Two Year Acting Diploma
A two year course with focus on Acting, offering a qualification equivalent to 3 A-Levels, enabling progression to University or Drama School.
Course Modules & Performances
Public Performances
The application of our students' learning within performances supports evaluation and further development. Alongside their in-house productions, Acting students will perform in two contemporary plays, a Classical Greek play, an immersive storytelling piece and a movement based performance.
Interpreting Classical Texts
Develop the skills to analyse and perform classical texts, focusing on language, rhythm, and historical context. This module helps students bring classical characters and stories to life through a deeper understanding of text, voice, and movement, while maintaining the integrity of the original work.
Storytelling
Explore the art of storytelling through performance, focusing on narrative structure, character creation, and audience engagement. This module encourages students to develop their creativity and communication skills by crafting and delivering compelling stories using voice, movement, and improvisation.
Investigating Practitioners’ Work
Develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work. This module encourages students to research and evaluate the methods and approaches of influential performing arts practitioners, fostering a deeper understanding of their creative processes.
Developing Acting Skills for Performance
Focus on enhancing core acting techniques, including character development, emotional truth, and improvisation. This module helps students refine their craft through practical exercises and scene work, building confidence and versatility in preparation for live and recorded performances.
Group Performance Workshop
Collaborate with peers to create and perform an ensemble piece, developing teamwork, communication, and creative decision-making skills. This module emphasises the importance of collective responsibility in producing a cohesive and dynamic group performance.
Performing Arts in the Community
Plan and deliver a performance project aimed at engaging and benefiting a community audience. This module focuses on using the performing arts to address social, cultural, or educational themes, while developing skills in outreach, collaboration, and audience engagement.
Individual Performance Commission
Create and deliver a performance in response to a set commission, developing original material while honing skills in research, creative problem-solving, and performance techniques. This module encourages independence and innovation in performance practice.
Screen Acting
Learn the techniques required for acting on camera, focusing on subtlety, truthfulness, and adapting performances for different screen formats. This module covers camera awareness, hitting marks, and understanding shot composition, preparing students for work in film, television, and digital media.
Employment Opportunities
Explore potential career paths in the performing arts industry by researching roles, networking with professionals, and gaining insight into the practical steps for entering the field. This module focuses on developing employability skills, from audition techniques to self-promotion and professional conduct.
Acting Styles
Study and apply a range of acting techniques and styles from different historical periods and genres. This module encourages students to experiment with various approaches to character development, physicality, and vocal work, broadening their versatility as performers.
Developing Voice for Performance
Strengthen vocal techniques to enhance clarity, projection, and expression in performance. This module focuses on breath control, articulation, and vocal flexibility, enabling students to use their voice effectively in a variety of performance contexts.
Physical Theatre Techniques
Develop physical awareness and expressiveness through the exploration of movement techniques. This module focuses on using the body as a tool for storytelling and character development, enhancing performances with dynamic physicality and intentional movement.
Final Live Contemporary Acting Performance
Deliver a full-scale contemporary acting performance, demonstrating the culmination of acting skills acquired throughout the course. This module emphasises professional rehearsal practices, character development, and live performance execution, preparing students for the demands of contemporary theatre.
In House Performances
Throughout their time at the college, students have many opportunities to participate in smaller on-site performances to staff and students. These range from devised group and solo pieces to audition repertoire and demonstrations as part of our personal development programme.
Student Experience
Our Facilities
Individual Learning
Student Welfare
At our brand new drama school in Islington, we have eight studios, sprung floors, mirrored walls, sound proofing and a studio theatre. Excellent learning support, including Apple imacs and macbooks, large interactive whiteboards, filming, lighting, editing & recording suites and sound equipment.
Student Welfare
Individual Learning
Student Welfare
We have an excellent and necessary balance between 'care and support' and 'challenging and developing' our young people. Alongside our social and personal development programme, we have a trained on-site wellbeing team and access to further support when needed.
Individual Learning
Individual Learning
Individual Learning
All our students have an individual learning plan. They speak regularly with a member of the team on a one-to-one basis to check on their progress and wellbeing. It is also an opportunity to set personal goals for their short and long term future to help maintain motivation and progression.
Learning Resources
Individual Learning
Individual Learning
In addition to on-site libraries of plays, musicals and theory books, students have access to Drama Library Online, and Digital Theatre plus. They can search for material for their development or forthcoming auditions, and watch full performances from the Globe, RSC and National Theatre.
Opportunities
Additional Training
Additional Training
We have opportunities for interested students wanting additional learning experiences on the technical side of our theatre productions: lighting, sound, backstage, front of house or social media marketing. We also provide a handful of placements to gain invaluable experience as teaching assistants working with children through Bodens part-time performing arts school.
Additional Training
Additional Training
Additional Training
While it is not compulsory, some free reduced rate and private top-up classes are available for our current students in the evening after college. Alongside an opportunity to learn additional styles such as Tap dance, these classes suit students wanting to gain further experience both on and off the stage and screen, expanding their knowledge of practitioners, playwrights and repertoire.
Careers
Additional Training
Careers
Our two year course, consisting of excellent training in performing arts, also offers a wealth of transferable skills. Our graduates have gone on to work as performers, producers, directors, teachers, technicians and writers. The A-Level equivalent results have enabled previous students to change direction in their education, studying Law, Medicine and Psychology at University.
Alumni
Additional Training
Careers
At Bodens College, once a student, always a student. In addition to our ongoing support and advice throughout your future, our graduates always have access to free and low cost rehearsal spaces when required, to help develop their varying careers in the arts. They also keep access to a wealth of knowledge, texts and recorded performances, should they need them at any time.