Foundation Degree in Actor Training for Theatre & Media Performance

Course Introduction
See the facilities
Meet the students
Meet the staff
Examples of work

Course Introduction

Do you want to be an industry professional and gain experience under the guidance of industry professionals?

This Foundation degree, taught in partnership with the University of Plymouth, is designed to offer professional training for today’s performer. The course is highly practical containing strong elements of academic contextual study. Students will be challenged and inspired in a variety of different ways from TV location shooting to forming and touring their own theatre company. Our industry trained professionals include actors, technicians, designers, television professionals and voice and musical theatre specialists. Our approach to teaching will always be about giving you a hands-on practical experience of ‘The Business’. You will be performing in our 250-seat industry-equipped theatre that also becomes the venue for outstanding National and International professional touring theatre.

Aims:

To provide actor training that prepares students for independent employment in an intensely competitive industry. To develop students research skills in preparation for progression to additional higher level study.

Benefits:

Exciting and varied programme of theoretical and practical subjects

High quality provision with access to university resources

Regular liaison with industry and visiting theatre companies

Exciting programme of off-site trips and practical activities

Professional and inspirational staff from a wide range of industry backgrounds

Progression/Career Opportunities:

This course prepares students for industry by providing highly focused, relevant training as well as developing skills that are keenly sought by a variety of employers.

Progression to a Full Degree:

Students who achieve the necessary standard can apply to the final year of the BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance degree at the University of Plymouth. Progression onto other ‘top-up’ courses at a variety of institutions is an option for students who wish to apply to study elsewhere.

See the facilities

Dedicated HE study centre	Weymouth College's professional theatre
Performance of Michael Snelgrove's Bums on Seats

Meet the students

Patchwork Theatre Company

Bec, Jenny and Stuart all completed their BTEC First, National Diplomas and Foundation degrees with flying colours. Since training at Weymouth College through Plymouth University, they have gone on to form a touring theatre company, ‘Patchwork Theatre’. The name Patchwork came from the combination of skills each performer brings to the company including performance skills such as ballet, contemporary dance, physical theatre, classical acting, singing, musical theatre and professional musicianship. The company have also gained a wide range of backstage skills including sound and lighting design and operation, stage management, set and costume design, theatrical hair and make-up and business skills including marketing and publicity. Having such a wide range of skills in only three members allows the company to be self-contained and independently professional. Patchwork’s next show will be ‘The Thirteenth Hour’ so keep an eye out for them on the touring circuit and for more information you can email: patchworktheatre@hotmail.co.uk, call 07872 443917 or add them on Facebook for updates!

Rebecca Ayles

“It was such an amazing and inspiring two years. The Foundation degree was a turning point in my education.”

Martin Rees

Martin Rees studied Fd Actor Training for Theatre and Media Performance at Weymouth College and then went on to Southampton Solent University for BA (Hons) Performance.

Martin enjoyed learning at Degree Centre Weymouth: “The course gave us the opportunity to try things out and work on our performance skills. Also, the course content means you learn about the business side of the industry as well. This is equally as important as the practical elements because it prepares you fully for the industry.”

Martin also gained a good range of backstage skills through his work experience at Weymouth Pavillion.

During his 2nd year at Degree Centre Weymouth, Martin did two major projects, the first was a devised performance based on the lives of Bonnie and Clyde, and the second performance was the play Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

After finishing his top-up degree at Southampton Solent University, Martin will be moving to London to work on his own projects to raise his profile within the performance industry.