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Acting – an Introduction (Stage 1)

  • Ages: 18+
  • Term: Autumn, spring
  • Length: 10 weeks
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Overview

Whether you're completely new to acting or an enthusiastic amateur, this 10-week practical workshop will introduce you to the fundamental skills needed to create believable, confident performances across theatre, television and film.

To book your place today, simply click Book Now to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

About this course

Designed as an accessible and supportive introduction, the course encourages learning through practical exploration, collaboration with peers, and close guidance from your tutor. You’ll be introduced to key theoretical and practical aspects of acting while developing confidence in your own creative instincts.

Your tutor, Alice Flynn, draws on her professional experience as an actor, writer, director and producer. She's worked with a wide range of performers, from beginners to professionals, and teaches in a fun, inclusive and approachable way that supports growth at every stage.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore a range of acting techniques used across different performance contexts, alongside gaining insight into the realities of the acting industry and how it operates.

A core element of the course is movement and physicality. You’ll be guided through physical techniques that help you connect mind and body, build confidence, and express character through movement as well as voice and text. This approach supports instinctive, playful acting and helps you remain fully present and responsive ‘in the moment’ during performance.

You’ll work on monologues and group scenes, allowing you to put newly acquired skills into practice while developing your presence, physical awareness and confidence as a performer. These practical sessions provide a strong foundation for future acting, theatre or performance-based projects.

  • A basic understanding of various acting methodologies to ensure a holistic approach to character work from their internal life to their physical and vocal expression.
  • Aspects of the following methodologies will be offered, to give you multiple tools to draw up and different ways to create a character and scenes: Stanislavsky’s text analysis, Laban’s Eight Efforts applied to voice and movement, The Viewpoints and Composition to explore a physical approach to character work, relationship dynamics, scene creation and audience perception.
  • Tools for creative resilience. You'll learn how to embrace new experiences, skilfully meet and learn from challenges, and practise simple ways to cultivate creative compassion and courage, supporting yourself emotionally, mentally and physically to make acting sustainable and more enjoyable.
  • Exploring the psychology and emotional life of everyday characters
  • Techniques to be a character rather than simply act one
  • Understanding the fundamental elements of credible character development
  • Industry insight into acting, casting, scriptwriting, directing and producing
  • Practical work on monologues and group scenes in a supportive environment

At the end of the course you'll:

  • Have developed a basic acting vocabulary and will feel confident putting your skills into practice
  • Develop perspective of what acting is will have changed and you'll view acting in film and TV in a different light
  • Build physical awareness and expressive movement as part of performance
  • Gain an enhanced understanding of human behaviour, empathy and self-awareness
  • Grow confidence in both individual and collaborative performance across different media
  • Possess improved artistic skills
  • Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
  • Have boosted creativity and imagination
  • Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback so you know how you're getting on.

What you need to know

Autumn term 2026

Tuesday 6 October – 8 December 2026 (10 Tuesday evenings, 18.00-21.00)

Spring term 2027

Tuesday 12 January – 16 March 2027 (10 Tuesday evenings, 18.00–21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

This is an introductory course and no prior acting experience is required. All you need is a willingness to learn, explore and develop your skills in a supportive environment.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£375

Any additional costs

Unless you wish to purchase additional items such as costumes, there are no additional costs on this course.

Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.

  • Notebook and pens/pencils to take notes
  • Please wear comfortable, practical clothes
  • An open mind and a sense of humour
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Meet your tutor

Alice Flynn

Alice Flynn

Alice Flynn is a highly multi-talented creative artist and educator whose talents include playwriting, theatre making...

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Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your acting skills with our advanced stage 2 course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.

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We're a first-choice provider of art and design short courses for anyone wishing to engage in art and design subjects in their spare time.

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