Advanced Screen Acting

Acting

Advanced Screen Acting

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    21+
  • Date

    Monday 24th August – Friday 28th August 2026.

     
  • Tuition

    9:30 – 17:00
  • Location

    Downside Rd, Clifton, Bristol
  • Cost

    £650
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Overview

This intensive Screen Acting course, led by BOVTS Head of MA Screen and Head of Screen Production is designed for actors looking to deepen their screen practice and develop a flexible, professional toolkit for working on camera. Across five focused days, participants will explore a range of influential acting methodologies and learn how to adapt them effectively for film and television performance.

The course bridges internal process and external technique, supporting actors to make truthful, specific, and camera-ready choices. Through practical exploration, on-camera rehearsal, filming, and detailed playback analysis, participants will refine their ability to deliver grounded, compelling performances in a professional screen context.

ADVANCED SCREEN ACTING

Course Highlights

– Learn from Head of MA Screen Myles Horgan and Head of Screen Production Jack Martin

– Explore major acting methodologies through a screen lens

– Develop a flexible and personal system for acting on camera

– Strengthen truthful listening, connection, and presence

– Apply advanced text and character preparation techniques

– Work on camera with playback, analysis, and tutor feedback

Day Outlines

Day 1: Methodologies in Practice – Building the Toolkit
● Introduction to Stanislavski’s legacy and its evolution for screen
● Practical exploration of Meisner, Chekhov, and Uta Hagen exercises
● Developing a flexible, personal system for screen acting
● Group discussion: challenges of screen performance at an advanced level

 

Day 2: Embodiment and Imagination
● Chekhov’s psychological gestures for physical truth on screen
● Using imagination and the body as tools for character creation
● Bridging internal process and external performance
● On-camera exercises exploring stillness and presence

 

Day 3: Truthful Connection and Text Work
● Meisner’s principles: deepening listening and truthful response
● Uta Hagen’s approaches to substitution and authenticity
● Practical application through duologues and monologues
● On-camera rehearsal with tutor feedback

 

Day 4: Character and Scene Preparation
● Advanced text analysis and role preparation techniques
● Navigating complex characters and high-stakes scenes
● On-camera rehearsal of set scenes with facilitator direction
● Individual preparation for final filming

 

Day 5: Filming and Analysis
● Filming of prepared scenes in a professional training environment
● Immediate playback and detailed analysis
● Identifying transferable skills for auditions, rehearsal, and on set
● Group reflection: building a sustainable approach for future screen work

Course Leaders

  • Entry Requirements

    This course is open to participants aged 21 and above.

    Applicants should either hold a recognised Acting qualification at Level 4 or higher or be able to demonstrate at least three verified professional acting credits. We may request evidence of any qualifications or experience listed in your application.

    To take part in this course, you will need an English language level equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or higher.

    If you are unsure of your current level, you can check it using the Cambridge English Language Assessment or the CEFR’s Self-Assessment Table where B2 proficiency aligns closely with an IELTS score of 6.0.

     

    How do I join the Course:

    Entry is by audition only. Applicants will be invited to submit a self-tape or attend an audition session before being offered a place.
  • When & where is this course?

    We advise you to bring food and drink with you each day. Otherwise, shops can be found nearby on Whiteladies Road.

    Your day will start at 09:30 and finish at 17:00.

    The course will take place at our Downside Road site in Clifton.
    Address: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, 1-2 Downside Rd, Bristol, BS8 2XF.
  • Who is leading the course?

    The course will be led by the Head of MA Screen at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Myles Horgan and Head of Screen Production Jack Martin.

    Myles will lead the students through a progressive series of explorations and exercises. The morning will start with warm ups and discussions and application of core screen acting tenets in a supportive and fun environment . The finalising and selection and rehearsal of the scenes and also on set co-direction with Jack Martin on the shoot day.
  • Why join the course?

    By the end of the course, participants will:

    – Train with the Head of MA Screen and Head of Screen Production at one of the UK’s leading drama schools

    – Have a clearer, adaptable approach to acting for film and television

    – Make confident, truthful choices under the camera’s scrutiny

    – Apply methodological tools flexibly in auditions and on set

    – Understand how to prepare complex characters for screen

    – Build sustainable working practices for future screen work
  • What do I need to bring and what do I need to wear?

    Bring a notebook, pen, water bottle, and any personal rehearsal materials. You may be sent a short scene or text to prepare in advance.

    We advise you to wear comfortable clothing that you can move in easily. Please wear closed-toe footwear appropriate for movement (e.g. trainers).
  • Short Course Cancellation Policy

    We will make all reasonable efforts to deliver a short course as outlined on our site and in any brochure or published material. However, we reserve the right to cancel a short course in case of events outside our control or if the course fails to meet a minimum number of participants. In the event that we cancel a course, we will inform participants who have booked a place via email at least 7 days prior to the start date. We will also provide a full refund of the course fee paid. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School cannot be held responsible for any expenses you incur due to such a cancellation.
  • Short Courses Refund Policy

    If you wish to cancel your place on the course, you will receive a full refund if you notify the school at least 7 days prior to the start of the course. For cancellations, contact [email protected]
  • Will I gain showreel footage from this course?

    No, this is a skills-based training course. Filming is for learning and analysis only, ensuring freedom to experiment without the pressure of producing finished material.
  • Where can I get food?

    We advise you to bring food and drink with you each day. Otherwise, shops can be found nearby on Whiteladies Road.
  • Policies and Procedures