Mountview’s vocational actor training will thoroughly prepare you for a career in theatre, TV, film and recorded arts.
The course develops technical skills through workshops and performances. Classes are designed to inspire imaginative engagement and develop practical experience – they are places where you can take risks, expand your range and develop your strengths.
There are limited places available each year and students are taught in small groups. You’ll receive 30 hours of contact teaching time each week during the first two years of training.
Study takes place over three 12-week terms per year.
The first half of each term is devoted to skills classes whilst in the second half you work on a range of performance projects encompassing British, American and world writers. Students engage with a range of classic and contemporary texts from across the globe for example Off the Endz by Bola Agbaje, Punk Rock by Simon Stephens, After Mrs Rochester by Polly Teale, Bees and Honey by Guadalís Del Carmen, Cymbeline by William Shakespeare, Wasted by Kate Tempest, Born Bad by debbie tucker green and A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller.
In the second year you also apply your skills in collaboration classes which included peer integration and team teaching to enhance your creativity and help to make connections between subjects. Additionally, there is time given to tailored ‘surgeries’ to focus on detail and help you to develop your independence and confidence in your practice. You’ll also work closely with Mountview’s Industry Liaison Manager to understand and prepare for life as a working actor.
The focus of the third year is film and public performance. You’ll work with professional directors to present a range of productions in Mountview’s theatres and an industry showcase as well as creating a voice and film showreel. Audiences include agents, casting directors and other industry figures as well as the general public.
2020/21 Term Dates
Autumn term 15 October – 18 December 2020
Spring term 4 January – 26 March 2021
Summer term 6 April – 9 July 2021
NB There is no teaching on the Easter Weekend (2-5 April) or May Bank Holidays
2021/22 Term Dates
Autumn term TBC
Spring term TBC
Summer term TBC
2020/21 Term Dates
Autumn term 14 September – 18 December 2020
Spring term 4 January – 1 April 2021
Summer term 19 April – 9 July 2021
NB There is no teaching on the Easter Weekend (2-5 April) or May Bank Holidays
2021/22 Term Dates
Autumn term TBC
Spring term TBC
Summer term TBC
2020/21 Term Dates
Autumn term 7 September – 18 December 2020
Spring term 4 January – 1 April 2021
Summer term 6 April – 14 May 2021
NB There is no teaching on the Easter Weekend (2-5 April) or May Bank Holidays
2021/22 Term Dates
Autumn term TBC
Spring term TBC
Summer term TBC
*Trinity Diploma Registration Fee – correct as of academic year 20/21. Fee TBC for academic year 21/22.
Fees are subject to annual review and may increase in years 2 and 3 in line with inflation. One term’s notice will be given of any increases.
Additional costs include grey palette active wear for workshops, dance shoes and practice skirts for female period roles – allow around £180. In year 3 there will be additional costs for headshots and Spotlight membership – allow £350.
There are a number of student bursaries available for UK/EU students.
EU citizens commencing training at Mountview in September 2020 will continue to pay the same fee as UK citizens for the duration of their course.
Find Out MoreFrom the first audition, I knew that Mountview was the school for me. It has been the most incredible three years. I've met friends that I will hold dear for the rest of my life.
Applicants must be aged 18 years or over at the start of the course. Entry is based on performance at audition – previous formal academic qualifications are not essential.
However, one of the following is desirable:
• Five GCSE passes and two A-Levels or
• Four SCE Higher Grade passes
• BTEC National or Higher National Certificate or Diploma with merit grades
• Foundation course
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
Students who receive a Dance and Drama Award (DaDA) will work towards the Trinity College London Diploma in Professional Acting in addition to completing the BA (Hons) in Performance.
If an applicant’s first language is not English, and they have not been taught in English or studied to A Level standard in the UK, they will need to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of competence through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Band 6.5).
Mountview welcomes applications from people with disabilities and is keen to support all applicants to achieve their best. If applicants have any special requirements or access needs, these should be discussed with the course leader/administrator.
Mountview is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for students in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. No applicant will receive less or more favourable treatment on grounds of sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic origin, disability, religion and marital/parental status or any comparable grounds.
First round auditions will take place online. Candidates will need to submit a film of them performing their selected materials. Successful candidates will be invited to Mountview for a second round of in-person workshops and auditions. For detailed information on what you need to prepare for auditions and for audition dates visit
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