Home›Acting Classes›Screen Acting›Professional 1 Year Screen Acting Programme Step onto set, fully equipped. A professional pathway into screen acting. An industry-led programme that takes you from screen technique to two professional short films, and a final showcase in front of Agents and Casting Directors. Our Professional 1 Year Screen Acting Programme is led by the industry’s top Directors, Casting Directors and Acting Coaches. Learning from Directors who’ve worked with the biggest stars, on top shows from Netflix and the BBC - you’ll gain invaluable experience in real audition processes. This is the perfect way to refine your skills and get noticed. Gain live, on-set experience and build your network as you hone your skills at the creative hub of West End, TV and Film Production companies - CA Studios. You’ll launch your Screen Acting career as part of the course and leave with remarkable credits, a full portfolio with professional showreel footage and professional headshots. Professional results that’ll get you noticed. Audition today View course dates Get connected. Build credibility. Masterclass Professionals Include: Max Marlow Oscar nominated Producer Max Marlow is a Forbes 30 Under 30 filmmaker and producer of Oscar®-nominated short A Friend of Dorothy and Oscar®-shortlisted Good Boy. His work has featured talent including Miriam Margolyes, Stephen Fry and Ben Whishaw, with projects released on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Channel 4. He is currently preparing his directorial debut, Hidden Creatures. View Bio → Antonio Aakeel Slow Horses (Apple Tv) star Antonio Aakeel is a British actor known for Apple TV+’s BAFTA- and Emmy-winning Slow Horses and the acclaimed feature Eaten by Lions. His screen credits also include Tomb Raider and Sherlock & Daughter, with work spanning major international productions and independent British film. View Bio → Nicci Topping Casting Director Nicci Topping is an award-winning casting director with over 20 years’ experience across film, television, commercials and digital projects. A member of the CDA, CSA and BAFTA, she won the 2019 CDA Award for Best Casting – Short Film and brings extensive insight into casting, auditions and actor career development. View Bio → Jason Wingard BBC and ITV Director Jason Wingard is an award-winning film and television director whose credits include Eaten by Lions, In Another Life, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Known for character-led storytelling, he brings students practical insight into directing, auditions and professional screen production. View Bio → Put Your Training Into Practice One year. Two short films. A career in screen acting. In your second term you'll get cast, directed and filmed in a short film with a professional crew and top industry-standard equipment. You'll earn two IMDB credits, see your film entered into festivals, and watch it back on the big screen at your own dedicated screening - with agents, casting directors and directors in the room. Your finished film becomes a core piece of your showreel, ready for agent submissions and casting applications, as well as being entered into film festivals, including Venice Film Festival and BFI London. Last years alumni starred in a short film alongside British Soap star Rula Lenska, and Slow Horses star Antonio Aakeel. Read our feature in Variety here. Audition today! All Variety Feature Film Screening On set Variety Feature ‘Slow Horses’ Star Antonio Aakeel Makes Directorial Debut Read the full article here Film Screening Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 Film Screening Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 Film Screening Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 Film Screening Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 Film Screening Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 Film Screening Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 Short image caption. On set Professional 1 Year Screen Acting course 2025 Short image caption. × ‹ › A career-launching, 1-year Screen Acting programme Screen work & credits Make two professional short films – Get cast, directed and act in two professionally produced short films, working alongside professional crew in a real production environment. Gain professional screen credits – Receive IMDB accreditation with your short films and get your spotlight profile ready to get cast. Industry experience & visibility Get behind-the-scenes – Find out how professional sets and casting sessions work. Experience the action on real film sets. Gain on-set experience – Gain exposure as your film is entered into film festivals. Attend your own film screening – Watch your work on the big screen and attend your very own short film screening. Guests include industry contacts such as Casting Directors, Directors and Agents. Industry access & career progression Connect with working industry professionals – Regular contact with working Casting Directors, Agents and Directors via masterclasses, workshops and feedback sessions. Create a professional showreel package – Leave with at least three varied professionally filmed scenes selected to suit your casting profile and strengths. Receive professional headshots – Build your acting portfolio with high-quality images created by an experienced industry photographer. Create a voice demo reel – Develop practical voice-over skills and leave with professionally recorded material that showcases your vocal performance. Confidence & professional development Build your professional network – Develop the confidence and practical skills needed to create meaningful industry connections and build relationships with other actors and screen professionals. Develop your mindset and personal brand – Explore how to present yourself professionally, define your strengths as an actor and approach your career with greater clarity and confidence. Learn how to market yourself – Receive practical guidance on positioning yourself as a professional actor and making the most of your headshots, showreel, credits and online presence. Get seen by Top Agents Every professional Actor needs an agent. Enjoy drop-in sessions with industry agents and gain valuable tips on how to secure the best agent for you. United Agents Acting Agency United represent high-profile actors in film, TV, theatre, and radio, both in the UK and internationally. Intertalent Acting Agency Known for representing actors from popular TV shows and Film, such as Glee, Paddington and Game of Thrones. Curtis Brown Acting Agency Known for representing a wide roster of actors, screenwriters, directors, and presenters. Get Seen, Get Connected Enjoy exposure and make connections as you work directly with the industry’s leading Casting Directors. You’ll have regular opportunities to audition and showcase your skills. Gain insights, feedback, and build lasting connections with the people who are making the big casting decisions. You may recognise some familiar faces! Get a chance to be seen by some of TV and Film’s best and rising stars. You’ll have a chance to workshop some scenes and enjoy expert guidance. Be prepared for the industry and gain insights with Q&A sessions. Have some questions about this course? Speak to our team before you book If you have any questions about our Screen Acting Courses, Shila Bentley (our Screen Acting Programme Leader) would be delighted to discuss your aspirations and help you make the right decision for your acting journey. Please feel free to book a call with her below to learn more. Book a call Be inspired and network. Connected to the Industry Your Professional 1 Year Screen Acting Programme will take place in City Academy’s professional central London studios. Purpose-built for Acting and performance training, these inspiring spaces are regularly used by West End, Tv/Film productions for castings, auditions and rehearsals. Training in the same environment as working performers gives you an authentic insight into the professional industry while providing everything you need to develop your technique, confidence and performance skills. Professional Studios Central London Location Rub shoulders with professional performers A Progressive Path to Screen Acting Our Professional 1 Year Screen Acting Programme is divided into 6 progressive modules across 3 terms, each carefully designed to build on the last. From technical screen craft and in-depth character work to genre versatility and industry readiness, each module offers focused, high-impact training tailored to the real demands of today’s film and television industry. You'll move from refining on-camera skills to performing in professionally produced short films, culminating in a final industry showcase. This structure ensures a well-rounded, immersive experience that prepares you not just to act - but to work. 1 Acting 1.1 Screen Technique Aims / Focus Discovering responsiveness, spontaneity and truthfulness Stillness and presence on screen Listening skills Internalising (avoiding demonstrating or projecting) Efficient and effective line-learning Class Elements Games for spontaneity, freedom and relaxation (on and off camera): Individual and group games building connection, playfulness, observation, and freedom in the body. Encouraging key skills such as connecting with senses, imagination, responsiveness, spontaneity, truthfulness, listening, attention and freedom in the body. Own story exercises: Telling a real story on camera, then swapping stories and truthfully “owning” another actor’s story. Focus on truthful and simple connection with imagination and senses. Listening: Script and non-script based exercises exploring various approaches and techniques to improve listening. Internalising: Exercises and script-work focusing on internalised performance. Improvisation: Skills and concepts encouraging playfulness and adaptability on set. 1.2 Script Breakdown & Characterisation Aims / Focus Using key practitioners (e.g. Stanislavski, Hagen, Meisner, Strasberg, Laban, Michael Chekhov) to break down text and develop character/performance Developing emotional connection and depth Using subtext and inner monologue Class Elements Practitioner technique sessions: Concepts plus exploration of techniques and scenes. Subtext: Explanation, examples, and mini-scenes exploring top-text and subtext. Inner monologue: Explanation, examples, and exercises. Emotions & emotional preparation: Techniques for exploring/creating emotion and building emotional preparation. 1.3 Scene Study Aims / Focus Putting technique into practice using a range of scenes Exploring and refining screen acting technique across major genres High stakes scene performance Class Elements Intro monologues: Rehearsal, performance and playback (close to casting bracket). Intro duologues: Rehearsal, performance and playback (close to casting bracket). Listening / presence / stillness scenes: Nuanced scenes filmed in close-up. Introduction to genre: Understanding genre, analysing patterns and applying them to performance. Genres explored include: 9pm Drama (e.g. Line of Duty), Brit-comedy, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Period Drama, Thriller (playing villain/victim), Horror (playing villain/victim), Romance, Heightened Historical (e.g. The Favourite, The Great). Genre research & techniques: Finding examples, identifying common patterns and applying exercises. Genre script work & rehearsal: Script breakdown and rehearsal based around genre. Genre performance & playback: Filmed scenes and detailed feedback. Classic scene study: Comedy and drama scenes from 70s–90s film & TV. Contemporary scene study: Comedy and drama scenes from recent film & TV. Advanced uniting & listening scenes: High-accuracy listening under pressure. High-stakes scenes: Emotional prep and strong emotional connection. 1.4 On-Set Skills Aims / Focus Understanding various shot-types and their opportunities/demands Blocking, composition, continuity and hitting marks Eye-lines and body position on camera On-set procedures, roles and jargon Improvised performance techniques Dealing with high-pressure shoots Class Elements Shot-types introduction: Examples and quizzes using film & TV clips. Crew & production roles: Actors take on production roles in improvised scenes. Mobile phone short film: Group iPhone project using multiple shot types. Blocking & continuity exercises: Progressive challenges increasing in complexity. Filmed scene set-ups: Master shots, two-shots, close-ups, tracking shots and multi-set-ups. Improvising & adapting on set: Handling line changes, direction changes, ad-libs and pressure challenges. 1.5 Audition technique & self-taping Aims / focus Understanding professional self-tape and audition processes/standards Practising self-taping/auditioning in-studio, at home, and with industry professionals Classes (progression) Self-taping introduction: What is a self-tape? Work on professional examples. Covering the fundamentals. Introduction to equipment. Technical tips: labelling, editing, sending tapes. Performance tips: eye-line, movement, props/costume, interpreting briefs, quick script analysis under pressure. Finding own version and alternatives. Self-tape 1: (performance and playback) Simple intro or own story video shot in-studio, self-tape style. Self-tape 2: Small roles (rehearsal, performance and playback) Guide to auditioning for small roles (a few lines for a day-player, one scene role), rehearsal, taping in-studio, self-tape style. Self-tape 3: One page script (rehearsal, performance and playback) One page scene for a lead or supporting role, shot in-studio, self-tape style. Self-tape 4: Simple script, shot at home (rehearsal, performance and playback) One page scene for a guest role, shot at home and reviewed in studio. Self-tape 5: Advanced script, shot at home (rehearsal, performance and playback) 2 scenes for a leading or supporting character, shot at home and reviewed in studio. In-person auditioning: guidelines and techniques Mock audition: (rehearsal and performance) Mock audition with tutors and rest of class Commercial casting: guidance for self-tapes and in-person castings. Casting Director mock audition: Live in person chance to audition in front of a Casting Director with a chance for feedback and direction. 1.6 Live scene and on-set experiences Aims / focus Recreating a full on-set experience Process of filming a scene on-set, using set terms and etiquette Experiences on real sets (where possible) Class elements Work experience on film sets: behind-the-scenes understanding of professional sets/casting sessions. On-set scene preparation: breakdown and prep for in-studio mock on-set scene. Mock on-set filming: rehearsal, blocking, multiple takes, director supervision - reflecting professional working conditions. 1.7 Film production Aims / focus Collaborating with a professional film crew on a fully produced short film Bringing together all strands of the course Short film rehearsal Read-through, breakdown, character prep, scene rehearsal Classes Write/produce/shoot your own short film: teams script, produce and film a short using phones/simple cameras. In-house short film: low budget short filmed around the venue with in house director. Professional Short film production: collaboration with a professional film crew on a fully produced short film, on a professional set, whilst meeting film festival criteria. 2 Voice Intro to voice: introductory voice classes. Advanced voice: advanced vocal techniques and screen-specific challenges. Accents for screen: General American, RP accent, UK accents, and tailored choices; guidance on learning accents. "Own voice:" scene study finding your own voice on screen. "Advanced voice:" scene study creating and owning a voice quality away from your natural voice. "Voice Demo Reel:" work with a professional voice over coach on vocal tips and techniques for voice over, create a voice demo reel to suit your casting. 3 Movement Intro to movement: Freedom and expression in the body. Advanced movement: Advanced movement techniques and challenges specifically for screen. Finding relaxed stillness: Exercises that develop relaxation in the body and bring stillness to the performer on screen. Using techniques including meditation, yoga, Alexander technique, and specific camera-related exercises. "Own physicality" scene: Scene study for finding your physicality on screen. "Advanced physicality" scene: Creating and owning a physical quality away from natural physicality. 4 Industry Readiness & Career Launch 4.1 Navigating the industry and personal branding Aims / focus Treating your acting career as a business Finding an agent Finding work Joining Spotlight and IMDB Organising money Long-term career planning Defining casting and branding Creating tailored reels, headshots and voice clips Creating a strategic online presence Long-term career planning and taking action on your career Industry etiquette Class elements Introduction to the industry: Explanation and exercises around acting as a business. Who’s who and what’s what. Illustration of various career pathways. Researching the industry: Explanation and exercises around finding industry information: where to look and what to look for. Tailoring this for each individual actor. Finding work through Spotlight and casting sites: Understanding which sites are out there, what they do, and how to find work. Advice on setting up profiles and getting the most out of memberships. Mock submissions/beginning the process of signing up, with guidance. Finding an agent: Understanding who to apply to and where to find information. Sending a submission to an agent. Advice for agent meetings. Mock emails and meetings. Building a relationship with an agent: Tips on creating a partnership with an agent and troubleshooting. Networking for screen actors: Explanation and exercises around what networking is, how to do it, and what opportunities are out there. Mock networking scenarios. Project: actors to find a real networking event and attend. Emailing the industry: Explanation and exercises around key principles for emailing the industry. Mock emails. Making your own work: Explanation and exercises around making your own work, including idea generation, finding funding and bringing the idea to life. Project: actors mock-pitch for funding for a personal project of their own. Finding work through social media: Who to follow and etiquette around interacting. Where to find open castings and other opportunities. Self-employment: tax and N.I.: Complete guide to starting as a self-employed actor. Organising money as an actor and portfolio careers: Projected spending for actors, and how to run a budget. Tips for saving money. Creating income through multiple sources. Projects: Drawing up a budget. Creating a portfolio career plan. Casting types and brand: Defining your casting type and brand as a screen actor. Headshot session prep: Using an understanding of casting types and brand to prepare for a headshot shoot. Headshot session: Work with an experienced headshot photographer to obtain a professional headshot portfolio. Creating a strategic online presence: Creating curated social media feeds that advertise a performer’s strengths. Using other online platforms e.g. IMDb. Project: actors create/update an internet presence, and present it with explanation of their choices (or create skeleton profile, and present on who they are following). Career planning: Creating a career plan with actionable next steps. Advice on actionable next steps. 4.2 Showreel Showreel scene choices: Based on casting types and branding, choosing scenes for showreels. Showreel rehearsal: Prepping and rehearsing showreel scenes. Showreel filming: Filming of showreel scenes under supervision and direction of director/course tutor. 4.3 Showcases & industry presentation Aims / focus Performers bringing together everything they have learned on the course in showcases of live and recorded performance Class Elements Choosing material for showcase: Accumulating scenes/monologues during the course and finding fresh material based on the actors casting. Rehearsal of material for showcase: Monologue and/or duologue. Mid-course internal showcase: Actors are encouraged to invite industry connections. Professional showcase event attended by agents, casting directors, and industry guests: Culmination of the course, with live performances and film screening. 5 Masterclasses, workshops & Q+As Q+As: sessions with actors introducing industry and mindset. Masterclasses and workshops: advanced sessions led by actors, directors, casting directors and agents. Mo-cap movement workshops Screen combat Voiceover: masterclass and sample creation. Intimacy workshop: with a professional intimacy coordinator. 6 Wellbeing & check-ins Check-in and feedback: meeting with Programme Director/Course Lead to discuss progress and receive feedback. Wellbeing: mindset and mindfulness for calm, authenticity, and navigating the industry. Guides to resources actors can use both while training and once in the industry. How to Apply A year of intensive, industry-led preparation for a professional acting career. Audition by submitting a short self-tape video and receive feedback on your audition. Places will fill up so we recommend sending in your audition video as soon as possible. Your audition video should be no longer than 3 minutes and should start with you saying your full name followed by a short monologue or alternatively a scene performed with another person off camera. Feel free to use any written scene you like from a play, TV or film script or something you've written yourself. This is an opportunity for you to express yourself creatively and for the tutors to assess your suitability for the course. Have fun with it! Click the button below and complete the audition form. Fill out the audition form with your details and attach your audition video Successful auditionees will be contacted within 1 week Should you be successful with your self tape you will then be invited for an in-person second round audition with Programme Director Shila Bentley Submit your audition BOOKING & TIMETABLE VENUES TUTORS Browse Courses You can filter Courses by month and tutor Month All Months Tutor All Tutors Screen Acting Tutors Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking 05 Oct 2026 - 28 May 2027 Mon 10:00-16:00 30 weeks (Monday - Thursday) Screen Acting Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £12,000.00 Book Now ℹ Term breaks: Dec 14 - Jan 1, Mar 15 - Mar 19 04 Oct 2027 - 26 May 2028 Mon 10:00-16:00 30 weeks (Monday - Thursday) Screen Acting Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £12,000.00 Book Now ℹ Term breaks: Dec 13 - Dec 31, Mar 13 - Mar 17 05 Oct 05 Oct 2026 - 28 May 2027 £12,000.00 Day:Mon Time:10:00-16:00 Duration:30 weeks (Monday - Thursday) Tutor: Screen Acting Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon Term breaks: Dec 14 - Jan 1, Mar 15 - Mar 19 BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 04 Oct 04 Oct 2027 - 26 May 2028 £12,000.00 Day:Mon Time:10:00-16:00 Duration:30 weeks (Monday - Thursday) Tutor: Screen Acting Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon Term breaks: Dec 13 - Dec 31, Mar 13 - Mar 17 BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE × Select your Entry Level: -Select- Leader Follower Book Now Close ADD ME TO THE WAITING LIST If you'd like to be added to the waiting list for 'Professional 1 Year Screen Acting Programme' fill in the form below and we will contact you if a space becomes available. First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone Number * City Academy, Farringdon City Academy, Farringdon Closest Station: Farringdon Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden View Details Get Directions Screen Acting Tutors View Profile What You'll Leave With Throughout your year with us, you’ll gain many skills to add to your portfolio, and spring-board your Screen Acting career. Two Professional Short Films Star in two short films that are submitted into Film Festivals. Two professional credits including IMDB and Spotlight Leave with credits ready to launch your career and get cast in roles. Attending your Film Screening Attend your film screening in style, with industry guests invited. Showreel Footage Receive enough footage across the year to have for your showreel ready to show agents and Casting Directors. Screen combat skills Leave the course, more than equipped to step into the industry with a range of skills. Voice Demo Reel Work with a professional voice-over coach to create a voice reel that suits your casting type. Some of our clients We work with the top casting agencies and production companies in the UK and around the world, from the BBC to the West End! BBC Cameron Mackintosh Channel 4 Grindrod Burton Matilda NETFLIX Feature description Nina Gold Casting Playful Productions Rob Kelly Casting Royal Shakespeare Company Sonia Friedman Productions Feature description Walt Disney Warner Brothers Yash Raj Films YouTube Want to learn more? Keep your acting journey going with one of the courses below. Build on everything you've learnt so far, refine your screen technique, develop your skills and continue exploring a wide range of techniques. Film School Threshold Theatre Company Professional Showreel Package
Max Marlow Oscar nominated Producer Max Marlow is a Forbes 30 Under 30 filmmaker and producer of Oscar®-nominated short A Friend of Dorothy and Oscar®-shortlisted Good Boy. His work has featured talent including Miriam Margolyes, Stephen Fry and Ben Whishaw, with projects released on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Channel 4. He is currently preparing his directorial debut, Hidden Creatures. View Bio →
Antonio Aakeel Slow Horses (Apple Tv) star Antonio Aakeel is a British actor known for Apple TV+’s BAFTA- and Emmy-winning Slow Horses and the acclaimed feature Eaten by Lions. His screen credits also include Tomb Raider and Sherlock & Daughter, with work spanning major international productions and independent British film. View Bio →
Nicci Topping Casting Director Nicci Topping is an award-winning casting director with over 20 years’ experience across film, television, commercials and digital projects. A member of the CDA, CSA and BAFTA, she won the 2019 CDA Award for Best Casting – Short Film and brings extensive insight into casting, auditions and actor career development. View Bio →
Jason Wingard BBC and ITV Director Jason Wingard is an award-winning film and television director whose credits include Eaten by Lions, In Another Life, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Known for character-led storytelling, he brings students practical insight into directing, auditions and professional screen production. View Bio →
United Agents Acting Agency United represent high-profile actors in film, TV, theatre, and radio, both in the UK and internationally.
Intertalent Acting Agency Known for representing actors from popular TV shows and Film, such as Glee, Paddington and Game of Thrones.
Curtis Brown Acting Agency Known for representing a wide roster of actors, screenwriters, directors, and presenters.
