The part time SHOWCASE course begins in early October.
There are three terms each having 8 weeks. The course runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7.30 - 9.30 there are also three whole day Saturdays per term.
All our tutors are industry professionals.
The venue is mainly at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and The Bristol School of Acting; there are some other locations.
The fees are £1,300.00 for the year.
Reviews and an Application form can be found below.
Overview
The Part time showcase course is specifically designed for those wishing to attract local directors, producers and agents. It is ideal for actors who have already had some training and wish to expand their skills and also for new actors wishing to gain experience similar to that of an accredited drama school.
Curriculum
Acting - These classes are based on the work of Stanislavsky, the Russian actor and director who was the first to propound a science of acting. He developed a system that helps the actor to deliver a performance that is artistic, truthful and dramatic.
Movement - This involves getting to know your own body and how it works in order to then adapt yourself to fit into any character.
Voice - These classes study vocal production, development and dynamics of the voice.
Text Study - The first term looks at contemporary plays, the middle term studies Shakespeare and the third term leads towards the showcase performance where you will be in a scene and perform your own monologue.
Singing - Focusses on breathing techniques, vocal tone and range.
Improvisation - Improvisation develops an actor's spontaneity and responsivity; it teaches us to perform 'in the moment'; and it reminds us that character and story are created not just by the words an actor speaks but by everything they do on stage. Improvisation is also playful, creative and extremely good fun.
Camera workshop - A fun day where you will perform a monologue and focus on truthful acting for film and TV.
Radio - You will learn microphone techniques and the many aspects of working in radio.
The Showcase - This is the finale of the course, it is a presentation of you and your work to industry employers. The usual venue is The Wickham Theatre at Bristol University.
The Training
On this course you will study modern texts and Shakespearean blank verse. We guide you through the skills and techniques needed to perform with confidence and truth. You will need to save approximately 10 hours a week for private study. We ask that you are fully committed to the course and apply yourself with respect and professionalism.
Auditioning
The minimum age for eligibility is 17.
You will need to prepare two contrasting pieces lasting not more than 2 minutes each. One should be Shakespeare and the other a modern speech written after 1960. The audition will last for 15 minutes during which time you will be asked to perform your two speeches and there will then be a short interview. We may re direct your speeches. You will be informed of the result as soon as possible. We cannot enter into any discussion as to the result.
The Audition Fee is £25
This course does not attract any funding. Students are expected to pay the fees in advance and also to provide for their subsistence expenses. Refunds are awarded only in very exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the management.
Reviews
Azamat Chinaliev, 22/23 graduate.
I am writing to express my overwhelming gratitude and thanks for having me on your course at BAA. It was an unforgettable experience, full of joy, positivity, learning, as well as growth and development as a professional actor. I realised that you run this course not for profit but for your belief in the growing talent and the craft of acting. You have created and continue to create a place that nurtures and supports acting talent. The place of which there are very few in the country (maybe none?). It must require a humongous effort, patience, and a never-ending well of kindness to deal with such a range of students that may not necessarily comprehend what you offer in terms of knowledge, technique, and experience. I was the lucky one to see and recognise this.The technical skills you have taught - have helped me to speak and act in the way I never could. With clarity, depth, character, tone, and volume. Thank you for being an exceptional teacher. Such a gem. The island of kindness and brilliance in the harsh world of acting. Not saying goodbye – but - see you very soon!
Oliver Kensit, 19/20 graduate: I have since gone on to complete a masters in acting, and can confidently say the showcase course with Bristol Acting Academy is the most important training I have ever had. Whether you’re just starting out, or are looking for something to sharpen the tools, this course taught by Gary Owston is perfect, with constant tasks to work towards, gaining experience in classic and contemporary work, stage and screen, voiceover, musical theatre etc, this course was honestly priceless for my progression.
Maria Hemming, 21/22 graduate: This course was transformational! I wanted to act professionally but I couldn't afford Drama School and owning my own small business I needed something professional but part time - the BAA one year Showcase course was the key! From that showcase I met a director and worked on my first professional Shakespeare Production. Since then things have snowballed and I now have an Agent! I am now working as a professional actor and I have Gary and his wonderful BAA Showcase course to thank for that! I highly recommend it!
Josh Jones, 20/21 graduate and winner of the 2023 Carlton Hobbs Award: The BAA Showcase Course has been one of the biggest highlights of my training as an actor. Gary and all of the other tutors’ brilliant knowledge and support have left a last impression on me and you couldn’t ask for a better environment to develop your craft. I would recommend this course to any actor who wants to increase their skill level, learn from the best and have fun!