12 week intensive audition preparation course (acting & musical theatre)

Built from our renowned 1 year diploma course which has been running for 13 years, this fully rounded, intensive short course at Lighthouse, Poole will give you all the tools you need to succeed in any of your auditions. The course is designed to get you audition ready whether that’s for drama/theatre school or university or acting/performing auditions within the industry.  We know how hard it is to succeed in auditions but we also know what the audition panel are looking for. Those who are preparing for drama school will be supported with monologue choices, where to apply and UCAS applications and those who are preparing to audition in the Industry will benefit from advice on developing your acting business plan. With our 98% success rate at placing students in major drama schools and university courses you are in the best place to succeed. Not only will you be prepared for auditions but through the use of our unique approach to truthful acting The Process, you will be given life long skills that you will be able to implement for years to come that will that will transform your acting and performance.  To support you fully with this, the course fees include a copy of the book “The Process – the secret of truthful acting”.

Over the 14 years we have been based at Lighthouse, previous students have been involved in professional productions, projects, workshops and Q & A’s. Whilst the course fees include at least 2 theatre tickets, students have benefited from other free or discounted tickets for shows.  We also keep students up to date with all castings that come through to the school, giving them both professional and non-professional opportunities some of which can be used for show reels.

Why 12 weeks? 

As experts in this field we know that anything shorter than 12 weeks will not give you the tools for success.

It allows coaches to get to know who you are and how you work and as we are a small school they tailor your experience to your own personal outcomes.

Why September to December?

By the time you leave us in December you will be ready to audition in January of the same academic year.

Why Lighthouse?

Lighthouse is a prestigious working theatre which is also the biggest arts centre outside of London.  Being in this industry environment offers you an unique experience in which to train.

The course runs Monday – Wednesday 9.30am – 4.30pm (Free studio 4.45-6pm) and a typical week includes:

Dance (MT, Ballet, Contemporary, Commercial, Body conditioning)

Acting (Musical Theatre)

Acting (monologues, acting technique)

Improvisation

Acting 1:1 within class

Singing technique/portfolio prep – 1:1

1 week of intensive online 1:1 sessions

Free Theatre tickets

*Please be aware that theatre visits are essential and can fall outside these hours.

Throughout the course there are also sessions/workshops in:

Mock auditions

Acting through song

The Secret to Success (the mindset to succeed)

Professional/industry preparation (previous years have benefited from the guidance and expertise of John Byrne’s Professional Acting Business workshop).

*All timetabling and hours are subject to change

To be part of the Dorset School of Acting is to be become the next generation of fearless actors and performers.

Faculty

You will be regularly taught by several teachers and coaches at DSA who have trained at Rose Bruford, Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, Urdang Academy and Northern Ballet School. Their professional work is both national and international, West End, off West End, touring, TV, film and some have their own successful theatre companies.

Fees

£2950

£37 minimum uniform fee due at same time as fees

There are two ways to pay for this course.  Paying the full amount before commencement of the course entitles you to a £200 discount from the whole fee bringing the total to £2750.  You can also pay in 2 installments (August & October) but you will not qualify for the £200 discount.  All fees are non-refundable.

There is currently no government or any other funding available for this course.

As the course is only 12 weeks, EU & Overseas can study with us on a visitors visa.  This will need to be arranged by the individual student.  Any payments made from overseas bank accounts will need to cover all bank fees and charges for both parties.

Audition Information

Minimum age for entry: 17 yrs

Audition is via video submission and are free of charge.

Entry onto the Dorset School of Acting’s 12 week intensive audition preparation course in Acting & Musical Theatre is by audition only. It is expected that candidates will have some experience in one of the three disciplines of acting, singing or dancing with potential to be coached in the other two. You will be asked to prepare:

• 2 contrasting monologues, 1 contemporary, 1 Shakespeare/Jacobean.
• 2 contrasting songs, at least 1 musical theatre with piano/backing track accompaniment in your vocal range.  Only one song can be unaccompanied.

If applying for musical/stage school and/or dance schools we also require a short video showing your level of dance capability.

Accommodation

Whilst we cannot arrange accommodation directly through the school, we do provide lists of what’s available within the area including student halls, host families and single rooms.

Most BA(Hons) courses require at least 2 A-levels or equivalent for entry.  If you are auditioning for any degree course it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate qualifications in order to apply to drama school & university.