Why Intermediate Acting Training Is Essential for the Working Actor

Intermediate Acting Training for Professional Actors

Published on:
17th July 2025

Intermediate acting training is essential for staying competitive in today’s industry. At BOVTS, we support actors through every stage of their journey, but the journey doesn’t end after drama school. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional, growing as an actor requires more than just passion. A positive attitude helps, but it’s your commitment to regular training that keeps your skills sharp and your performances fresh.

We understand that acting is a lifelong pursuit. That’s why we offer Intermediate Screen Acting and Intermediate Stage Acting courses. These short, intensive programmes, alongside our weekly Actor’s Lab and development programmes,  give working actors a space to grow, take risks, and stay creatively active.

Why Intermediate Acting Training Is Essential

Even the most experienced performers benefit from continuous training. Athletes, musicians, and actors all need regular practice to stay at their best. Returning to the rehearsal room or joining a focused workshop can reignite your process, help break unhelpful habits and reconnect you with your artistic instincts.

Sometimes it takes a fresh perspective or a new environment to find a performance breakthrough. For example, you might hear a familiar concept explained in a new way, discover something in a scene partner’s delivery that reframes your understanding. These moments of discovery are what keep your work alive and evolving.

A 2023 report by the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre found that 76% of creative‑sector employers cited a lack of specialist skills (including performance and technical skills) in applicants, highlighting the ongoing need for advanced training

The 10,000-Hour Rule

You may have heard that it takes 10,000 hours to master any skill. For actors, those hours need to be varied, collaborative, and supported by expert feedback. Mastery is not about perfection, nor is it about stagnation, it’s about staying open, curious and flexible.

Contemporary performance is constantly changing, from the way stories are told, the subjects are explored or the methods used on stage or screen. Both intensive and weekly training opportunities, exposes you to new material, fresh perspectives and a peer community that challenges and inspires you, as well as keeping you creatively flexible!

A 2021 meta-analysis of 250 studies found that spaced (distributed) practice consistently improves long‑term memory and skill retention, compared to cramming psychology.ucsd.edu +11 alicekeeler.com +11 en.wikipedia.org +11 reddit.com +15 learndash.com +15 trainingindustry.com +15 . Moreover, a detailed Intellecs.ai review explains spaced repetition can boost long‑term retention by up to 200 % compared to massed (crammed) learning intellecs.ai +1 numberanalytics.com +1.

Investing in Yourself as a Professional

As an actor, you’re expected to deliver – in auditions, on set and in rehearsals. But without regular practice, even experienced performers can feel disconnected. That’s why our Intermediate Acting Courses are structured to feel like a working environment. You’ll explore challenging material, receive detailed feedback and build your confidence in a supportive space.

Sir Patrick Stewart at Star Trek press conference

Photo credit: Getty Images

 

Keep Growing, Keep Working

A sustainable acting career is built on courage, resilience and the willingness to keep learning. Intermediate training isn’t a step backwards to basics, it’s a leap forward. At BOVTS, we are proud to support actors at every stage of their journey, with training that reflects the demands of today’s performance world.

So, whether you’re returning after time away, preparing for a major audition, or simply want to stay sharp between jobs, our intermediate programmes offer the structure and support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.


Explore our Intermediate Courses:

Intermediate Screen Acting Course

Mon 28 Jul – Fri 1 Aug, 2025

Designed to refine your technique in front of the camera, helping you master the subtleties and precision required for screen work

Intermediate Stage Acting Course

Mon 4 Aug – Fri 8 Aug, 2025

Hones your presence, vocal clarity and connection to text, with a focus on truthfulness and ensemble collaboration.

W/C Mon 29 Sep, Autumn Term (10 weeks)

For those seeking ongoing support, our Actor’s Lab and development sessions offer weekly access to industry-focused training, script work and professional mentoring, perfect for actors juggling auditions, jobs and creative projects.

Students relaxing outside of the School
The School is in a beautiful part of Bristol, overlooking a huge park called the Downs. We sometimes take advantage of our close proximity to the Downs during the summer term, practising fight and dance routines, or voice or singing classes! Dan Hall, BA Professional Acting student