Acting BA (Hons)

Anglia Ruskin University

Train to be an actor for stage or screen on our BA (Hons) Acting degree in Cambridge.

Perform from Year 1 and become an experienced actor on this practice-based course exploring a wide range of approaches to acting. Right from the start of our BA (Hons) Acting degree in Cambridge, you’ll explore the tools and techniques of professional acting and develop the stamina, motivation and professionalism needed in the competitive acting industry.

On our BA (Hons) Acting degree at ARU you will get involved in extensive live work on stage in both the studio and theatre. You’ll develop techniques for acting on screen and also for live environments. You will also gain experience with new technologies and alternative platforms for acting, enabling you to be a dynamic and responsive actor prepared for a career in the ever-evolving creative industries. This may include the use of green screens, immersive live and virtual environments, live streams to remote audiences and acting for online applications.

You’ll focus on the progression in your own skills and abilities, growing into a confident and versatile performer. In the first year we’ll focus on performances for an in-house audience, initial training in voice and movement skills and an introduction to acting for screen. In the second year you’ll work on large-scale ensemble public productions and experimentation with new technologies for performance. In the final year, Immersive Performance and a final Showcase will allow you to demonstrate your high-level skills in acting.

Your degree will see you choosing from a range of career-focused optional modules, completing a 100% practical Major Project, and graduating with a professionally produced showreel and portfolio.

As a BA (Hons) Acting student at ARU, you’ll develop your technical and production skills in our specialist facilities. Our technical staff will be on hand to offer help and support.

You can also choose to study abroad for a semester, with funding available to help cover the cost. You can also take an optional placement year.

You’ll be able to collaborate with other Cambridge School of Creative Industries students such as our film students who need actors for their films, or alongside Computer Games students in the use of motion capture for creating CGI. This will mirror the professional experience of a working actor and develop your skills and experience in collaboration, team work, communication and problem-solving, ready for your future career.

As an ARU student, you can also get involved with the University of Cambridge's Footlights comedy events as a writer, performer or member of the production team.

The impact of our Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, and Film & Screen Studies research achieved 'world-leading' in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Professional Facilities

As part of your studies at ARU, you’ll have access to all of our creative industries facilities including:

• Dedicated drama studio, with highly flexible black-box performance space
• Full-size on-campus professional Mumford Theatre
• Large rehearsal space with audio playback facilities, piano, LED lighting rig, portable dance mirrors, gym mats and rostra/modular staging
• Students’ Union-run dance studio
• Podcast studio and video capture system

You'll also have access to all our other art, design and creative industries facilities and equipment.

Careers

As well as developing your creativity and technical competence in areas of acting, physical and vocal skills on our BA (Hons) Acting degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills such as research, teamwork, communication, problem solving, and resourcefulness. These skills are invaluable in other areas of the creative industries, and in other sectors.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to continue on to a Masters course, such as our MA Dramatherapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.