Acting for Screen 2 Year Part Time Course

Course Overview.

This intensive two year part-time program provides rigorous training in acting for the screen, with a strong focus on core skills in voice, body movement, acting technique, and creative interpretation. Drawing from the methodologies of Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, and Meisner, the course is designed to help students develop a truthful and nuanced approach to performance.

Students will explore the distinctions between screen and stage acting while gaining hands-on experience in visual storytelling, scene work, and professional industry practices. Through classes in voice, dialects, text analysis, and audition techniques, they will build the tools necessary for a career in film and television. The final term will focus on professional preparation, culminating in a showcase performance for Northern Irish industry professionals.

Year One

FOUNDATIONS OF ACTING

The first year introduces students to the core principles of screen acting. Classes in

acting technique will focus on Stanislavski’s approach to given circumstances, objectives,

and actions, alongside Uta Hagen’s work on emotional memory and personalisation.

Meisner’s repetition exercises will help students develop truthful reactions and deepen

their connection to scene partners.

A key element of this training will be mastering the art of self-taping for casting directors,

an essential skill in today’s industry. Students will learn how to produce professional

quality self-tapes. They will also be taught how to adapt their performance for different

casting requirements, ensuring that they can deliver confident, engaging auditions on

camera.

Throughout the course, students will put these foundational techniques into practice

through scene work, monologue preparation, and cold readings, ensuring they are

prepared for both professional auditions and on-set performance. Students will have a

comprehensive understanding of acting technique and self-taping, giving them the tools

to succeed in both live auditions and digital submissions.

VOICE & DIALECT TRAINING

Voice is a fundamental tool for an actor, and throughout the course, students will engage

in voice training to develop control, flexibility, and expressive range. The focus will be on

breath work, vocal support, resonance, articulation, and clarity, ensuring that students

develop a strong and expressive vocal instrument, and that they can use their voices

effectively both on camera and in voice acting.Dialect training will play a key role in expanding students’ versatility and employability.

Classes will focus on three core accents commonly required in the screen industry:

General American, Standard English (RP), and Southern Irish. Students will develop

confidence in adapting their speech for different roles. Additional dialects may be

introduced based on student needs and industry demand.

MOVEMENT TRAINING

An actor’s body is one of their most powerful tools for storytelling. The movement training

in this course will focus on physical awareness, relaxation, and expressive control,

ensuring that students develop a body that is responsive, adaptable, and fully engaged in

performance. The work will help actors overcome habitual tension, improve posture and

alignment, and create a sense of ease in front of the camera.

A core component of the training will be the Laban Efforts, a system of movement

analysis developed by Rudolf Laban. This approach will allow students to explore

different ways of expressing emotion and intention through physicality. Students will gain

a deeper understanding of how movement influences character and storytelling. These

efforts will be applied directly to scene work, helping actors shape their physical presence

to suit different roles and genres.

Another key element of movement training will be Animal Studies, a technique used by

actors to develop character physicality in a deeply embodied way. Students will study

and mimic the movements, postures, and energy levels of different animals, using this

work to explore new ways of inhabiting a role. This will help them break free from habitual

movement patterns and discover fresh, organic ways of approaching character

development.

Throughout the course, movement classes will also incorporate relaxation techniques,

physical improvisation, and exercises in spatial awareness, ensuring that students

develop both a strong physical foundation and a creative, expressive approach to

movement. By the end of the training, students will be able to use their bodies with

confidence and precision, adapting to the unique physical demands of screen acting.

DEVELOPING SCREEN PERFORMANCE

Building on the foundations established by the core training classes, students will work

on deepening screen performance skills through extensive scene work. Students will

work with contemporary scripts from television and film, exploring different styles,

including soap operas, drama, and comedy. Through this, they will refine their ability to

break down scripts, identify subtext, and deliver authentic, engaging performances.

As their vocal work progresses, students will work with a variety of texts, including

classical and contemporary material, to develop flexibility and range. Sight-reading

techniques will be introduced to help students approach scripts with confidence.

Improvisation exercises will encourage spontaneity, creativity, and the ability to respond

truthfully in the moment.

Year Two

ADVANCED SCREEN PERFORMANCE & INDUSTRY SKILLS

The second year will focus on refining students’ ability to create fully realised, believable

characters for screen. Emotional authenticity will be a key area of study, with an emphasis

on staying present and connected while navigating the technical demands of film and

television production. Students will explore different genres, including period drama,

crime, and comedy, adapting their performances to suit varying directorial and stylistic

approaches.

Advanced casting preparation will help students develop the skills needed to succeed in

auditions. Mock auditions with guest tutors, including casting directors, actors, and

filmmakers, will provide insight into the casting process, while sight-reading and cold

reading exercises will build confidence in approaching unfamiliar material.

Voice and movement classes will continue to refine each student’s individual instrument,

with a focus on dialect work, vocal adaptability, and integrating physical choices into

performance. In the second year, students will explore the world of voice acting, covering

areas such as voice-over, animation, audiobooks, and commercial narration. They will

learn how to modulate their voice for different mediums, create distinct vocal characters,

and maintain consistency across recording sessions. Microphone technique will be an

essential part of this training, with students gaining experience in professional recording

environments.Students will have developed a strong, adaptable voice suited for both on

screen and voice-over work, giving them a competitive edge in the industry.

INDUSTRY PREPARATION & SHOWCASE

In the final term, students will shift their focus to professional preparation, gaining

essential knowledge on how to navigate the industry. They will receive guidance on

creating a professional acting CV, selecting and preparing headshots, and building an

online presence through casting platforms and self-marketing.

Practical classes will cover showreel preparation and self-taping techniques, with

students filming and editing material that showcases their strengths.

The course will culminate in a professionally directed showcase performance, attended

by industry professionals from Northern Ireland, including casting directors, agents, and

filmmakers. This final performance will provide students with an opportunity to

demonstrate their growth and gain exposure within the industry.

ASSESSMENT & FEEDBACK

Throughout the course, students will receive continuous in-class feedback, allowing them

to track their progress and refine their skills. Recorded performances will be reviewed for

self-assessment, helping students recognise areas for improvement.

As part of their professional training, students will also take the Trinity College London

Screen Acting exams, gaining an internationally recognised qualification in screen

performance. These assessments will test their ability to deliver authentic, technically

proficient performances under exam conditions, providing them with valuable experience

in working to a high industry standard.By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of screen

acting techniques, a strong professional portfolio, and the industry knowledge needed to

take their next steps with confidence.

Showreel

Additional information: Trinity College London

Course runs from September – June

To find out how to apply email info@shelleylowry.com