Screen Acting Foundation - 3 Months

As part of the course, you’ll build a strong foundation and develop the tools needed to succeed on screen. Your training will include:

• Fundamental acting skills: including script analysis, character development, voice work, movement, and emotional connection.


• Advanced performance techniques: helping you create richer, more believable characters and deliver powerful screen performances.


• Practitioner-based methods:
  
  
  • Meisner Technique – training you to react truthfully and instinctively in the moment.
  
  
  • Method Acting – guiding you to access deep, authentic emotional experiences.
  
  
• Practical application: through live workshops, filmed exercises, and creative projects, giving you real-world experience and building your confidence for professional work.

Throughout the course, you will also focus on developing the specific skills needed to deliver powerful, natural performances on screen:

• Finding "relaxed stillness" on camera, creating presence without unnecessary movement.


• Creating variety in performances to keep characters dynamic, believable, and engaging.


• Adapting your approach to suit different genres, styles, and storytelling techniques.


• Learning shot types: understanding how to work with everything from wide moving shots to intense close-ups.

Your voice is a vital tool for on-screen performance. In this course, you will:

• Find a vocal practice you can continue to develop both during and after the course.


• Master breathing techniques to ground your voice and connect more deeply with your emotions.


• Receive singing lessons to explore colour, range, and expressive potential in your voice.


• Gain vocal control to adapt your voice for different shot types, from close-ups to wide shots.


• Explore vocal techniques including modulation, articulation, pitch, pace, rhythm, and tone.


• Apply your voice effectively to text and character work for authentic performances.

Movement is an essential part of creating truthful, engaging screen performances. You will:

• Explore physical expression, relaxation, and the stillness necessary for closer shots to ensure authentic presence on camera.


• Train in practitioner-based movement techniques such as Alexander Technique, Laban Movement Analysis, and LeCoq methods.


• Translate movement into script work to enhance your characterisation and storytelling on screen.

Auditions are your gateway to professional work, and this course will fully prepare you for both self-taped and in-person opportunities. You’ll learn what casting directors are looking for and how to present yourself with confidence and professionalism every time. Your training will include:

• A complete guide to self-taping: learn how to create high-quality, professional audition tapes from home.


• What to expect at an in-person audition: understand the audition room dynamics, etiquette, and how to make a strong impression.


• Mock audition project: experience a simulated audition process to build your confidence and refine your technique.

Learn from the best with industry-led masterclasses focused on auditioning excellence. You will:

• Participate in a masterclass with a stunt co-ordinator to understand physicality and safety on camera.


• Learn from leading actors in a masterclass sharing tips on auditioning and sustaining a screen career.


• Gain insight from a top casting director on what makes a standout audition tape and live performance.


• Hear from an acting agent about how to position yourself professionally and secure representation.

Your showreel is one of your most important marketing tools. In this module, you will:

• Receive tailored casting advice to find the perfect scenes for your unique strengths.


• Take part in acting workshops to finesse the performance of your monologues.


• Shoot your starter showreel on location with professional direction and production.


• Receive your professionally edited showreel within 3–4 weeks — ready to showcase on casting sites, approach agents, and attract casting directors.

Understand the business side of acting with expert-led coaching. You will:ul>

Put everything you’ve learnt into practice with a final short film project. You will:

• Collaborate with a professional scriptwriter to develop original scripts tailored for the ensemble.


• Work on an ensemble short film project with scenes filmed in pairs to maximise your screen time.


• Shoot on location in London with professional crews, utilising cutting-edge Black Magic equipment.


• Receive your professionally edited short film (15–20 minutes) within 3–4 weeks, ideal for showcasing your work to industry professionals.

You'll need to send a short video (up to 3 minutes) introducing yourself with your name, followed by a short monologue or a scene with someone reading off-camera. Choose material that you feel confident and excited to perform.

We aim to get back to you within 48 hours with personal feedback. Successful applicants will be contacted directly by the City Academy team.

This is a full-time course running Monday to Friday, with a combination of acting classes, workshops, rehearsals, filming days, and industry masterclasses. You should be prepared for an intensive and rewarding schedule.

Yes. As part of the course, you will take part in a professionally shot showreel project and receive a full set of headshots to use for casting profiles and agent submissions.

Absolutely. You will work with professional directors, cinematographers, and crews using high-spec Black Magic cameras and equipment to create high-quality, edited short films.

Graduates leave with a portfolio of professional materials and insider advice on finding auditions, securing an agent, and launching their screen acting career. You'll also be invited to join our alumni network and stay connected with industry opportunities.

The course is held at our Central London venues, with some filming projects taking place on location around the city.

At present, City Academy courses are self-funded. However, flexible payment plans are available for this course — please contact us directly to discuss your options.