Now part of the collegiate University of Arts London (UAL) it continues to march forward by diversifying into performance training. From next year it will offer two new three-year courses: BA (Hons) Acting and Performance, and BA (Hons) Contemporary Theatre and Performance. The college site is being developed to accommodate this work, with the first cohort starting in September 2019.
‘The new courses are part of our plan to become an “integrated performance” environment,’ says Simon Betts, dean of performance and foundation studies ‘At Wimbledon College of Arts we've been involved in theatre, set and costume design for several decades, so this seems like a logical step forward.’
Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL is currently enrolling its first intake. There are no audition fees or conventional auditions, but there is a selection process.
Course content
The acting and performance degree is designed for students whose primary interest is in acting, and who want to develop their practice in what Betts describes as ‘a critically and creatively challenging performance environment.’
The declared aim is to equip students to become successful performers able to meet the rapidly changing demands of contemporary practice. Teaching will include performance labs, workshops, physical, vocal and movement training, along with practical production projects.
The contemporary theatre and performance degree is broadly similar but with an emphasis on developing multi-skilled, effective theatre-makers and creative entrepreneurs who work together to form creative companies and establish innovative forms of performance.
The courses claim to break new ground and to be different from other vocational courses that are on offer for aspiring actors and other creatives. Betts continues: ‘These courses offer a radical new approach to performer training, integrating physical and vocal practices with digital technologies in an exciting and stimulating integrated performance environment in which performers explore and experiment alongside directors, designers and technicians.’
Pro-Vice chancellor and head of college David Crow adds: ‘We will provide our students with opportunities to work alongside some of the most talented professionals at work in the UK's performing arts industry. At Wimbledon, we believe that performance is more than a craft. It's a way of connecting with others, of approaching challenges, and engaging communities in the big issues of the day.’
Admission
The standard minimum entry requirements for both courses are one or a combination of the following qualifications:
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
- Two A Levels at grade C or above
- Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma
- Pass at UAL Extended Diploma f Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as IB Diploma
- And three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C in the old system)
College staff will also consider the quality of each application, looking at the portfolio of work, personal statement and reference.
Under some (‘exceptional’) circumstances, prior learning and experience might be considered in lieu of the qualifications listed above.
‘We shall invite applicants to take part in “experiential interviewing” events and activities,’ says Betts. ‘The idea is to help them feel at ease and they are therefore better placed to showcase their skills. It also means that course selectors can observe candidates doing real work, rather than talking about it. And it ensures that prospective students will get first-hand knowledge of what these courses will entail along with a taste of the college's approach to learning.’
Career prospects
The contemporary theatre and performance course promises to equip students with a range of skills which will enable graduates to work in the theatre, creative and cultural industries, while the acting and performance course aims to do all that along with teaching specialist acting skills.
Notes for teachers
-
The UAL is ranked sixth in the world for Art and Design in the 2018 QS World University Rankings. It comprises Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communications and London College of Fashion as well as WCA.
-
Professors Adrian Kear and Jane Collins will both lead the acting and performance degree (UCAS code W415) and the contemporary theatre and performance degree (UCAS code W442).
-
The University code is U65 and the deadline for UCAS applications is 15 January 2019. If there are places available, the courses will consider applications after that date
-
Applications from students with disabilities are welcome. There is help and advice available at disability@arts.ac.uk and 020 7514 6156