Mountview’s MA in Performance – Acting is designed to give students with a previous degree or practical experience the skills and contacts to succeed as an actor
The course develops technical skills over an intensive three-term programme of training and study. There are only 32 places available each year. With 36 hours of contact teaching time each week and taking place with a maximum of 16 students per class this postgraduate acting course delivers focused, hands-on training.
Over the first two terms you will take skills classes. These are complemented by performance projects including contemporary writing, Shakespeare, European and American drama and original devised work.
In the final term, you’ll present a fully-staged public production and professional showcase attended by agents, casting directors and other prominent industry professionals. Students with a USA work visa also have the option of a New York showcase (flights and accommodation costs apply).
Across the year students prepare for their MA on a performance-related subject of their choice through lectures and tutorials. This is presented as a creative project, backed up with a written submission.
In your third term you’ll also work closely with Mountview’s Industry Liaison to understand and prepare for life as a working actor.
Assessment is based on work throughout the course. If you wish to complete the MA you will attend a series of seminars and prepare a creative project. The MA is not compulsory and if you don’t take it you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.
2018/19 Term Dates
Autumn term 21 September – 21 December 2018
Spring term 14 January – 18 April 2019
Summer term 23 April – 27 July 2019
2019/20 Term Dates
Autumn term 1 September – 6 December 2019
Spring term 6 January – 3 April 2020
Summer term 6 April – 25 July 2020
• Acting
• Acting for camera Improvisation
• Voice
• Movement & dance
• Singing
• Open space
• Contemporary play 1
2018/19 Term Dates
Autumn term 21 September – 21 December 2018
Spring term 14 January – 18 April 2019
Summer term 23 April – 27 July 2019
2019/20 Term Dates
Autumn term 1 September – 6 December 2019
Spring term 6 January – 3 April 2020
Summer term 6 April – 25 July 2020
• Classical scene work
• Acting for camera
• Recorded voice
• Voice
• Movement & dance
• Singing
• Shakespeare
• Contemporary play 2
2018/19 Term Dates
Autumn term 21 September – 21 December 2018
Spring term 14 January – 18 April 2019
Summer term 23 April – 27 July 2019
2019/20 Term Dates
Autumn term 1 September – 6 December 2019
Spring term 6 January – 3 April 2020
Summer term 6 April – 25 July 2020
• Audition technique
• Career development
• Showcase
• Public production
• Television & film
Fees are subject to annual review. One term’s notice will be given of any increases.
Additional costs include headshots, student membership to Spotlight, black active wear for workshops and rehearsals and practice skirts for period roles – allow around £500
Mountview works with all students to discuss funding options.
Find Out MoreTraining at Mountview was both the most challenging and rewarding experience I've had. The support and guidance I received whilst facing fears and insecurities that performing naturally brings was fantastic.
Admission onto the course is by audition. Applicants must be aged 21 years or over at the start of the course.
Entry is based on performance at audition. If you do not hold an undergraduate degree will need to undertake an access assignment to establish suitability for undertaking the MA.
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, age, ethnic origin, disability, religion and marital/parental status or any comparable grounds.
Postgraduate acting candidates will take part in a morning of movement/improvisation workshops and present classic and contemporary monologues (see Undergraduate Acting/Actor Musician). There is a recall audition on the same day with selected candidates invited to stay on for further workshops, monologue sessions and an interview in the afternoon.
For detailed information on what you need to prepare for auditions and for audition dates visit
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