On Course

On Course: East 15 Acting School

Skills/Technique
For over 60 years, East 15 Acting School has been at the forefront of training innovative, imaginative and daring actors, performers, directors, producers and technicians. One of the UK's top conservatoires, it prepares you for a career in theatre, TV, film and digital media.
Students in a production of Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad
Students in a production of Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad courtesy of East 15

Courses offered

Undergraduate degrees:

  • BA Acting
  • BA Acting (International)
  • BA Acting and Contemporary Theatre
  • BA Stage and Production Management
  • BA Acting and Community Engagement
  • BA Acting and Physical Theatre
  • BA Acting and Fight Performance
  • BA World Performance
  • BA Creative Producing (Theatre & Short Film)

    • Foundation degrees:

  • Cert HE Acting and Theatre Arts (1 year)

    • Postgraduate degrees:

  • MA Acting
  • MA/MFA Acting (International)
  • MA/MFA Theatre Directing
  • MA/MFA Acting for Digital Media
  • PhD Drama and Performance

    • Course content overview

    For over 60 years, East 15 Acting School has been at the forefront of training innovative, imaginative and daring actors, performers, directors, producers and technicians. One of the UK's top conservatoires, it prepares you for a career in theatre, TV, film and digital media.

    With a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate vocational training courses, East 15 offers unparalleled opportunity to hone your skills in your chosen area. The school is ranked No. 4 in the UK for Drama (Guardian University Guide 2024) and is among the top 10 for overall student satisfaction in the latest National Student Survey (as part of the University of Essex).

    Performance training

    East 15's acting training emphasises the development of your personal talents and intuition alongside strong technical skills. The training is rooted in diverse methodologies from practitioners including Stanislavski, Laban, Chekhov, Lecoq, Grotowski, Meisner and other contemporary experts.

    Movement training nurtures physically expressive actors through dynamic alignment, characterisation techniques, dance and stage combat. The voice curriculum unlocks your full vocal potential, while music training provides you with fundamental skills for acting through song. Hands-on experience with recorded, digital and online media prepares you to work in today's multimedia landscape.

    Technical and creative training

    East 15 offers specialised training courses for a range of technical, backstage, behind-the-camera and creative roles in theatre, media, events and other creative industries. The BA Stage and Production Management and BA Creative Producing (Theatre and Short Film) courses provide hands-on vocational training, with opportunities to work on real-world projects from the very start.

    Preparation for the industry

    The school's practical, intensive training aims to equip students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in their chosen fields. East 15's professional-standard productions give students a realistic taste of working in the industry. Guest lectures and workshops from industry professionals further enhance career preparedness.

    Fees, bursaries, and other finance information

    Fees at East 15 Acting School vary depending on the course, level (undergraduate or postgraduate) and your fee status (home/UK or international). Detailed fee information can be found on the respective course pages on the East 15 website.

    UK students are eligible to access government support in the form of tuition fee and maintenance loans. Additionally, East 15 offers financial packages to support students who meet certain criteria. More details about funding options can be found at www.east15.ac.uk/fees-and-funding.

    Accommodation options

    East 15 is spread across two campuses – one in Loughton near London and the other in Southend-on-Sea.

    The Loughton campus does not have on-site accommodation; most students secure housing in the surrounding town. The school's Student Support Team provides help and guidance to find housemates and trusted landlords.

    The Southend campus has student accommodation which is available to students across all years. First year students are guaranteed accommodation at this residence.

    Entry requirements (qualifications)

  • UG courses: EE at A-level (or equivalent), with a successful audition/interview
  • BA World Performance: DD/EEE at A-level (or equivalent), with a successful audition
  • BA Creative Producing: DD/EEE at A-level (or equivalent), with a successful interview
  • Cert HE: At least one Grade E A-level (or equivalent), with a successful audition

    • Students in a production of Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad

    Application method

    Applicants to all undergraduate courses (except BA Stage and Production Management and BA Creative Producing) will need to submit a Round 1 video audition and complete an additional East 15 Application Form indicating your course preferences. If you're successful in Round 1, you will be invited to a Round 2 audition (or an interview for BA Stage and Production Management and BA Creative Producing (Theatre and Short Film) courses), which may take place on our campus, at a regional audition, or online.

    Audition process

    In the Round 1 video audition, applicants must include two contrasting speeches: one, a character-driven speech from a contemporary play or film/TV drama and the other, a speech in ‘heightened language’ with interesting rhythm, which could be from drama, poetry, lyrics or spoken word. Texts from all global traditions in English translation are welcomed.

    Some courses have additional audition requirements such as extra speeches and/or physical and devised work. If you are recalled for a Round 2 audition, you may be asked to prepare additional pieces. Details about what to prepare for East 15 auditions can be found at www.east15.ac.uk/preparing-for-auditions.

    east15.ac.uk

    east15@essex.ac.uk