Sixth Form Acting

Arts1's Acting course develops versatile, confident performers through training in screen, stage, voice, and movement. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and real-world performance opportunities, students gain the skills and experience to take their next step in the industry.
Now taking applications for 2026
Overview
What You'll Study
The Qualification
Open Days
Masterclass
Facilities
Staff
Entry Requirements
Fees & Scholarships
Graduates
Open Days
Apply Now
WHAT TO EXPECT

Course Overview

The Arts1 Acting course is designed to develop confident, versatile performers who are ready to thrive in today’s industry. From day one, students are immersed in the core skills of stage and screen acting, voice, movement, and improvisation, with training that balances creativity and technical precision. Alongside this, specialist classes in dance, singing, and acting technique ensure a strong foundation in the full range of performance disciplines.

Across two years of study, students explore screen acting, devising, voice and dialect, and audition preparation, supported by expert tutors and specialist coaching. Our status as an Estill Educational Affiliate ensures high-quality voice training, while practical workshops in movement, improvisation, and screen technique allow students to develop both versatility and individuality as performers. With guidance on professional practice and higher education auditions, learners are supported to take the next step with confidence.

Performance is at the heart of the course. Each year culminates in our Season of Performance Work, including full productions, monologue slams, film projects, and community touring. These opportunities allow students to apply their training in front of live and digital audiences, showcasing their creativity, adaptability, and collaborative skills. By the end of the programme, students graduate with a rich portfolio of experience and the practical tools to continue their journey in acting and performance.

View entry requirements

Short films

Waiting for Vlad
Written by Ashton Griffiths
Featuring: Belen Costa, Safiye Aksarayli & Oliver Reynier

Acting students work with their Acting for Screen team to write and direct their own short films presented, shot on location and shown in a film premiere to an invited audience.
THE CURRICULUM

What You'll Study

Year 1

Screen Acting

Learn the essential techniques for performing on camera, from working with scripts and hitting marks to adapting performances for different screen formats. You’ll build confidence in front of the camera and develop professional on-set skills that prepare you for film and TV work.
Year 1

Improvisation & Devising

Discover the art of spontaneous performance and collaborative storytelling. Through games, exercises, and devised scene work, you’ll gain confidence, creativity, and the ability to think quickly on your feet — vital skills for any actor.
Year 1

Actor's Movement

Explore how the body transforms character and tells story. This module develops physical awareness, expressive movement, and introduces techniques for stage, screen, and even motion capture performance.
Year 1

Voice & Dialect

Train your voice with specialist Estill Voice Training to build strength, versatility, and vocal health. You’ll explore accents and vocal qualities, giving you the tools to approach a wide range of roles with confidence.
Year 1

Core Skills

Alongside acting classes, you’ll develop a strong foundation in dance and group singing. These core skills strengthen your versatility and keep your training well-rounded and industry-ready.
Year 1 & 2

Season of Performances

Take part in an exciting programme of productions and showcases, from full-length plays and monologue slams to short films and touring theatre. These performance opportunities give you real-world experience and the chance to share your work with audiences.
Year 2

Audition Preparation

Work one-to-one with tutors to prepare monologues, refine your performance, and get guidance on choosing the right courses and institutions. This module also supports you with UCAS applications, giving you the best chance at progressing to drama school or university.
Year 2

Final Project

Bring all your skills together in a student-led performance project. Whether live or on screen, you’ll shape the concept, develop the material, and perform, showcasing your creativity, teamwork, and artistry.
Year 2

Filmed Project

Work as both actor and collaborator on a professionally shot film project. This module gives you the chance to apply your screen acting skills in a real production setting, learning how to perform for camera while also gaining insight into the filming process. You’ll graduate with high-quality footage for your showreel, a valuable tool for auditions and future industry opportunities.
Year 3

Developing Professional Practice

Taking classes is a habit that is part of the eco-system that working professionals build into their lifestyle. Whilst third years are focussed on preparation for productions, you will also take a programme of classes designed to specifically facilitate your development. Tracked into Dancer/Singer and Actor/Singer, you will choose specific programmes of classes are targeted to you.
Year 3

Digital Showcase

Work with an incredible team of film makers, cinematographers, sound engineers, photographers, and creatives to make a professional digital portfolio that becomes your business card and brand. As a school we have a longstanding reputation for outstanding production standards and we use this team to create, elevate & capture your performance.
Year 3

The Musical

A full-scale Musical production for final year students to rehearse and perform with a professional industry creative team. Experiencing the many roles and processes that are part of staging a musical is important as many of the departments contribute to the success of the performer on the stage. Learning to work collaboratively is a key quality in creating a sustainable career.
Year 3

London Showcase

Performing in the heart of London’s West End, you will work with a creative team on curating your talent to share with agents and supporters. The process of selection and rehearsal of pieces will help us to showcase you as a performer and the potential you have to take into the industry. Collaborating with our marketing department you will prepare your CV, Media Package and Spotlight profile for agents and casting directors.
Year 1

Song and Dance Project

Work with a Musical Director and Choreographer in a rehearsal setting exploring material from a wide range of Musicals to professional performance standard. This application class provides the feel of an industry rehearsal room where you can apply all of the skills learned in your technique classes in performance.
Year 1

Acting Fundamentals

Acting takes the top priority throughout each of our disciplines, and is the core foundation for our training. Acting Fundamentals finesses the art of storytelling, encompassing various methods and techniques.
Year 1

Technical Dance Skills

Study a wide range of dance styles including Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Commercial. Throughout the first year, the main focus is understanding and shaping your core technique. This in turn will allow the opportunity to mould and cement technique and artistry as you move between different styles of movement. Musical Theatre encompasses an incredible range of choreographic requirements. This training will provide a space for you to grow your skills to achieve your potential in dance.
Year 1

Estill Voice Training Level 1

Introducing a cutting-edge approach to voice training at the UK’s only Estill Educational accredited Musical Theatre degree. You will learn how to create an incredible range of vocal qualities to create sung and spoken word that fits a range of professional contexts. This module will provide you with an additional Estill Voice qualification, further developing your career post-training.
Year 1

Acting Through Song

Mind-blowing performances are not built by luck, chance or prayer – they are crafted through an exploration and application of technique and artistry. Working with sung material from key composers you will learn how to approach material in a systematic way and create performances that your audience remembers for a lifetime.

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Year 1

Song and Dance Project

Work with a Musical Director and Choreographer in a rehearsal setting exploring material from a wide range of Musicals to professional performance standard. This application class provides the feel of an industry rehearsal room where you can apply all of the skills learned in your technique classes in performance.
Year 1

Acting Fundamentals

Acting takes the top priority throughout each of our disciplines, and is the core foundation for our training. Acting Fundamentals finesses the art of storytelling, encompassing various methods and techniques.
Year 1

Technical Dance Skills

Study a wide range of dance styles including Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Commercial. Throughout the first year, the main focus is understanding and shaping your core technique. This in turn will allow the opportunity to mould and cement technique and artistry as you move between different styles of movement. Musical Theatre encompasses an incredible range of choreographic requirements. This training will provide a space for you to grow your skills to achieve your potential in dance.
Year 1

Estill Voice Training Level 1

Introducing a cutting-edge approach to voice training at the UK’s only Estill Educational accredited Musical Theatre degree. You will learn how to create an incredible range of vocal qualities to create sung and spoken word that fits a range of professional contexts. This module will provide you with an additional Estill Voice qualification, further developing your career post-training.
Year 1

Acting Through Song

Mind-blowing performances are not built by luck, chance or prayer – they are crafted through an exploration and application of technique and artistry. Working with sung material from key composers you will learn how to approach material in a systematic way and create performances that your audience remembers for a lifetime.
Year 1

Song and Dance Project

Work with a Musical Director and Choreographer in a rehearsal setting exploring material from a wide range of Musicals to professional performance standard. This application class provides the feel of an industry rehearsal room where you can apply all of the skills learned in your technique classes in performance.
Year 1

Acting Fundamentals

Acting takes the top priority throughout each of our disciplines, and is the core foundation for our training. Acting Fundamentals finesses the art of storytelling, encompassing various methods and techniques.
Year 1

Technical Dance Skills

Study a wide range of dance styles including Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Commercial. Throughout the first year, the main focus is understanding and shaping your core technique. This in turn will allow the opportunity to mould and cement technique and artistry as you move between different styles of movement. Musical Theatre encompasses an incredible range of choreographic requirements. This training will provide a space for you to grow your skills to achieve your potential in dance.
Year 1

Estill Voice Training Level 1

Introducing a cutting-edge approach to voice training at the UK’s only Estill Educational accredited Musical Theatre degree. You will learn how to create an incredible range of vocal qualities to create sung and spoken word that fits a range of professional contexts. This module will provide you with an additional Estill Voice qualification, further developing your career post-training.
Year 1

Acting Through Song

Mind-blowing performances are not built by luck, chance or prayer – they are crafted through an exploration and application of technique and artistry. Working with sung material from key composers you will learn how to approach material in a systematic way and create performances that your audience remembers for a lifetime.

Meet our Qualification partner

SIXTH FORM

The Qualification

Arts1's BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is a full-time, two-year vocational qualification equivalent to three A Levels. It combines practical, hands-on training with academic study, preparing students for higher education or for a career in the performing arts industry.

Year 1

Level 3 Foundation Diploma

Year 2

Level 3 Extended Diploma
The Acting pathway is built around units that develop core performance skills, including voice, movement, and character work. Students explore specialist modules in areas such as screen acting, improvisation, and devising, alongside techniques for ensemble performance and audition preparation. The majority of the course is practical, with collaborative projects and performance opportunities supported by theory work that encourages reflection and a deeper understanding of the craft and the wider industry.
Meet your teachers, current students and view the facilities.

Book an open day

YOUR FIRST LOOK

Open Days

We offer in-person Open Days throughout the year, as well as a 45-minute on-demand Virtual Open Day. These events provide an opportunity to learn all about Arts1, explore our training programs, meet our team, and discover our school ethos.

We offer in-person Open Days throughout the year, as well as a 45-minute on-demand Virtual Open Day. These events provide an opportunity to learn all about Arts1, explore our training programs, meet our team, and discover our school ethos.

Please register to be the first to know.

TUTORS

Weekly Masterclass

Our weekly Masterclass Programme runs throughout the first and second terms, giving students the chance to learn directly from leading industry professionals. These sessions combine expert insight with inspiration, helping you explore, innovate, and develop the skills and ambition needed to thrive in the performing arts.

Madeline Appiah

Tori Scott

Ryan North

Ivano Turco

Jenna Boyd

duncan walsh atkins

Nicholas Mclean

Abigal Matthews

INSIDE OUR STUDIOS

Our Facilities

Following ten years in their previous building, Arts1 moved into their new studio complex in 2024 for all students to enjoy. The new facility features a studio theatre, air-conditioned studios, an onsite coffee shop and a library space for study.

Beyond our core studios, Arts1 is equipped with dedicated 1-to-1 singing rooms and a specialised vocal booth, providing ideal environments for focused practice, voice recording and personalised coaching. We also offer a variety of breakout spaces designed for collaborative group work, creative brainstorming, and quiet reflection, ensuring that every aspect of your training and development is supported by versatile and inspiring facilities.

Rehearsal Rooms

At Arts1, we have 8 large spacious rehearsal rooms that serve as dynamic spaces for preparation and performance. Many of these rooms are equipped with their own sound and lighting setups. Our largest rehearsal space is generously sized, allowing us to replicate the stage setups you'll find in theatre spaces in MK and at Arts1.

Studio Theatre

Our studio theatre comfortably seats 120 guests, providing an intimate setting for captivating performances. It’s the perfect venue for musicals, plays, live music (bandeoke on week 1 is a highlight), and other presentations, allowing audiences to engage closely with the performers.

Our in house equipment includes intelligent moving lights, radio microphones, haze and everything necessaary to perform live and recorded work at a professional level.

Dance Studios

In our dance studios at Arts1, we've thoughtfully equipped them with sprung flooring, aircon, professional-grade barres, expansive mirrors, and a user-friendly sound system ready for you to plug in your preferred device. Each studio is flooded with natural light to create a lovely training facility.

Singing Studios

Our 1-to-1 singing lessons at Arts1 happen within our dedicated singing studios. These studios are meticulously designed to create an optimal environment for your vocal journey. Each room is equipped with sound systems and a piano. Our focus is on providing you with a comfortable, private space where you can nurture your vocal talents.

Library

Our expansive library serves as a hub for research and inspiration. It houses a diverse collection of books, resources, and media, offering a quiet and comfortable environment for study, exploration, and creative thinking.

Grub

Grub, our café, is the perfect spot to relax and refuel during your training programme. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, enjoying a snack, or even holding a little pop up performance in our stage area, Grub provides a welcoming atmosphere to unwind and socialise.

We care about our coffee almost as much as our training. We grind Concrete Cowboy, a local speciality blend from Milk & Beans alongside, smoothies, frappes and a range of hot and cold food.
YOUR TUTORS

Meet the Team

Meet the staff

Jake Sharp

Jake is most well known for performing in the short film Pillion alongside other high profile Film appearances and lead roles in the West-End

Elliot Coombe

Elliot graduated from Trinity Laban Conservatoire  in 2017 where he gained a First Class BA Hons.  Professional credits include The West-Ends longest running play - The Mousetrap

Allyson Ava-Brown

Allyson Ava-Brown, born in the UK, is a MOBO award winning actress, in addition to a long running career on stage and screen Allyson is the UK's longest running Angelica in Hamilton.

Sam Goodge

Sam Goodge is an experienced drama educator and Head of Performing Arts, specialising in developing curricula, leading creative teams, and delivering high-quality drama training for students aged 11–18

Amy Shackcloth

Amy grew up in Cheshire and studied Piano and Music Direction at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. As a Music Director Amy works at the top of the UK industry and is currently the keys player in the live band for Abba Voyage at the Abba Arena in London.

Pierina Penny

Pierina trained on the Intensive Singing Course at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance where she obtained BA (Hons) in Actor Musicianship.

Ami Henderson

Ami graduated from London Studio Centre in 2007, with a BA (Hons) in Theatre Dance, with an Upper Second Class Honours with specialism in Jazz Theatre Dance.

Helen Dangerfield

Helen graduated with a BA Hons in Drama and Theatre Studies from Royal Holloway University and then went on to train at the Royal Academy of Music, gaining a PGDIP in Musical Theatre and an LRAM in teaching.
GETTING STARTED

Entry Requirements

Students applying to Arts1 will take part in a thorough process to assess suitability for the programme. This includes practical elements as part of an audition day. Your audition day will give you the chance to show us your skills and experience and get comfortable at our Milton Keynes home. The day will include a tour of our facilities and a chance to meet staff and students.

Applicants must be aged 16 or due to have turned 16 by the time the course commences.

Applicants typically need to meet the following academic qualifications:

  • 4 GCSE's Level 4 and above including Maths and English

The annual fees are £3,000 plus VAT, payable in 12 monthly instalments of £300. The first payment is due by the end of August 2026. These fees cover additional tuition, productions, trips, and a vocational training beyond the scope of the government-funded diploma.

Scholarships
Students from low-income households may qualify for scholarship support, and detailed information about our scholarship programme will be sent following a successful application.  As a non-profit making institution, access and inclusion is at the heart of our vision for training.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Auditions Process

Acting workshop


Take part in a practical session of drama games, exercises and creative exploration. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your openness, playfullness and collaboration skills.

Training as an actor requires the development of independent thought, teamwork and technical skills.

Movement workshop

The movement element of the day will consist of a dance class designed to assess your physical skills and co-ordination. Physical transformation and control is a significant part of an actors tool kit and we work with all our students to develop their physical skills in preparation for their career.

Monologue

For your Acting audition, you should prepare a monologue from a play, this can be from the contemporary or classical repertoire. Choose material that is close to your age and experience. Try to avoid monologues with shocking content, keep it simple, clear and enjoy sharing your creative voice and who YOU are as a performer.

We may workshop your monologue with you on the day to see how you react to direction and different feedback.

Interview

As a way of getting to know you, your experience, and your aspirations, we will be sitting down with you for a short and informal interview with a member of the Arts1 staff team.

Our Graduates

Ivano Turco

Sarah Ikumu

Tatyana Muzondo

Jack Nuttall

Daisy Ward

Eleanor Fransch

Matteo Johnson

Myles Waby

Tia Antoine-Charles

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Gallery

Alumni Jobs

START YOUR JOURNEY

Ready to take the next step?

Apply online, book your audition, or join us for an open day — we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Get started