Step into the world of performance with our intensive Acting Summer School in Bristol, part of our Summer Schools programme. Over five full days, you’ll dive into a wide variety of masterclasses and workshops led by industry professionals - from from Screen Acting to Shakespeare, Improvisation to Stage Combat, all delivered in a centrally located Bristol studio.
Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for an inspiring introduction, or you have some acting experience and want to develop your skills, this course will give you a solid foundation in acting technique, character work, and performance confidence - right here in Bristol’s creative city scene.
By the end of the week, you’ll have practical experience across multiple acting disciplines, a deeper understanding of your craft, and the tools to deliver a convincing performance both on stage and on screen.
What You Will Learn
Across five dynamic days, you will:
- Develop your stagecraft: create believable characters, explore different ways into a script, take direction with confidence, and unlock your creativity.
- Build screen acting skills: work on-camera with a professional setup, use playback to review your work, and perform a directed scene from TV or film.
- Strengthen physical performance: broaden your body language and movement range for relaxed, authentic performances.
- Train your performance voice: learn voice care and safety while developing vocal control, projection, and presence.
- Learn stage combat fundamentals: practise safe, credible techniques for physical storytelling.
- Grow confidence through improvisation: think quickly, connect with scene partners, and stretch your imagination.
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Jul 2026 - 24 Jul 2026 | Mon | 10:30-17:00 | 5 days | Richard Winsor | 1532 Performing Arts Centre - Clifton, Bristol | £595.00 | Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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Benefits of Taking This Course
Taking part in the Acting Summer School is more than just a training programme – it’s a creative boost, a confidence builder, and a chance to immerse yourself in the world of acting.
- Explore a broad mix of acting disciplines in just one week.
- Train with a working industry professional, gaining practical, real-world insight.
- Build transferable skills you can use anywhere: communication, teamwork, confidence, and adaptability.
- Receive personalised feedback to support your progress and next steps.
- Connect with your tutor and a community of fellow students.
- Finish the week with the tools and direction to move forward — whether that’s stage, screen, or further training.
Master the Stage
Learn techniques to create memorable, engaging performances.
Shine on Screen
Understand how to act for the camera and analyse your work with playback.
Find Your Voice
Train for vocal strength, clarity, and emotional connection.
Perform with Presence
Use movement, body language, and stage combat to deliver dynamic performances.
Think on Your Feet
Sharpen your spontaneity and creativity through improvisation.
Useful Information
No. This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some performance experience who want to refresh their skills.
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in, along with suitable footwear. Some sessions will be physical.
No preparation is required. All scripts and materials will be provided during the course.
This is an example of how the week can look. The exact content and timings may vary depending on the tutor and class size. 10:00–13:00 14:00–17:00 Outcomes: Understand the training approach for the week, establish safe vocal habits and start building believable characters. 10:00–13:00 14:00–17:00 Outcomes: Develop body language and group awareness, and learn to respond in the moment with clarity and ease. 10:00–13:00 14:00–17:00 Outcomes: Gain confidence on camera and learn to use playback and feedback to refine performance. 10:00–13:00 14:00–17:00 Outcomes: Strengthen text work and learn to combine technical skills in a coherent performance. 10:00–13:00 14:00–17:00 Outcomes: Understand safe combat fundamentals, complete an informal sharing and leave with a personalised development plan.Day 1: Foundations, Voice and Stagecraft
Welcome, warm ups and course overview. Core acting fundamentals. Introduction to character, given circumstances and objectives.
Voice for actors. Breath, support, articulation and range. Applying vocal technique to short texts and simple scenes.Day 2: Movement, Ensemble and Improvisation
Movement practice. Physical storytelling, body alignment and presence. Working as an ensemble and spatial awareness.
Improvisation principles. Listening, offers and acceptance. Short-form improv to develop spontaneity and confidence.Day 3: Screen Acting with Playback
Screen technique. Hitting marks, framing and eyelines. Working truthfully at close range for camera.
On-camera scene work with playback and tutor feedback. Refining choices for clarity, simplicity and connection.Day 4: Musical Theatre Workshop and Scene Study
Musical theatre workshop. Breath and vocal energy, acting through song, integrating acting, voice and movement.
Scene study. Script analysis, beats and tactics. Rehearsal room etiquette and taking direction.Day 5: Stage Combat and Sharing
Introduction to stage combat. Safety, partner awareness and basic unarmed techniques. Choreographed combination.
Polishing selected scenes for an informal sharing. Individual notes and next steps guidance.
After completing the Acting Foundation Course, you can continue your training with one of our higher-level acting courses at City Academy:
Acting Improvers – progress your skills with more advanced scene work, character development and performance practice.
Acting for Screen – refine your on-camera presence, work with playback and develop techniques specific to film and television.
Screen acting 4 Week Intensive course – commit to an intensive programme designed to prepare you for the world of screen.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Jul 2026 - 24 Jul 2026 | Mon | 10:30-17:00 | 5 days | Richard Winsor | 1532 Performing Arts Centre - Clifton, Bristol | £595.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833.
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 38 Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4RN
Cheque - You can also pay by cheque by filling out this form (click here) and posting it to the address above.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Jul 2026 - 24 Jul 2026 | Mon | 10:30-17:00 | 5 days | Richard Winsor | 1532 Performing Arts Centre - Clifton, Bristol | £595.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833.
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 38 Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4RN
Cheque - You can also pay by cheque by filling out this form (click here) and posting it to the address above.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.
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