The RIGHT course for Budding Actors
Are you looking to study for a degree? Then look no further! Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has one of the largest suite of degrees and university-level courses in Wales.
Currently, around 1,200 higher education students are studying on 50 different degree courses across its three colleges: Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor.
Most of the degree courses are offered at the multimillion-pound University Centre in Rhos-on-Sea, with some programmes also available at the Bangor, Llangefni and Dolgellau campuses. The Grŵp’s local provision means that you can study for a degree on your doorstep, saving thousands of pounds and negating the reason to move away to university.
Many of the courses are developed in consultation with employers, to equip learners with the skills and knowledge that employers require and to make the progression into employment easier. Often, the full-time courses are delivered over two days per week, helping learners fit their studies around work and family commitments.
One area which is widely predicted to become a growth sector in the near future is the performing arts, and acting in general. Of course, the sector has been temporarily affected by the Covid pandemic, but looking towards the future, it is anticipated that there will be a huge demand for actors once filming projects, theatres and a variety of venues are given the green light.
On a hugely positive note, a vital boost to the performing arts industry was announced by the UK government recently, with theatres, venues and organisations receiving a share of £257m government arts funding.
More than 1,300 organisations in the UK are set to benefit, including the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Bristol Old Vic. The nirvana for budding actors, Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world, regularly offering work experience to aspiring thespians.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. “It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector's recovery." The initial £257m in funding will come out of the wider £1.57bn Cultural Recovery Fund.*
The college group’s Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Performing Arts (Acting) programme is specifically designed for students aspiring to follow a career in acting. It is available at the Rhos-on-Sea campus and can be studied on a full-time and part-time basis over 1 or 2 years respectively (it is also available on a modular basis).
The course is a natural academic progression after completing A-Levels or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and introduces students to advanced practical technique classes and professional performance-based training, within a drama school environment. The course will be delivered by acting, movement and voice specialists with professional industry experience and subject knowledge that reflects the changing and contemporary landscape of performance works.
It offers a strong foundation in developing acting methods, performance techniques, independent discipline and professional practice; which aims to develop students and prepare for a progression route to university, an apprenticeship or directly into industry.
The course offers a number of professional development core modules with acting specialisms such as Classical Text, Audition Technique, Acting to Camera, Voice and Movement.
There will be many opportunities to engage in practical and professional work through strong links with the local creative arts hub, which include links with local theatres, arts organisations, guest practitioners and working professionals.
The course will give you all the tools you need to succeed within the industry. The group will function and be treated as a professional theatre company and they will learn and develop skills in creative collaboration, leadership, research and the formation and implementation of creative concepts.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and the Royal College of Music and Drama recently launched a new partnership that will support training in the Performing Arts in North Wales. The partnership will support students and teaching staff by providing workshops and professional development.
If you need more information on degree courses, or any other courses at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, please visit the website at www.gllm.ac.uk/degrees, email generalenquiries@gllm.ac.uk or telephone 01492 542 338.
*BBC News, 12/10/2020
