What is the BA (Hons) Acting and Community Engagement?
East 15’s BA (Hons) Acting and Community Engagement is a three-year, industry-focused degree for aspiring performers who want to work across stage, screen, audio and digital media.
From 2026-27, this course will be based at our Colchester Campus, offering bespoke East 15 studio spaces and other specialist facilities within a creative university environment set in 200 acres of parkland.
Why this course?
The BA (Hons) Acting and Community Engagement is a unique programme balancing intensive actor training with inclusive practice and community-focused theatre-making. It's designed for performers and theatre-makers who want to create socially engaged, inclusive theatre for, with and about communities.
You’ll develop as a skilled actor while gaining the facilitation, leadership and creative tools needed to make relevant and impactful work across a wide range of community and professional settings. Alongside rigorous performance training, you’ll learn how to collaborate ethically and creatively with diverse groups, responding to real social, cultural and political contexts.
Across the three years, your training progresses from core performance skills to large-scale participatory projects, professional collaborations, internships and touring work. You'll build critical thinking, production and leadership skills that enable you to initiate, manage and sustain professional theatre projects and companies. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to enter the industry as a versatile performer, facilitator and socially engaged theatre practitioner.
Students of this course gave it an 100% student positivity score for 'teaching on my course' in the National Student Survey 2026.
Who should apply?
For more information, click the Opportunity Info link below!
What is the BA (Hons) Acting and Physical Theatre?
East 15’s BA (Hons) Acting and Physical Theatre is a three-year, industry-focused degree for actors who want to specialise in a world of physical and visual performance beyond traditional theatre and television.
From 2026-27, this course will be based at our Colchester Campus, offering bespoke East 15 studio spaces and other specialist facilities within a creative university environment set in 200 acres of parkland.
Why this course?
The BA (Hons) Acting and Physical Theatre gives you a wide skills base in aerial circus, devised storytelling, mask, mime, puppetry and clowning, all underpinned by professional core training in acting and theatre-making.
This course combines dynamic, exciting actor training with devised and ensemble work, offering the experience of a traditional British drama school coupled with modern European performance methodologies.
By the end of the course, you’ll be a capable and creative actor ready to challenge new shows and re-imagine traditional performances for public performance.
Who should apply?
For more information, click the Opportunity Info link below!
What is the BA (Hons) Stage Management?
East 15’s BA (Hons) Stage Management is a three-year, industry-focused degree providing professional training for production and technical roles across theatre, film, television, live events and the wider creative industries.
Following a shared first year, students specialise in one of three pathways and graduate with one of the following degrees, depending on their chosen area of focus:
Based at our Loughton Campus, the course prepares you to graduate as a skilled, confident professional ready to enter the industry in specialist roles.
Why this course?
The BA (Hons) Stage Management offers an immersive, vocational experience that mirrors the realities of professional production work and is designed as a stepping stone into specialist industry roles.
From the outset, the course combines practical production work with specialist technical training. In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in core stage management and technical theatre skills. From Year Two onwards, you’ll specialise in one of three professional pathways aligned with distinct areas of industry demand:
This focused training allows you to develop in-depth expertise and a clear professional identity, equipping you with the advanced technical skills required across theatre, film, television and live events.
Throughout the course, you’ll be embedded in production teams and work on professional-standard public productions, taking on increasing responsibility as your skills develop. In your final year, you’ll undertake an industry placement, which frequently leads directly to first professional contracts or opens doors to employment opportunities, giving you a significant advantage when entering the industry.
Who should apply?
For more information, click the Opportunity Info link below!
What is the BA (Hons) Acting and Contemporary Theatre?
East 15’s BA (Hons) Acting and Contemporary Theatre is a three-year, industry-focused degree for aspiring actors who want to bring innovative new work to today’s stages.
Based at our Loughton Campus, the course develops both your performance ability and creativity, preparing you to enter the performing arts industry as a creative, proactive and collaborative artist.
"The creation of a course that focuses on the actor as a creative force is quite simply revolutionary [...] both ahead of its time and rooted in the most important theatrical developments of recent years" — Alexander Zeldin, Associate Director of the National Theatre
Why this course?
The BA (Hons) Acting and Contemporary Theatre is renowned for its pioneering methodology and award-winning original productions. It’s a hub of innovation which combines the development of your talents with experimentation in European physical theatre, creative writing, expressionism and music. You’ll try your hand at the roles of actor-writer, actor-musician and actor-choreographer.
Your training will be inspired by leading companies such as Complicité, Schaubühe and Gecko, and led by our faculty with a wealth of industry experience, encouraging you to realise the full scope of your artistic potential.
In the first year, you’ll explore character development practice, taking inspiration from Stanislavski, Commedia dell’Arte and Gaulier. In your second year, you’ll experiment with forms such as physical expression, Clown, Shakespeare, film, devising and writing. In your final year, you’ll showcase original work in various London venues.
By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to enter the industry as a versatile actor and join an alumni network of leading international practitioners in the Debut Festival.
"A formidable track record of training some of the best collaborative makers in UK theatre." — David Byrne, Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre
Who should apply?
For more information, click the Opportunity Info link below!
What is the BA (Hons) Acting (International)?
East 15’s BA (Hons) Acting (International) is a three-year, industry-focused, conservatoire degree for aspiring performers, tailored specifically for international students.
Based at our Loughton Campus, this dynamic and unique course provides you with core actor training techniques and the skills required to produce bold, international work.
Why this course?
The BA (Hons) Acting (International) combines 60 years of East 15 tradition and European influences to develop your talent, imagination and skill. You’ll refine a strong creative approach, a solid process, and the unique experience of being part of an international performance community shaped by artistic collaboration at the School.
You’ll train intensively in small groups with our international faculty of professional tutors and guest practitioners from all areas of live and recorded performance. This gives you first-hand insight into a wide range of approaches, techniques and performance styles. From classical texts to contemporary and experimental work, you’ll engage with a broad repertoire that builds your versatility and adaptability.
Our step-by-step training in Years One and Two strengthens your technical, physical and imaginative skills, while the final year focuses on your professional development, working with visiting directors and professional practitioners, preparing you to enter the industry. By the end of the course, you’ll be a knowledgeable and professional actor ready to create new work with a global focus.
Who should apply?
For more information, click the Opportunity Info link below!
What is the BA (Hons) Acting?
East 15’s BA (Hons) Acting is a three-year, industry-focused, conservatoire degree for aspiring performers who want to work across stage, screen, audio and digital media.
Based at our Loughton Campus, the course develops your acting talent, skills and versatility, preparing you to enter the performing arts industry as a creative, proactive and collaborative actor.
Why this course?
The BA (Hons) Acting encourages you to explore your creative practice in depth, helping you refine your craft, discover your unique artistic identity, and develop not only the performance skills but the confidence essential to your growth as an actor.
You’ll train intensively in small groups with professional tutors and guest practitioners from across the industry. This gives you first-hand insight into a wide range of approaches, techniques and performance styles. From classical texts to contemporary and experimental work, you’ll engage with a broad repertoire that builds your versatility and adaptability.
Our step-by-step training in Years One and Two strengthens your technical, physical and imaginative skills, while the final year focuses on your professional development, working with visiting directors and professional practitioners, preparing you to enter the industry. By the end of the course, you’ll have the resilience and versatility to tackle diverse roles and projects in the ever-evolving landscape of the performing arts.
Students of this course gave it a 98% student positivity score for 'teaching on my course' in the National Student Survey 2026.
Who should apply?
For more information, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Why do some stories work while others fall flat? What makes a story compelling, and how can understanding its structure help you become a better storyteller?
Join John Yorke, award-winning television drama executive and bestselling author of Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them, for a live online masterclass exploring the fundamental principles of dramatic storytelling.
Drawing on decades of experience developing acclaimed television drama, John will examine why story structure exists, where it comes from and how writers and other creative professionals can use it to develop stronger stories.
What you'll explore:
About John Yorke:
John is the former Controller of BBC Drama Production, Head of Channel 4 Drama and Managing Director of Company Pictures. His credits include Shameless and Wolf Hall.
He founded the BBC Writers' Academy and is the author of Into the Woods, which has sold more than 250,000 copies worldwide, and Trip to the Moon: Understanding the True Power of Story (2026).
Who is this for?
Playwrights, screenwriters, directors, actors, dramaturgs, aspiring writers and anyone interested in developing their storytelling skills. The session is relevant to both emerging and established creative professionals.
Key information:
For more information and to book, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Planning your next steps in performing arts training?
The Stage's annual How to Choose Your Drama School guide is here to help!
Curated using insights from more than 1,000 respondents to our 2026 drama school survey, the guide brings together practical advice and expert guidance to help aspiring performers make informed decisions about their training and future careers. Now its own standalone supplement, this is the perfect comprehensive guide to share with your students and wider networks.
To read the guide, click the Opportunity Info link below.
Key Information:
What is the Bronze Award for Theatre Technicians?
The Bronze Award is a 5 day programme which gives candidates knowledge and understanding of best practice, whether they are working in regional rep, touring, multiart form studios, community theatre, the West End or as a freelancer. The Bronze Award delivers the first vocational step for professional development for the theatre technician and also opens opportunities to progress to other ABTT Awards.
Who can do the Award?
Both members and non-members are eligible, though ABTT members receive a discount. The ABTT Bronze Award is suitable for anyone with an interest in technical theatre, whether in a professional or amateur capacity. While no formal prior qualifications are required, this award is designed for those with a basic working familiarity with a theatre environment. It provides essential tools and knowledge to help newcomers and early-career team members safely and effectively work backstage.
How is the Award structured?
The Bronze Award consists of five 1-day courses, followed by the Bronze Award Assessment. Candidates who achieve a pass, merit, or distinction in the assessment will receive a Bronze Award Certificate and become eligible to apply for ABTT Silver Awards. Candidates who are unsuccessful this time or are unable to complete all 5 days of the programme are encouraged to continue working towards achieving the full Award certification by completing any outstanding training and the Award Assessment within 2 calendar years. Certificates of completion are available in the meantime, to recognise training days that have already been attended.
You can also book each 1-day course individually.
What do the Courses cover?
For more information and to book, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Key Information:
What is the Bronze Award for Theatre Technicians?
The Bronze Award is a 5 day programme which gives candidates knowledge and understanding of best practice, whether they are working in regional rep, touring, multiart form studios, community theatre, the West End or as a freelancer. The Bronze Award delivers the first vocational step for professional development for the theatre technician and also opens opportunities to progress to other ABTT Awards.
Who can do the Award?
Both members and non-members are eligible, though ABTT members receive a discount. The ABTT Bronze Award is suitable for anyone with an interest in technical theatre, whether in a professional or amateur capacity. While no formal prior qualifications are required, this award is designed for those with a basic working familiarity with a theatre environment. It provides essential tools and knowledge to help newcomers and early-career team members safely and effectively work backstage.
How is the Award structured?
The Bronze Award consists of five 1-day courses, followed by the Bronze Award Assessment. Candidates who achieve a pass, merit, or distinction in the assessment will receive a Bronze Award Certificate and become eligible to apply for ABTT Silver Awards. Candidates who are unsuccessful this time or are unable to complete all 5 days of the programme are encouraged to continue working towards achieving the full Award certification by completing any outstanding training and the Award Assessment within 2 calendar years. Certificates of completion are available in the meantime, to recognise training days that have already been attended.
You can also book each 1-day course individually.
What do the Courses cover?
For more information and to book, click the Opportunity Info link below!
