Actor Training and Coaching MA

Actor Training and Coaching is one of Central’s postgraduate degrees that exposes you to high-level training practice.

The course does not train actors, but develops a practical understanding of what it is to act, enabling you to work as an actor trainer, coach, theatre practitioner and director of actors.

• Create approaches through research and practice in training methodologies and through specialist teaching
• Learn pedagogical tools for coaching and teaching actors
• Benefit from wide-reaching placement opportunities

During terms one to three, you may expect to encounter work associated with, for example, Stanislavski, Chekhov, Meyerhold, Bogart, Lecoq, Grotowski and Meisner, and methodologies appropriate for acting for screen. Teaching methods include tutorials, group seminars and workshops.

You will develop advanced interpersonal, facilitation, coaching and pedagogy skills. These include:

how to research, plan and deliver courses;
obtaining knowledge of a wide range of acting methodologies and practices - as well as some movement and voice - in the education and support of actors;
research skills, both as an individual and through group research; presentation skills and an ability to plan, conduct and critically reflect on your own practice as an actor trainer/practitioner.

In the MA and the MFA first year, there is the opportunity for you to undertake a teaching/assistant directing/coaching placement, as well as placements to engage with different acting and production contexts with the duration ranging from eight hours to three months.

Placements are a vital part of the course and will enable you to develop experience and hone skills as a pedagogue/practitioner. If you are pursuing the part-time pathway, you will undertake placements in the second year of your course.

The MFA second year widens your opportunity to practise knowledge within a professional context. You will be expected to undertake one or two workplace attachments, as well as participate in tutorials and occasional seminars throughout the year as part of an ongoing process of pedagogical reflection and engagement leading to the submission of the final assessment. An MFA top-up year for those of you with an existing MA in this subject is also available.