20- Month Advanced Acting Diploma

ACTOR/ ACTOR DIRECTOR ROUTE

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ABOUT THE COURSE

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This fast-track, intensive 5-term programme delivered in 3 units offers high-quality full-time training in small cohorts, providing a strong launch-platform directly into the Industry. The programme includes: 

  • Deep analysis of core acting methods, including Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, Strasberg, Meisner, and Adler

  • Leading training of Character Analysis and Movement Psychology, as developed by Yat Malmgren and Christopher Fettes*

  • Scene study and text analysis

  • Movement classes, ballet, social dance, combat

  • Voice, singing, and accent development

  • Acting for Camera, including techniques for screen and self-tapings

Students leave the programme with tangible experience for both their portfolio including numerous public performances, scene showings with industry audiences, and a professional show-reel. Additionally, training includes an externally-assessed examination leading to the award of Associate of Trinity College London Diploma in Speech & Drama (Performing).

We also arrange industry events to meet agents and casting directors, drawing on our strong links with agents, casting directors, and producers across the UK, US, and Europe.

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20- Month Advanced Acting Diploma Advantages

In addition to high quality training, the 20-month program offers participants a number of advantages: 

  • Small class sizes offers intense and specific training, allowing actors to receive the maximum focus to guide their development

  • Independently-run programme means that our prices are lower than university or establishment UCAS drama schools. 

  • Fees are the same for UK and International students, and payment plans are available to make the programme accessible. 

  • Scholarships are available to cover up to 50% of course fees

  • GFCA is accredited by ASIC - the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities.

  • Member of Spotlight Casting Graduate-scheme, a benefit which is only available to high-level training-providers with a proven track-record.

  • Alumni network: we offer continued membership of the studio to graduates of our full-time programmes, to support their development in the period following full-time training.

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Actor-Director Route — Advanced Intensive Acting Diploma

The Actor-Director route is designed for students who wish to direct as well as act, developing the technical and creative storytelling skills required for theatre and film — grounded in first-hand experience as a working member of the acting ensemble.

In addition to the core acting, movement, and voice curriculum, this pathway includes:

  • Practical directing sessions with actors, developing each student's individual directorial strengths

  • Seminars in producing, dramaturgy, casting, and design

  • Assistant-directing experience on theatre and film projects

  • External industry work placements

  • A culminating public theatrical production, presented to industry guests

The route runs within GFCA's 20-month, three-unit programme, extended slightly to accommodate this additional training.

    • Duration: 20 months

    • Schedule: Full-time

    • Qualification: Diploma (ASIC Accredited)

  • Auditions open each January, for the next September intake. We regularly audition live at our Centre in the heart of London. We also offer dates in New York, Los Angeles, Paris - and we offer video / online interview auditions for those who live too far away to reach us easily; and we charge NO fees for auditions.  Ask for more information.

    • Tuition is £16,300

CURRENT GRADUATES

FAQS

  • The course is taught over 20 months, in three modules, with holiday breaks in

    between. The course is taught Monday-Friday, usually between the hours of

    10:30am – 4:30pm, with 25 taught contact hours per week.

  • Occasionally, especially when rehearsing for a production, weekend rehearsals may

    be required.

  • If you have the right to work in the UK, students if they wish, can work evenings and

    weekends to financially supplement their training.

  • Each class differs in terms of workload, but there is a usual expectation of personal

    study, in the form of line lining, private rehearsal/research, to further the outcome of

    the taught lessons.

  • You can apply by filling in the application form below. We will contact you with an

    audition date. Please specify whether you would like to audition in person at our

    Soho studio or would prefer to send an audition tape.

  • The minimum age to apply for all GFCA courses is 18 years old.

  • There is no upward age limit to apply, anyone over 18.

  • No, you do not need any formal qualification to apply.

  • If you’re London based, we would prefer you to audition in person, but appreciate

    this may not be possible for multiple reasons. We have the option for you to send

    through self-tapes, followed by a follow-up zoom interview.

  • We would you to prepare two speeches, a modern (post 1980) and a classical (

    Elizabethan/Jacobean ) – Each lasting no more than 3 minutes.

  • The audition will last roughly 40 minutes. We will look at both speeches, and then

    work on both with you, followed by a short conversation to find out a bit more about

    you.

  • We endeavour to let you know our decision within two weeks.

  • As the course is a diploma course, no student finance will be available for the

    course. However, students have the opportunity to apply for a bursary, which if

    successful, will cover a percentage of their course fees.

  • Yes, everyone can apply, and we would love to discuss any specific learning

    modifications that we can put in place, to make your educational experience as

    beneficial as possible.

  • Applications should have strong conversational English skills and be confident

    speaking and reading in English, otherwise, this might act as a barrier to their

    understanding of the teaching.

  • No, with the course being a diploma course, you will be unable to apply for a student

    visa through the course. Students from overseas, can acquire an ETA ( Electronic

    Travel Authorisation ), which will work with the three unit breaks.