DANCE THEATRE

BA (HONS) STAGE MANAGEMENT

Interview with Course Director (Please see Applicants’ Guide on page 69)

You should submit the correct application form.

1. Confirmation that the application has been received. 2. Admissions Manager ensures that the entry requirements are met. 3. You can be interviewed at the school or an interview will be carried out over the telephone to assess suitability for entry onto the course. 4. Shortly after the interview you will be notified of the outcome.

PG DIP PHYSICAL THEATRE Audition (please see Applicant’s guide on page 69)

You should submit the correct application and you may submit an Initial Audition on DVD.

1. Confirmation that the application has been received. 2. Admissions Manager ensures that the entry requirements are met. 3. You will be invited to an initial audition or the panel will watch audition DVD submission to assess suitability for entry on to the course. 4. You will be notified of the panel’s decision. 5. If you are successful you may be invited to attend a Recall Audition at BSA. 6. Shortly after the Recall Audition you will be notified of the outcome.

PG DIP/ MA PROFESSIONAL VOICE PRACTICE

PG DIP/ MA ACTING : THE BRITISH TRADITION

Interview with Audition pieces (please see Applicant’s guide on page 69)

You should submit the correct application form and you may submit your Audition pieces on DVD.

1. Confirmation that the application has been received. 2. Admissions Manager ensures that the entry requirements are met. 3. You will be invited to an initial audition or the panel will watch audition DVD submission to assess suitability for entry on to the course. 4. You may be offered the opportunity to be interviewed by the Course Director to support your application. 5. Shortly after the interview you will be notified of the outcome.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS

47UNDERGRADUATE COURSES SECTION 7

BA (Hons) ACTING

BA (Hons) COMMUNITY AND APPLIED THEATRE

BA (Hons) COMMUNITY AND APPLIED DANCE THEATRE

BA (Hons) STAGE MANAGEMENT

49BA (Hons) ACTING 3 YEARS FULL-TIME

COURSE OVERVIEW

COURSE DIRECTOR Danièle Sanderson APPLICATION Direct to School

BA (Hons) Acting is a course of vocational training which prepares students for entry into the profession. The course is accredited by the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) and at all stages meets the rigorous outcomes demanded by its professional members. The course is delivered by a team of qualified professionals who have worked at the highest levels in their fields. The team is supported by visiting tutors, guest lecturers and professional directors from all branches of stage, screen and broadcast media.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: UK & EUThe entry requirements for this course are as follows:

• Admission is by audition (see Applicants Guide page 69); in addition we would normally require two A-levels or equivalent.• Individual offers are made regarding grades in order to secure a place on the course. • Normally 32 students are enrolled onto the course each year.

COURSE CONTENTDuring the first year of study the majority of classes are on the technical skills of acting, voice and movement. Rehearsal techniques are taught through project work which culminates in internal performances. During the first year the emphasis is on learning technical skills and is therefore weighted 70 per cent technical and 30 per cent performance. This first year provides the skills that underpin the second year where the balance between skills and performance becomes equally weighted. This in turn leads to a final year in which rehearsals and performances, public and recorded, together with career advice and support, occupy almost all of the time.

Throughout the course students are taught in a variety of small and large classes (maximum 16) depending on the nature of the class. Rehearsal and performance groups are divided according to the level of study and the learning needs of the cohort. Play selection throughout Years 2 and 3

will vary from large ensemble pieces to much more intimate, small-cast plays. During the final year of the course each student will perform in three live stage performances, a screen performance leading to a show reel and a radio play. In addition students also have the opportunity to enter the Carleton Hobbs Competition for Radio, organised by the BBC. In both the second and final years students may also enter the Sam Wanamaker Festival which is held at the Globe Theatre in London. Towards the end of the final year of the course a showcase is presented in Birmingham and London to invited agents, casting directors and other professionals.

COURSE LENGTH 3 years full-time

Y3

Y1

Y2

ACTING 1ACTING THEORY

PROJECTPHYSICAL SKILLS 1

SINGING 1VOICE 1VOICE

ACTING 2WORKSHOPS

PHYSICAL SKILLS 2 SINGING 2

VOICE 2

ACTING 3PRODUCTION

RECORDED MEDIASHOWCASE AND AUDITIONS

PROFESSIONAL STUDIESVOICE

120 CREDITS - Cert HE

240 CREDITS - Dip HE

360 CREDITS - BA (Hons)

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTStudents need to develop the basic freelance personal management skills in order to operate as a professional actor. In group lectures, workshops and seminars, students will gain professional advice and guidance from tutors and relevant industry professionals and specialists.

EMPLOYABILITY PROSPECTSGraduates from the acting courses work consistently in all branches of performance. Recent graduates are currently employed with The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, The BBC and Independent Television, and in film (see Alumni Section).

BA (Hons) COMMUNITY AND APPLIED THEATRE 3 YEARS FULL-TIME

COURSE OVERVIEW

COURSE DIRECTOR Hannah Phillips APPLICATION Applications made through UCAS. Application process includes an interview.

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The BA (Hons) Community and Applied Theatre/Dance Theatre are new and exciting courses offering a stimulating, practical-based training that will prepare you for a career within community theatre/dance theatre, providing the possibility to work as a community artist, workshop facilitator, writer, choreographer, devisor or community arts administrator. It gives you the opportunity to connect with some of the country’s most exciting community-based theatre and dance practitioners as well as being in an area of incredibly rich cultural and ethnic diversity. These courses are partnered with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, one of the UK’s leading production theatres. This innovative partnership provides opportunities for students to engage with The REP’s facilities, productions and extensive learning and participation programmes

/COMMUNITY AND APPLIED DANCE THEATRE

ENTRY REQUIREMENTSApplicants would normally have an A-level or equivalent in drama, dance, performance or a related arts subject. We also welcome applicants with practical experience in the performing arts. You will normally need a range of GCSEs plus a minimum of one of the following:

• 240 UCAS tariff points• A-level in Drama or related subject (C), and two AS-levels both at grade (D)• Two A-levels, (C) Drama or related subject and (D) in another A-level• BTEC National Diploma (Merit) in Performing Arts• BTEC National Certificate (MM) in Performing Arts• GNVQ Advanced (Merit) in Performing Arts

In addition the course director and or a member of the team will carry out an interview to assess your suitability for the course.

COURSE CONTENTIn year one, students focus on theatre or dance theatre through a series of practical workshops, projects and skills classes and are introduced to key ideas and elements to practical work, which will inform them as performers, makers of work or workshop leaders. In two core modules students explore the notion of community and identity and consider performance in terms of history and culture. Year two develops students’ practical skills and discovers how they might apply them to different kinds of work and communities. Students study arts administration as well as writing or choreographing for performance. There is also a placement within a community

arts organisation or company. Year three sees students practicing their skills by taking various projects to different communities in and around Birmingham. The course is enhanced by visits from various community companies from around the West Midlands, talking about their work and occasionally giving workshops and by visits out to see work in the area.

COURSE LENGTH:3 years full-time

UCAS CODE:Applied Theatre: W490Applied Dance Theatre: W590

533 YEARS FULL-TIME

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTDuring Year 1 there are visits by different community theatre and dance theatre companies where they introduce themselves to the students and talk about their work. You will also participate in some workshops or observations of workshops led by companies. In Year 2 you will have a placement in a professional theatre/dance theatre company or within an arts organisation; there are also classes in arts administration and business. Year 3 prepares you for work in different communities by giving you the chance to create work, performances and workshops in various communities.

EMPLOYABILITY PROSPECTSThis course offers a stimulating, practice-based training that will prepare students for a career within community theatre, providing the possibility to work as community artists, workshop facilitators, writers, choreographers, devisors, community arts administrators or performers.

Y3

Y1

Y2

SKILLS WORKSHOPCONTEXTUAL STUDIES

COMMUNITY AND IDENTITYTHEATRE/DANCE THEATRE WORKSHOP

PROJECT

SKILLS WORKSHOPPROJECT 2

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & ADMINISTRATIONDEVISING AND WRITING/CHOREOGRAPHY

APPLIED PRACTICE AND THEORY

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & ADMINISTRATION

COLLABORATION PROJECTOUTREACH PROJECT

PERFORMANCE PROJECTCOMMUNITY GROUP PROJECT

120 CREDITS - Cert HE

240 CREDITS - Dip HE

360 CREDITS - BA (Hons)

57BA (Hons) STAGE MANAGEMENT 3 YEARS FULL-TIME

COURSE OVERVIEW

COURSE DIRECTOR Jacqui FindlayAPPLICATION Applications made through UCAS. Application process includes an interview.

The course offers a thorough vocational training for those who wish to work within theatre stage management. The course includes practical and theoretical instruction in lighting, sound, costume, prop and stage design. Students will gain a professional knowledge of the industry and will be prepared for a variety of employment opportunities from small-scale theatres to large multimedia events.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTSApplicants would normally have an A-level in a related arts subject. You will normally need a range of GCSEs plus a minimum of one of the following:

• 240 UCAS tariff points • A-level in arts related subject (C), and two AS levels both at grade (D) • BTEC National Diploma (Merit) • BTEC National Certificate (MM) • GNVQ Advanced (Merit) • Access Programme (48 credits in total, 36 of which need to be at level 3 and 24 level 3 credits in a relevant subject).

Applicants who fulfil the standard requirements are offered the opportunity to attend an interview with one of the programme tutors.

COURSE CONTENTStudents will undertake a common first year in which they will study four strands:

• Stage Management: assistant stage management for live theatre and recorded media productions and concerts;

• Technical Theatre: sound, lighting and audio visual; • Design: props, costume and set design; • Theory: stage management skills and contextual studies.

In the second year students will work as deputy stage managers on a mixture of school performances and recorded media. Alongside this they will choose specialist areas of study and will begin practical applications of the skills learned during the first year technical and design strands. Students will also continue to build their theoretical knowledge and understanding to support their practical work with modules such as Health and Safety, and Arts Administration.

For the final year, students will be using all the skills they have acquired developing both personal and group projects as a climax to their learning. They will work as stage manager for one of the school’s productions as well as testing their skills working within a professional company.

This will all be underpinned with lectures in professional development preparing for their exit into the industry.

COURSE LENGTH: 3 years full-time

UCAS CODE: W450

59POST GRADUATE COURSES SECTION 8

PgDip / PHYSICAL THEATRE

PgDip / MA ACTING

PgDip / MA VOICE PRACTICE

MA ACTING: THE BRITISH TRADITION

PgDip PHYSICAL THEATRE 1 YEAR FULL-TIME

COURSE OVERVIEW

COURSE DIRECTOR Danièle Sanderson APPLICATION Direct to the School, entry to course through audition

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The PgDip in Physical Theatre offers an advanced, intensive, practical training for actors who wish to further their skills in making work that is expressive and creative. It has at its core three elements vital to the creation of physical theatre: movement analysis, voice and ensemble work. The students learn to develop their own physical technique and presence in order that they can be as physically and vocally expressive as possible. They also develop their ability to work with others and to be creative with space and flexible in time. From this strong base, students practically explore various forms and styles of physical theatre from mask work, through clown, to physical storytelling and object work. This learning is laboratory-based, exploring what each student brings to the process and is aimed at making true discoveries, and increasing and enlivening each student’s physical imagination. While the course is not based on one form or technique of movement or theatre, it has at its heart the principles of Jacques Lecoq, Moshe Feldenkrais, Rudolph Laban and Vsevolod Meyerhold.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS• Admission is by audition, but we would normally require the student to have completed a degree course or equivalent in Acting, Theatre, Drama or Performing Arts, or to have relevant professional experience.

• The course is also suitable for professional actors seeking to develop their physical, movement and creative skills

Normally a maximum of 16 students are enrolled onto the course.

COURSE CONTENTThe course consists of three core creative skills classes:

Movement awareness Students develop their own individual movement technique and body awareness involving balance, co-ordination, physical connection and articulation and isolation. Other areas covered are elements of Feldenkrais technique, mime and acrobatics.

VoiceVoice is an element in most of the work and this class builds on the basic technique of good vocal use and deepens the understanding of the connection between voice and body.

EnsembleThis develops students’ creativity; working in space, time and with fellow actors. Areas covered are elements of Laban technique, contact improvisation, group rhythm work, element and animal work.

Running alongside these classes will be extended laboratories in areas that may include:

• Full mask • Physical storytelling • Clown and comedy • Half mask • Character • Text and tragedy • Puppetry and object theatre

All teaching takes place in the morning. In the afternoon students work on their own or in groups creating work based on material given to them by their tutors. This work is then presented in composition class and is talked through and analysed. This enables us to explore further the creative process in conjunction with the moment of performance. This exploration continues into a final project which is shown to the public at the end of term.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTThe course is run and taught by experienced professional physical theatre practitioners who can help develop a student’s own method and approach to the work. Students are continually asked to create and develop work, and by the end of the course will understand the nature of collaborative and devised work and be proactive in making their own.

EMPLOYABILITY PROSPECTSStudents will be skilled in technique and accomplished in making and devising physical and performance work of a professional standard. Throughout the course students are encouraged to think and work both creatively and professionally and are constantly advised on professional opportunities.

63PgDip/MA ACTING 1 YEAR FULL-TIME

COURSE OVERVIEW

COURSE DIRECTOR Lise OlsonAPPLICATION Direct to the School, entry to course through audition

This is a course designed for postgraduate students who wish to pursue a career as professional actors. The course is aimed at students who have some theatrical or higher education experience. It is an extremely intensive training process which demands an enormous amount of time, commitment and energy and is intellectually, physically and emotionally challenging. The emphasis of the course is on rehearsal techniques and performance.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS• Admission is by audition, but we would normally require a degree course or equivalent, or relevant professional experience. • The course is also suitable for professional actors seeking a refresher course. • The MA option is designed for those with suitable academic abilities.

Normally a maximum of 14 students are enrolled onto the course each year.

COURSE CONTENTThe course averages 35 contact hours each week. It progresses from technical skills in the first term to performance and career advice and support in the third term. In the third term a showcase is presented in Birmingham and London to invited agents, casting directors and other professionals.

All classes are compulsory and are subject to assessment, all modules are taken into account for the final differentiation of the award – Distinction, Commendation, Pass

– to reflect the level of technical ability achieved and the assimilation of these skills into performance. As the balance of the course develops from technical skills to performance, students move from internal workshops to fully staged public performances. In the first term students participate in two internal workshop productions performed only to staff. In the second term two further workshops are performed; the first to staff and students, and the second as a performance to invited guests. In the third term the balance of the course is predominately performance-based. In addition, students will receive career management and technical classes. Performances in the third term include the showcases in London and Birmingham, a fully staged and supported production in one of Birmingham’s professional venues, a radio play and an introduction to screen acting. MA students will complete a fourth term, which is their research project, as well as studying research methodologies throughout the year.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTMaster classes from industry professionals such as directors, casting directors and arts management specialists (to name a few) are given at various times of the year. Sight-reading and audition portfolio preparation are also given, ensuring that students are well-equipped to enter the professional arena at the completion of their training.

EMPLOYABILITY PROSPECTSGraduates from the acting courses work consistently in all branches of performance. Recent graduates are currently employed with The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, The BBC and Independent Television and in film (see Alumni Section).

COURSE LENGTH: 1 year full-time (MA) / 9 months (PgDip)

65PgDip / MA PROFESSIONAL VOICE PRACTICE 1 YEAR FULL-TIME

COURSE OVERVIEW

COURSE DIRECTOR Alex Taylor APPLICATION Direct to the School, entry to course through audition/interview

This course is intended for graduates who wish to undertake advanced studies in voice in order to pursue careers as voice professionals, who seek specialised practice and study in voice and speech. Whilst the foundation of the course is rooted in the principles of healthy vocal use, it will not focus on a particular system or regime. The course has been developed with the support of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Voice Department and text based work is at the heart of this course. The course will concentrate on an approach to working with language developed by Cicely Berry. The course will also offer some opportunities to work with the singing voice as approaches to spoken and sung text are becoming increasingly important for the voice professional. Birmingham School of Acting also has a working relationship with the Voice Clinic of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS• This course is likely to appeal to those who already have an interest in and some knowledge of voice: actors, drama graduates, teachers, speech therapists, singers and musicians with a particular interest in vocal music.

• Candidates will normally possess a first degree, performance diploma or equivalent qualification.

• Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements, but who possess an appropriate level of performance skills and professional experience will also be considered.

Please see page 69 for Applicants Guide: Professional Voice Practice

COURSE CONTENTThis course provides an opportunity to study in depth the theory and practice of working with the voice. Sound theoretical underpinning is provided by a study of anatomy and physiology, phonology, and voice pedagogy. Simultaneously, the student develops their own vocal instrument through a study of practical voice work, practical work on text, and singing. The student’s teaching skills are developed through micro teaching, teaching practice and/or professional placements within local theatres and regional drama schools. The course also develops independent research skills, and in the final term of the course the MA student produces a research project/dissertation. The course will feature guest lecturers from a range of practitioners, including renowned voice teachers and coaches as well as laryngologists, speech therapists and other voice professionals.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTThe RSC will provide guest lectures and, for suitably qualified candidates, a maximum of two placements each year. Other students will gain experience through placements within the Birmingham School of Acting, local theatre companies and regional drama schools. An emphasis is placed, in the first instance, on the individual personal development of the student’s own voice through practical work on voice and text (spoken and sung).

For the year 2010 the RSC will offer a fees-only bursary to a suitable candidate.

EMPLOYABILITY PROSPECTSThe future careers of those who graduate from this course will be wide ranging. Many may wish to become voice teachers or coaches working within the realms of actor training, or within the professional theatre and film industries. Some may wish to develop their own private practice. Some may wish to promote and to develop voice work in the wider community, working in Higher Education or seeking opportunities to promote voice work in commercial or industrial fields. Some graduates may choose to work in the primary and secondary educational system, developing ways of working with language as part of the English or Drama curriculum, informed by their knowledge of healthy vocal use. Some individuals may wish to specialise further as vocal coaches working with the singing voice in the field of speech therapy.

69 MA ACTING: THE BRITISH TRADITION 1 YEAR FULL-TIME

COURSE OVERVIEW

COURSE DIRECTOR Alex Taylor APPLICATION Direct to the School, entry to course through audition/interview

The MA Acting: The British Tradition seeks to widen the student actor’s understanding of the practice of acting and its traditions in this country, and provides practical workshop opportunities for the student to research, through study and practice, the particular skills and techniques associated with key stages in the development of British theatre performance, such as Renaissance theatre, Restoration theatre, Melodrama and Social Realism. Students will study modules taking them through key developments in the British tradition of theatre from the Middle Ages to the modern day exploring a range of acting techniques.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTSThe course is designed for those who already have an interest in and some knowledge of acting: actors, drama and performing arts graduates, teachers of drama and/or performing arts. The normal entry requirement is a first degree in a related subject area (e.g. Acting, Drama, Musical Theatre, Performing Arts, English and Drama) but potential students with a degree in another discipline or with experience in a related professional area would also be considered.

• Candidates will normally possess a first degree, performance diploma or equivalent qualification. • Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements, but who possess an appropriate level of performance skills and professional experience will also be considered.

COURSE CONTENTThis programme focuses on the practical exploration of acting styles through a series of laboratory opportunities and classroom exercises.

However, this is not a postgraduate acting programme designed for those with little or no previous experience. Nor is it for those seeking a basic training as a springboard to professional life within the industry. The course does not provide full production opportunities, although it does offer some workshop production experience. This course would be appropriate for those with some significant prior experience in acting, and/or training in drama or theatre practice, who wish to extend their acting skills and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the acting process in non-naturalistic theatre forms.

MODULES INCLUDE:• British Classical Play • Comedy of Manners • Popular Theatre • Narrative, the Actor and the Audience

There will also be a final research project which may be either practice or dissertation based.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTThe course provides opportunities for those with prior education or training within the field of Drama, Performing Arts or Acting, or with professional experience, to explore, extend and add to their knowledge and understanding of the history of acting and their experience of performance, and to develop their performance skills. It will appeal particularly to those who feel that they have had little opportunity to explore aspects of style as it relates to performance and/or aspects of the British classical tradition. It is anticipated that students accepted to the course will return to their existing careers or proceed to further study with additional performance and research skills and knowledge.

EMPLOYABILITY PROSPECTSGraduates of the course will return to a broad range of careers in the performance industry or in education with additional skills and a clearer understanding of how to work with non-naturalistic material and with plays with specific requirements of style or period.

71APPLICANTS GUIDE : AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWS SECTION 9

BSA recognises that much rests upon the outcome of your audition and works hard to ensure your experience is a positive one. Members of both academic and admissions staff will be available to answer questions at all stages of auditioning. All auditions are stewarded by full-time students who are there to support and guide you through the process.

If you enquire any further information on auditions and interviews at BSA, please contact:

Birmingham School of Acting Birmingham City University Millennium Point Birmingham B4 7XG T: +44 (0)121 331 7220 E: [email protected]

www.bcu.bsa.ac.uk

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BA (HONS) ACTING AND PGDIP/MA ACTING:AUDITION PROCESS: £40 (NON-REFUNDABLE)Auditioning is a two-stage process – Initial and Recall. This helps to ensure that you are given a fair opportunity and that we have the best information on which to base our choice of candidates. Hundreds of applications are received each year and less than 7% of candidates gain a place. However, those students who pass the Initial Audition and attend a Recall Audition have approximately a one in four chance of being offered a place.

INITIAL AUDITIONSInitial Auditions take place from September through to April (BA (Hons) course) and May (postgraduate course).

You should make sure you arrive in plenty of time for your audition; if for any reason you will be late, please let us know. We are aware that sometimes transport is delayed – however, we expect you to arrange your travel to arrive on time even if there is a reasonable delay.

WARM-UP SESSIONYou will be given a short vocal and movement warm-up with one of our current students. These do not form part of the audition process; they are just an opportunity for you to prepare yourself.

Please note: Outdoor shoes and stilettos are not allowed in any of our studios, but jazz and character shoes are.

SPEECHES AND FEEDBACKYou will be asked to present two speeches to a panel of two or more staff and/or professional actors. You will have up to 10 minutes with the panel, who will provide verbal feedback on your presentations, discuss your choice of speeches and possibly your motives for attending drama school.

You must prepare and memorise two contrasting speeches, one from a play written in the last 20 years and the other from an Elizabethan/Jacobean play. Each selection should last no more than two minutes and should be suitable for your gender, age and experience (you may be stopped if your speech exceeds two minutes). All speeches should be from published plays. Excerpts from film script, television dramas and unpublished plays are not acceptable unless you can provide at audition, and leave with us, a copy of the actual and complete script with the speech used clearly marked.

You should have read the whole of the play from which a speech is taken and be able to provide the correct title, name of the author and, if relevant, the translator. You may be asked questions about the play and your character’s journey within it (i.e. their motives etc).

It is preferred that the content of the speeches should be something to which you can relate and understand. It is not advised that you attempt an accent unless you are entirely confident of its accuracy and only if it is appropriate to the speech.

Any performance choices you make should be justifiable within the text. The performance should reveal an understanding of the scene and character and an ability to create and share appropriate emotions and atmosphere. Try to make sure that any vocal and physical interpretation you do is strictly relevant.

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INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: DVD SUBMISSIONSIf you live outside the UK you can undertake an Initial Audition via multi-regional format DVD. You should present your speeches in English to camera and perform them as you would in a live audition, using the guidelines provided. Please ensure that we can see the whole of your body – it is not necessary to provide close-ups or produce an edited piece of television, but you should ensure that the sound quality is sufficient for us to make an accurate assessment of your voice.

You should supply the title, author and, if relevant, translator details with your speeches. You may also make a short statement (no more than three minutes) about the pieces – a brief résumé of the plays and characters, and what happens immediately before and after the scenes presented. You may also include a brief statement in support of your application. The audition application form must accompany your DVD. The audition fee is payable in pounds sterling and must be included with the DVD or in advance by credit card over the telephone.

CRITERIA FOR INITIAL AUDITION ASSESSMENTThe assessment of each candidate is based upon a set of criteria used consistently by staff, who comment on and mark the work shown.

SPEECHES CRITERIA:• Energy • Choice of speeches • Spatial awareness • Suitability of physicality • Identification with character • Achievement of contrast • Creation of environment • Use of voice and handling text • Power to hold an audience • Potential for training

DECISION ON INITIAL AUDITIONThe panel, guided by the Course Director, will make a decision whether to offer you a Recall Audition. You should receive confirmation by post of the result of your audition within 14 days of your Initial Audition. If you have not heard within 21 days please contact the Admissions and Student Services Manager. Decisions for international students applying via DVD may take longer, but you should hear within 30 days of our receipt of your application.

Should you fail to be offered a Recall Audition you can re-apply for the following academic year.

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RECALL AUDITIONS:

PreparationThe Recall Audition normally takes a full day and consists of an acting workshop, voice and movement assessments, the presentation of two speeches, a song and a reading to camera. You may be interviewed by the Course Director or his/her representative.

You may repeat the speeches used at your Initial Audition or select new material. As in the Initial Audition the speeches should last no more that two minutes and should be suitable for your gender, age and experience.

Please prepare an accompanied song lasting no more than three minutes and suitable for your gender, age and vocal range. Piano accompaniment is required and the sheet music must be provided in the right key.

Please note that your performance will be stopped if your speeches or song exceed the stated maximum length.

You will be sent a medical form to be completed and returned prior to the Recall Audition. It is vital that you are honest when completing the medical form – the information you provide will not prejudice your application, but will help us to make a full assessment of your performance during the day.

If you wish us to take dyslexia or dyspraxia into account at your Recall Audition you must bring with you a copy of your assessment/report confirming the condition and hand it to the Admissions and Student Services Manager.

We may also write to your referee for a statement.

WorkshopThe morning session is with the entire group of candidates and begins with a physical warm-up. This is followed by an improvisational acting workshop which is observed by members of the teaching staff.

We look for the candidate’s ability to work as a member of a team, access their imagination, propose ideas, listen and respond to stimuli, and demonstrate transformational skills. Members of the acting and movement staff will assess the workshop.

As the workshop is extremely physical, it is recommended that you bring comfortable and appropriate clothing; jeans or tight fitting clothes are not appropriate. The work will be undertaken barefoot. Long hair should be tied back, so as not to cover the face. Tight belts, belts with buckles, clothes with prominent zips – all of which may be dangerous – should not be worn. Trousers should be waisted and not slip down to the hips and leg length should not drag on the floor. Tops should cover the cleavage and stomach areas. These requirements are in accordance with the school’s dress code.

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SpeechesThe delivery of speeches takes place in two groups. The speeches should be from published plays. Excerpts from film scripts, television dramas and unpublished plays are not acceptable unless you can provide at audition, and leave with us, a copy of the actual and complete script with the speech used clearly marked. You should have read the whole of the play from which a speech is taken and be able to provide the correct title, name of the author and, if relevant, the translator. You may be asked questions about the play and your character’s journey within it (ie their motives, the play’s content etc.)

It is preferable that the content of the speeches is something you can relate to and understand. It is not advisable to attempt an accent unless you are entirely confident of its accuracy and only if it is appropriate to the speech. Any performance choices you make should be justifiable within the text. The performance should reveal an understanding of the scene and character and an ability to create and share appropriate emotions and atmosphere. Try to make sure that any vocal and physical interpretation you do is strictly relevant.

ReadingThe reading may be performed to camera, using text supplied by us; you will be given preparation time.

SongThe song will be performed alone to a senior singing tutor. As with the acting selections the song should be a published work, with piano accompaniment. We will provide a pianist. Sheet music must be provided in a suitable format for the pianist to use. We are interested to see how you interpret a song and its content. We appreciate that some candidates are not experienced singers but we do not believe that this stops anyone from expressing the style and content of a song. It is important that you choose a song suitable for your voice, gender and age. The singing part of the assessment may begin with a group warm-up.

Interview/MeetingIn certain instances, the Course Director or his/her representative may interview you, to gain a better understanding of you and your motives for wishing to attend drama school. A voice tutor may wish to see you to assess more fully your vocal potential. There will also be a group meeting with the Registrar or Admissions Manager for clarification of any funding or course queries you may have.

Please note that audition feedback is not given on Recall Auditions.

CRITERIA FOR RECALL AUDITION ASSESSMENTThe assessment of each candidate is based upon a set of criteria used consistently by staff, who mark the work shown. In Recall Auditions all elements are assessed including speeches.

SPEECHES CRITERIA:

• Energy • Choice of speeches • Spatial awareness • Suitability of physicality • Identification with character • Achievement of contrast • Creation of environment • Use of voice and handling text • Power to hold an audience • Potential for training

WORKSHOP CRITERIA:

• Focus and concentration • Physical co-ordination • Ability to transform • Proposing of ideas • Sensitivity to group • Fulfilment of instruction • Physical confidence • Response to stimuli • Accessing imagination • Listening and responding

SONG CRITERIA:

• Presentation • Rhythm • Overall performance • Level of technical achievement • Characterisation • Energy • Sense of style • Communication • Potential for training • Tuning/sense of pitch READING CRITERIA

• Fluency of reading • Spontaneity of reading • Comprehension of content • Ability to communicate the text to the camera/listener

If you require any further information about auditioning at BSA please contact the Admissions and Student Services Manager (see page 69)

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PgDip PHYSICAL THEATREAudition process: £40 (non-refundable)The audition will start with a group warm-up and movement class, followed by an improvisation session. There is no need to prepare anything.

Later there will be a short interview where we can find out about you and why you want to be here. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask us about the course and what we do.

As the workshop is extremely physical, it is recommended that you bring comfortable and appropriate clothing; jeans or tight-fitting clothes are not appropriate. The work will be undertaken barefoot. Long hair should be tied back, so as not to cover the face. Tight belts, belts with buckles, clothes with prominent zips – all of which may be dangerous – should not be worn. Trousers should be waisted and not slip down to the hips and leg length should not drag on the floor. Tops should cover the cleavage and stomach areas. These requirements are in accordance with the school’s dress code.

PgDip /MA PROFESSIONAL VOICE PRACTICEInterview process: £40 (non-refundable)As the intake for the course is restricted to 12 students each year, entry is by audition and interview. For the audition, candidates are required to prepare and present:

• A Shakespeare sonnet • A two-minute speech in verse from an Elizabethan/ Jacobean play OR a musical theatre song (the school will provide a pianist. Sheet music must be provided in a suitable format for the pianist to use).

The audition will be followed by an interview with the Course Director where you will be invited to discuss:

• The way you have approached your prepared pieces • Why you are interested in the course • Your research interests.

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MA ACTING: THE BRITISH TRADITIONInterview process: £40 (non-refundable)As the intake for the course is restricted to 12 students each year, entry is by audition and interview.

You should prepare two speeches for the audition:• A two-minute speech in verse from an Elizabethan/ Jacobean Play. • A two-minute speech from a British play written between 1740 and 1950.

The audition will be followed by an interview with the Course Director where you will be invited to discuss:

• The way you have approached your prepared speeches • Why you are interested in the course • Your research interests.

International students may submit an audition on video, and then may be asked for a phone interview.

BA (Hons) STAGE MANAGEMENT BA (Hons) COMMUNITY AND APPLIED THEATRE BA (Hons) COMMUNITY AND APPLIED DANCE THEATREInterview process (no fee)The interview process gives you the opportunity to talk to us about who you are, tell us more about your interest in the course, see the space that you will be working in, meet some of the people who will be teaching you and to ask questions about the course. You may be asked to participate in a short workshop or a practical exercise.

Applications can be made direct to the school or through the UCAS system. If applying through UCAS the course codes are:BA (Hons) Stage Management: (W450)BA (Hons) Community and Applied Theatre: (W490)BA (Hons) Community and Applied Dance Theatre: (W590)

Institution Code: Birmingham City University B25

85FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SECTION 9

AUDITIONS DRAMA SCHOOL AND TRAINING

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What sort of pieces should I choose for my audition?You need to find pieces that you like and to which you can relate emotionally and intellectually. Look for characters and speeches which reflect your experience of the world. Be careful not to do ‘disguise’ acting by choosing something which requires a funny walk or strange voice, or a character that is much older than you.

Can I cut a monologue together from a scene, omitting other characters’ lines?Yes – as long as the cut version makes sense. There’s no such thing as a monologue – what you hear in soliloquy is always one half of a dialogue, either with yourself or someone else. Don’t cut together lines from different scenes – that won’t make sense – and always acknowledge the ‘other’ person.

Could I choose a piece from a monologue anthology book?Monologue books are really useful for helping people who don’t have a broad knowledge of repertoire to begin to look for ideas. The danger is that people find a speech in a monologue book, learn it, and study no further. (Many books are full of American pieces, the full text of which cannot be acquired in the UK, and some of these are purpose-written audition speeches. The other danger with American pieces is that they are culturally way outside the experience of many applicants.)

Another problem is that many of the speeches in monologue books are very well known. You must always select a speech from a full play (which has been published), and read the whole play to understand context and allow that knowledge to inform your work.

AUDITIONS

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Can I perform a poem as part of my audition?Not really – few poems give you the scope to explore a character and his emotional journey in the same way as play text does.

Are there some timeworn pieces that one should avoid?Yes! Especially in the classical range, and some pieces from audition books. Avoid material like Victoria Wood monologues, Alan Bennett’s ‘Talking Heads’ and pieces which are identified with celebrated performances.

Can I choose a piece from a television or film script?If the speech really stands up and works in its own right, then it is perfectly acceptable. However, there are so many factors which influence screen writing that often a text which seemed amazing in situ just doesn’t work when taken out of context. Avoid pieces which are strongly identified with an actor or performance: Söze from ‘The Usual Suspects’ for instance.

How long do my audition pieces need to be?Absolutely no more than two minutes. Ideally somewhere between one minute 40 and one minute 50 seconds. Let’s face it, if the first 10 seconds did not really grab the panel’s attention, going on beyond one minute 30 seconds is not going to improve the situation. You will be stopped if you go beyond two minutes.

Do not get hung up on the idea that you need to make an audition speech tell the whole story of the play. A good speech will enable you to give a real insight into a moment in the character’s life, just as if a window were briefly thrown open, we glance inside, and then the window closes again. That moment is clear and perfect, even though we do not see what just happened, or what happens next.

Can I perform a piece with an accent at my audition?If you are fluent in the accent, if it is your native accent or you speak it like a native, and it is appropriate to the character, then yes. However, if it is an add-on, or potentially distracting, or if it is likely to disguise you or obscure your real voice, then don’t do it. Funny voices come into the same category as funny walks – they do not help you in an audition, where we want to see you, not someone else! Also remember – Received Pronunciation (RP) or Standard English is a 19th century invention, and did not exist when Shakespeare wrote – so if in doubt, do the classical speech in your own voice, not RP.

Will furniture be available in the audition room?Yes. A table and chair will be available in each audition room – but remember, if you have an unseen person in a chair, don’t put an empty chair in the middle of the stage, otherwise the scene will become one about an empty chair.

What about props?Unless a prop is absolutely essential – a letter, or a ring – then don’t bother. If you will need a prop, make sure that you bring it with you, and that it is something with which you are familiar so that you are not thrown by a strange object. However, do not bring a whole suitcase of bits and pieces with you. We are interested in seeing you, not seeing how clever you can be juggling a load of utensils you have retrieved from the loft.

What about costume?Exactly the same things apply. An indication of costume, appropriate shoes, shirt or skirt to assist you is fine, but again – we want to see if you can connect to the character and tell us their story, not see whether you can disguise yourself in the externals of performance. Whatever you wear should be comfortable, and supportive of your work. Think about the style and weight of your shoes – fashion heels are not suitable.

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What level of dance ability do I need to demonstrate?We do not require you to have any particular level of attainment as a dancer, but we do require you to have an ability to be trained in free and co-ordinated movement with a good neutral posture. This potential is assessed in the workshop element of the Recall Audition.

Will I get feedback after the audition?Yes. After your first audition you will receive short, constructive, verbal feedback comments from the audition panel. They may share with you their ideas about the choice of pieces you have offered, and may make suggestions about how these might be improved, or upon how they feel that you should proceed. During the Recall Audition you will receive a voice assessment. No further discussion will take place as to why you may, or may not, have been offered a place.

How good a singer do I need to be?At audition we look at your ability to communicate through text, whether that text is spoken (verse, the heightened language of comedy of manners, or contemporary text) or sung. Do not worry about lack of experience, many people come to us having never sung before and discover that they have a wonderful voice. What matters is that you can tell the story, reveal the character and inhabit the language.

How do you deal with applicants with disabilities?We are committed, wherever practical, to developing opportunities for all students whatever their physical ability. Please state on your application form any factors you wish us to take into account at audition. Please contact the Admissions and Student Services Manager before your audition regarding any special requirements. If you wish us to take dyslexia or dyspraxia into account at your Recall Audition you must bring with you a copy of your assessment/report confirming the condition.

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DRAMA SCHOOLS AND TRAINING

Why drama school?Drama covers an array of careers and work options. However, the career paths of some graduates lead to a variety of related work – such as for Fay Rusling who has combined a successful career as an actor with that of a writer for productions including Smack The Pony and The Green Wing. Some have gone on to set up their own theatre or media companies, become agents or casting directors, or work in film or television production.

Do I need to train?There are successful actors who did not attend drama school, but a Manpower services report found that 86% of working actors had received professional training. Attending a drama school is seen as increasingly important in developing a sustainable career across the breadth of the profession. The training on courses at specialist institutions like BSA not only includes the components of acting but also provides career advice and support in finding work and an agent – which can make the difference between success and failure.

Do I need a qualification to be an actor?The simple answer is no, but professional vocational training does make a significant difference and a degree or diploma higher education qualification will help whatever your eventual career path.

BSA decided to gain vocational higher education qualifications for its courses because we recognised that the training we provide is just as rigorous as more academic courses. The intellectual understanding of our graduates, demonstrated and assessed through performance, is equal to that of students assessed through writing and exams. Our courses require many more contact hours than the majority of academic degree courses or further education performing arts courses.

Will I be rich and famous?There has always been a concern that pursuing a career as an actor will not lead to employment, or at least not to a ‘proper job’. The truth is that not everyone can be a star and becoming an actor may not guarantee great wealth, but many of our graduates are working professionals with long careers. It is true that much of the employment is freelance and there can be uncertainty about where the next contract will come from. However, the desire to act, and the personal rewards of doing something that inspires you, can be immense.

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Drama schools which are members of CDS (Conference of Drama Schools) and whose courses are NCDT-accredited are recognised and supported by the profession. Universities, FE colleges and non-accredited drama schools do not have the same standing in the profession.

How do I get a place on a course?All CDS schools and NCDT-accredited courses require that you pass an audition to gain entry to an acting course. At BSA we audition all applicants who meet, or will meet, the entry requirements by 1 September in the year of enrolment.

Can I apply through ucas?Applications for the BA (Hons) Community and Applied Theatre, BA (Hons) Community Applied Dance Theatre and BA (Hons) Stage Management degrees can be made direct to BSA or through UCAS. Applications for the BA (Hons) Acting and all postgraduate courses must be made direct to BSA.

For further FAQs on auditions, BSA, its courses and more please visit the FAQ section of our website: www.bsa.bcu.ac.uk/About_BSA/FAQ/

HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH COURSE AND SCHOOL IS FOR ME?BSA training is professional and vocational. It is in our interest that students are on the right course in the right school – we need you to make an informed choice.

The key factors in making a choice we believe are between:

• academic and vocational courses, and • the professional recognition of different vocational schools and courses.

Academic vs vocationalBoth academic and vocational courses can offer degrees, diplomas and postgraduate courses. The difference is the amount of practical work and the focus of the course.

Academic courses offer either purely theoretical or a mix of theoretical and practical work, but are focused on an academic investigation of their subject largely assessed through written work.

Vocational courses are focused on the practical application of the subject assessed in performance. These differences are shown in the amount of performance work. It is a mistake to consider that being assessed in performance is easier; BSA courses are rigorous and very intensive.

Drama school vs university or Further Education (FE) collegeThe professional recognition of a vocational course is important, a fact acknowledged by government, which provides funding for BSA undergraduates. This is a significantly higher level of funding per student than non-vocational university and FE drama or performing arts courses receive. There are a large number of private drama schools which do not receive funding or have accreditation; these schools are not subject to the same rigorous quality checks required by NCDT (National Council for Drama Training) or universities.

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92 How to find us

HOW TO FIND USOur main site is located at Millennium Point, Eastside, Birmingham.

WALKINGDirections from Birmingham New Street and Bullring Millennium Point is 10-15 minutes’ walk from Birmingham New Street station. Exit the station on ground level and bear left. At the end of the road turn left, follow the footpath which will take you up a ramp to the main Bullring concourse – carry straight on down the ramp to the other side of which will bring you onto Moor Street Queensway. Turn left here and follow Moor Street, then turn right onto Masshouse Lane. Take the second right onto Albert Street and continue to Curzon Street. The pedestrian route is at ground level throughout its quarter mile (look for sign posts to Millennium Point).

BY CARFrom M6 South or North WestLeave M6 at Junction 6 and follow the A38(M). Follow signs to City Centre, Bromsgrove (A38). Keep to the left and take the 2nd exit (signposted ‘Ring Road’) up to Dartmouth Circus. At this roundabout, take the 1st exit

Travel down the A4540 and at the next roundabout go down Jennens Road. Turn left on to Howe Street (2nd left) to access Millennium Point and car park, (you cannot enter the car park from either Albert Street or Curzon Street).

From M40 Oxford and SouthArrive on the M42 and travel north towards the M6. Travel north on the M6 leaving at Junction 6 (follow directions from M6 South and North West).

From M42 East MidlandsJoin the M6 heading towards Birmingham Central and leave the M6 at Junction 6 (follow directions from M6 South and North West).

TO M42/M40

COVENTRY/ WARWICK/STATFORD/ NEC/ BIA

TO M5 J4/M42 J1

WARWICK COUNTY CRICKET GROUND/CADBURY WORLD

TO M5 J1

TO M6 J7

WALSALLTO M6 J6

TO M5 J2/3

1

3

4

1

6

M42

M42

M42

M5

M6

M6

M40

BRISTOL/THE SW OXFORD

LONDON

EAST MIDLANDS

MANCHESTER/ NW

4

6

A38

A456

A34

A45

A38A41

MOTORWAY MAP

TO M6 J5

BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL OF ACTING(MILLENNIUM POINT)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSProspectus designed and produced by the Marketing and Communications DepartmentPrint: Sterling

SUBJECT PROSPECTUS SERIESBirmingham Institute of Art and Design Business School Undergraduate Business School Postgraduate and ProfessionalBirmingham Conservatoire Birmingham School of ActingComputing Construction and the Built EnvironmentEducationEngineeringHealthHumanities and Social SciencesLaw Media and Multimedia Undergraduate Media and Multimedia Postgraduate

TO ORDER A PROSPECTUS PLEASE CONTACT:Birmingham City University Choices, Course Information and Guidance, Perry Barr, Birmingham, B42 2SU

t: +44 (0)121 331 5595e: [email protected]

Discover more at www.bcu.ac.uk

Disclaimer InformationLEGAL:This information is intended as a general guide to the University’s courses and facilities and forms no part of any contract between you and the University. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the courses as described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility. Any course may be altered or withdrawn owing to circumstances beyond the University’s control. It is strongly recommended that prospective students contact the (relevant) faculty to obtain the most up-to-date course information. For full terms and conditions please log on to: www.bcu.ac.uk/web2/misc/legal.html

DISABILITY:Birmingham City University’s Disability Service aims to enable students with disabilities or learning support needs to make the most of their time at university, whether they have a physical, sensory or hidden disability, mental health difficulties or specific learning difficulties. In order to help you plan and prepare for university life, we have a range of services and equipment which can be made available to you.

At Birmingham City University we think it is important that you feel you can tell us about any disability you may have. We regard disclosure of a disability as a positive step, because once we are aware of your disability we can then try to support your individual needs.

If you have not made us aware of your disability or you feel you may have a disability please contact the Disability Service on 0121 331 5128, or email [email protected]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:Birmingham City University promotes equality of opportunity in respect of every aspect of its provision. University policy and practice will seek to provide an environment that is free from discrimination against students, staff and others. The University and its staff will ensure that all prospective students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential.

The University will seek to prevent discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family circumstances, citizenship, social and economic status, or any other irrelevant individual differences.

For full details of the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy please log on to www.bcu.ac.uk

Birmingham School of Acting Birmingham City University Millennium Point Birmingham B4 7XG T: +44 (0)121 331 7220 E: [email protected]

www.bsa.ac.uk

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Birmingham School of Acting Prospectus

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