Acting and Community Theatre

Description

The University of Essex is one of the UK's leading academic institutions, ranked ninth nationally for research excellence following the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Our intensely practical and professionally-orientated BA Acting and Community Theatre covers a broad range of acting and performance skills that are developed through projects with people in the local community. We provide a professional route into the world of theatre in which actors can create theatre for, with, and about the communities in which they live.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Acting Theory, Methods and Practice, Development from Self to Character;
Verbatim Theatre and Contemporary Scene Study;
British Plays from 1956-1978;
Improvised Living History;
Voice;
Movement;
Music and Singing; and
Contextual Studies and Arts Administration.

Year 2

Applied Theatre Skills I: Consulting the Community;
Applied Theatre Skills II: Developing the Community;
Community Theatre Arts Management;
Technical Theatre Skills;
Special Performance Skills; and
Contextual Studies.

Year 3

Applied Theatre Skills III: Wellbeing, Social Care and Criminal Justice,
Applied Theatre Skills IV: Specific & Web-based Historical/Political Projects;
Arts Administration and Professional Development;
Contextual Studies; and
Community Project.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• Successful audition, plus A-level grades EE or BTEC Diploma grades PP, or equivalent qualification.
• GCSE English: C
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at pass (or above).

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Acting and Community Theatre degree at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education in the performing arts, focusing on both the craft of acting and the development of community-based theatre initiatives. The programme is designed to equip students with practical skills in performance, improvisation, voice, movement, and script analysis, alongside a critical understanding of theatre's social and cultural impacts. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of productions, workshops, and community projects that facilitate experiential learning and foster engaging with diverse audiences.

The programme combines theoretical studies with hands-on practice, enabling students to develop their own unique acting style while understanding broader contexts such as theatre history, contemporary practice, and community engagement. Collaborative projects and partnerships with local theatres and community organizations are integral components of the curriculum, encouraging students to apply their skills in real-world settings and contribute to social change through the arts. The course also emphasizes employability skills, including teamwork, communication, and project management, preparing graduates for careers in theatre, community arts, education, and related fields.

Throughout their studies, students gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, and technical workshops. They receive guidance from experienced practitioners and academics who are active in the theatre and arts sectors. The university’s strong links to the creative industries provide networking opportunities, internships, and collaborative projects that enhance the student experience and support career progression.

Graduates of the Acting and Community Theatre programme have gone on to work in professional theatre companies, community arts projects, education, and cultural organisations. The degree encourages a reflective approach to practice, critical thinking, and a vibrant community of learners passionate about using theatre as a tool for social change and personal development. Overall, the programme aims to nurture skilled, socially conscious theatre practitioners capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities and the wider arts landscape.