Course
Overview
We offer training that prepares actors with vocal and instrumental skills for rehearsal, performance, production, interdisciplinary creation, and industry engagement.
Using innovative and traditional practitioner approaches within scenarios designed to stretch and challenge you, you will expand psychological and physical processes to hone and fine tune your acting methodology. You will increase your instrumentation and compositional skills, improve physical stamina, strength, and flexibility, gaining aptitudes in singing, vocal resonance, movement, and the amalgamation of all skills to generate a unique contemporary performer.
You will collaborate with external professionals and students from other disciplines to realise full, professional-scale productions. You also develop self-employment, enterprise and interpersonal skills.
Accreditated By:
What You Will
Study
The Actor's Preparation: Acting & Musical Principles
In this module, you examine vital technical principles and practitioner approaches to develop a framework for analysing and realising text. Technical acting sessions contribute to acting through song and presenting scene-into-song episodes to peers. Instrumentation tuition, dance and singing studies underpin this module, with an introduction to vocal and physical anatomy and physiology culminating in project work to reinforce these fundamentals.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Preparation: Acting & Musical Principles II
This module advances your technical application when approaching character from a canon of established and respected works in a directed presentation of dramatic scenes. Acting through song provides a continuation of scene-into-song studies to reinforce and develop technique. Instrumentation and compositional studies improve and expand your musical knowledge. Dance focuses more closely on ballet technique and you will begin to explore a variety of styles from jazz to ballroom. Singing aims to identify and address technical issues, tone production and resonance; voice sessions also examine accent, speech and text.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Preparation: Acting & Musical Principles III
For this module you will strengthen the technical approaches you’ve learned so far in a directed workshop presentation of a musical play presented to an internal audience. You will work with a greater independence, testing your ability to engage with psychological, physical and vocal techniques, as well as combining musical instrumentation skills, collaboration and legit vocal qualities, including onsets and stylistic singing qualities.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Preparation: Artistic Practice I
In this module, you will develop the necessary skills to compose original live work and extend your ability to work as part of a creative ensemble. Furthermore, you will undertake research and development, understanding fresh and relevant cultural perspectives to give your work meaning as well as acknowledging the role an audience plays in the reception of your work. This module introduces notions of business and enterprise, criticality and creation, as part of the artist’s ongoing practice.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Process: Musical Project Performance I
This project provides you with the technical approaches to unearth advanced acting approaches. You will begin to adapt and adjust your technical knowledge by working across a variety of performance styles, genres and platforms to expand your abilities. You will now consolidate practitioner methodologies, vocal and physical choices, as you explore hybrid technical approaches to forge your own personal acting process for actor musicianship, including live workshop presentations to your peers.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Process: Musical Project Performance II
This project allows you to test your developing process when applied to classic musical works. You will take further responsibility for realising the demands of the material and are expected to identify appropriate methods and techniques for approaching classic works. You will work with advanced musicianship by integrating acting and instrumentation, working with greater physical stamina, strength and flexibility, connecting dynamic vocal qualities and unforced projection.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Process: Musical Project Performance III
This project introduces you to boundary-breaking musical works, unearthing a combination of styles and genres. Beginning now to mirror professional practice, you will receive structured direction, musical direction and choreography in the creation and execution of a fully realised work. You undertake independent research in the development of a unique and integrated actor musician theatre work to an invited audience across a number of performances.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Process: Artistic Practice II
This module delivers the opportunity to research, create and present a project such as a cabaret event, musical concert, musical film, or micro-musical performance. You will investigate cultural perspectives, unearthing objective debates around studied materials and the creation of your own, bringing together research, theory and practice. Also, you will enhance your business knowledge and industry skills, including project planning, target audiences and audition technique to contribute to both your actor’s process and personal practice.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Practice: Professional Musical Production I
In this module you will work with professional theatre-makers, including students from other courses, to realise an original live public production. You will reach professional standards and expectations, working independently to research and prepare for the rehearsal process and meet the vision of your director, musical director, choreographer and creative team. You will exercise your ability to demonstrate technical aptitude, professionalism, organisation and time management skills, an understanding of professional profiling and the repetition and recreation of work via performance technique.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Practice: Professional Musical Production II
In this module you build on previous experience, assuming full responsibility for your own preparation, process and production of work that meets professional standards. By working in simulated industry scenarios, you are presented with challenging expectations which are representative of the real world. The module follows a similar structure to Production I, culminating in a production of work for a public audience. Your interpersonal skills, independent methodology and professionalism is further tested through self-governed responsibility and engagement with collaborators.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Practice: Professional Musical Production III
For this module, you will collate a promotional portfolio, containing work in digital media, music and voice recording as well as screen-work. This portfolio will be utilised to contact industry and employers, researching and evaluating appropriate industry networks to engage with in preparation for your future career. You will take part in a live industry showcase, generate showreels, voicereels and additional promotional material according to your career plans and employment aspirations. Work produced on this module is public-facing and can be utilised to secure an agent or present yourself to future employers.
This module content is indicative.
The Actor's Practice: Artistic Practice III
This module builds on previous Artistic Practice projects, advancing your development and creation of original new material. You will receive mentored supervision in your chosen area, leading to a live/recorded showcasing of work at our annual festival. Additionally, you will use practical and research skills to develop a solo project, improving your independent entrepreneurial and project management skills.
This module content is indicative.
How You Will
Study
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Technical Skills Classes
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Performances
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Seminars
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Workshops
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Independent study
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Group work
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Masterclasses
How You Will Be
Assessed
Your assessment takes place during practical classes and rehearsals, performances and your reflective tasks. Overall, assessment is based on applications of technique in performance situations, either in front of an audience or in workshops.
The coursework element is focussed on your future career, your working environment and critical life skills. In your third year you undertake an optional practical or written research project. Again, career focussed and chosen by you.
Practical/written work ratio
80% practical work / 20% written course work
Our
Facilities
Rehearsal Rooms
LIPA’s spacious rehearsal rooms are predominantly used for workshop-style teaching and as rehearsal spaces in the lead up to performances. Some of these have their own sound and lighting facilities. The biggest rehearsal room is large enough to enable it to be marked up as the stages will be in LIPA’s theatre spaces, which makes the critical final weeks in the rehearsal process period that much easier.
Dance Studios
LIPA has four dance studios. Three of them have rafter high ceilings, including one with equipment specifically used for aerial dance. They all have top of the line Harlequin sprung floors, barres and full wall mirrors and each has a dedicated sound system with iPad access.
The Paul McCartney Auditorium (PMA)
The PMA is the largest of LIPA’s performance spaces and is a traditional proscenium arch theatre. It can seat an audience of around 350 people and has flexible seating arrangements and staging configurations.
Each year over 30 performances take place in the PMA. You may perform in this venue or in the George Harrison Workshop Studio or external theatre spaces. Some of your performances are to a public audience – some are to an invited audience only. We hold the majority of our large-scale masterclasses in the PMA and it is also used for presentations to the whole student body.
The PMA is complemented by a green room lounge area and dressing rooms.
George Harrison Workshop Studio (GHWS)
Seating over 100 people, the GHWS is a fully equipped experimental performance space that offers creatives and performers a ‘blank canvas’ for productions. As well as immersive and promenade performances, it can also host more traditional theatrical productions with a variety of stage and audience configurations. It is also used as an exhibition, rehearsal and teaching space
The Sennheiser TV Studio
The Sennheiser TV Studio is a fully realised TV and broadcast studio. The studio, along with motion capture and editing, sound and grading suites, was completed in 2020. Students have access to state of the art facilities and equipment to replicate a professional environment and support learning.
Costume and Wardrobe Department
LIPA’s wardrobe department has an extensive costume store and well configured spaces for design and making. Our design students plan, design and create costumes for around 15 separate productions throughout the year. You will usually experience this area when taking part in fittings for your performances.
Technical Services
LIPA’s Technical Services team can help with general technical queries and booking out equipment for short-term loan. Loan equipment includes musical instruments, microphones, various recording and playback equipment, digital video and stills cameras and AV equipment.
Term-time opening hours allow you access to Technical Services from 9am until 11pm every weekday and 9am until 5pm on Saturday and 11am until 5pm on Sunday. Outside of term time it is open on weekdays from 9am - 5pm.
Learning Resources Centre
LIPA’s Learning Resources Centre (LRC) is a specialist creative and performing arts library with an extensive collection of books, e-books, scores, CDs, DVDs, e-resources, print and electronic journals. Whether you are looking for individual songs or scripts, background research or creative inspiration, the LRC Team will be able to help. The LRC offer support sessions in ICT and study skills through subject specific lectures, as well as one-to-one and drop-in sessions, ensuring you get the most out of your study.
The LRC website provides the gateway to LIPA’s online catalogue and electronic resources and includes links to a wide selection of help sheets and video guides. In addition, LIPA’s virtual learning provision which includes Moodle, holds a variety of subject-specific learning materials, such as lecture notes, useful web links and module information. The majority of these services are available off-campus.
LIPA’s integrated learning environment has a variety of study spaces, including individual and group work areas, and an open-access computer suite. Facilities include printing, copying and scanning, plus binding and laminating equipment. A range of stationery is available for purchase to support your studies.
Opening hours during term time are Monday and Wednesday 9.00am to 6.00pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9.00am to 8.00pm, Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. The LRC may be closed for some weeks in June and is also closed during July and August.
ICT Services
LIPA's Information, Communications and Technology Department provides the infrastructure and services framework that enable students to exploit the latest information and communication developments.
Industry-standard computer resources are running the latest productivity software on high specification workstations in dedicated computer suites. LIPA also has a colour A0 plotter, ideal for floor plans.
All PCs are installed with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office & Project as standard. There is also access to a range of additional specialist software installed on selected workstations. These include AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud applications, EarMaster, Sibelius, MindManager, Vectorworks and WYSIWYG.
All workstations have access to the Internet, email and other electronic resources. There is free Wi-Fi access throughout our buildings for students and staff members via the Eduroam network which provides a world-wide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community.
Specialist ICT staff are available to answer questions, give assistance and advise on ICT issues.
LIPA Bar and Canteen
As well as serving food and drink, the bar and canteen are the hub of social activity within LIPA with both spaces licensed for performances.
The canteen is the venue for LIPA’s weekly gig night, The 2ube. Most Fridays the 2ube features live performances, showcasing musicians from LIPA and Liverpool’s music scene. The event is a collaboration between Management, Music, Sound Technology and Theatre & Performance Technology students.
The canteen also hosts open mic and jukebox shuffle nights, and independent student organised performances and benefit nights. The bar hosts regular quiz nights and Student Event Board parties.
The bar is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 3pm - 11pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday from 3pm - 10pm, with extended hours for special events.
The canteen is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 3pm, serving food and drink at student-friendly prices.
What Our
Graduates Do
This is a new course, and with the increased demand for performers who combine high level acting skills with first rate musicianship, we expect our graduates to be equipped to gain sustained work with leading theatre companies, musicals, television, film, radio, emerging digital platforms and as musicians. Some of our graduates may also set up their own independent theatre and production companies.
Educational qualifications are important but limited in what they can tell us about you.
Your natural ability, your fit with what and how we teach, your growth and your potential are also key factors in our admission process. We can’t evaluate these solely on your educational achievements, so no matter which course you are applying for, we look for the following attributes on your application and at the interview stage.
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"When I met LIPA students, I was struck by their commitment to continual improvement to develop their craft. "
Woody Harrelson
Actor, writer, director, producer
Additional Costs
As part of this course, there are likely to be some additional costs that are not included within your tuition fees. Many of these are optional. We’ve also included information about cost of living expenses in Liverpool in this section. After you accept our offer, we'll send you a list of books and equipment that we'd like you to bring. We recommend that you bring specific clothing and footwear for your practical classes. These are standard items of clothing that you will need as a working actor.
Here are the key course-related costs that we'd expect you to pay during your three years with us, in addition to your tuition fees:
Script fees
Each year, you are asked to buy Acting scripts for your roles in assessed performances. The costs for these are likely to work out roughly as follows:
- First year acting script fees: £20
- Second year acting script fees: £25
- Third year acting script fees: £40
Headshots and joining Spotlight
Headshots are vital marketing tools. In your final year, you need to invest in headshots to present yourself as a professional. We encourage you to undertake research into which photographer to work with. Our students typically pay around £80 to £120 for their headshots. Professionally taken headshots can cost over £300 in London. It is compulsory for you to supply a headshot so you can take part in the showcases which are an assessed part of the course.
Being a member of Spotlight is important for finding work in the UK, so you will need to join in your final year. (the Actors Spotlight Membership fee costs just over £150).
Showcases
The majority of the costs for your final year North West and London showcases are included in your tuition fee. We provide you with both a travel allowance and food allowance for your showcases, but we don't pay for overnight accommodation costs. Most of our students stay with friends or alumni. The showcase is an assessed part of the course so taking part in the showcase is compulsory.
Seeing shows
You should go to the theatre as often as you can. This is not compulsory, but it will help your development as an actor. Theatre visits are not covered by your tuition fees, so you'll need to cover these costs yourself. Most theatres offer student discounts and we are occasionally offered a limited number of free or discounted tickets for shows in the city. We also encourage you to see other actors performing in our shows. We offer discounted student tickets to make this as affordable as possible
Optional stage combat training
During one of the vacations we usually bring in a stage combat tutor for those of you that want to put yourselves forward for a qualification in this to add to your CV. You have to pay an examination fee and the cost for the training is shared between all of the students who undertake it. This is not a compulsory part of the course.
Cost of living
Wherever you choose to study, you'll have to budget for accommodation and other everyday living expenses, such as food and bills.
Liverpool represents great value for students. Accommodation costs are low in comparison with other places in the UK, particularly the South East. The city's shops and entertainment venues also have lots of student discounts.
We’d recommend completing a simple budget plan to predict your income and outgoings. This should include accommodation, bills, insurance, TV licence, food, laundry, clothes, books, travel and socialising. How much you'll want to spend on a lot of these is completely personal.
There is lots of advice available online about budgeting,:
- UCAS budget calculator is a great tool to help you balance your in-comings and out-goings.
- SaveTheStudent provides useful information on student money resources, including loans, budgeting, and scholarship sources.
Most UK students will be able to take out a maintenance loan to assist with living costs and there are some grants available. We also offer some bursaries. To find out more, please see Student Finance and bursaries.
Because our courses are intensive and we have a busy season of student performances, options for part-time work during our teaching periods can be limited. However, many of our students gain flexible part-time work, in performance venues, shops, restaurants and bars. We also provide casual work opportunities for our students ranging from stewarding work on our productions to working with young people to help us widen access to our courses. The long summer break is when many of our students choose to work.
Additional Costs
As part of this course, there are likely to be some additional costs that are not included within your tuition fees. Many of these are optional. We’ve also included information about cost of living expenses in Liverpool in this section. After you accept our offer, we'll send you a list of books and equipment that we'd like you to bring. We recommend that you bring specific clothing and footwear for your practical classes. These are standard items of clothing that you will need as a working actor.
Here are the key course-related costs that we'd expect you to pay during your three years with us, in addition to your tuition fees:
Script fees
Each year, you are asked to buy Acting scripts for your roles in assessed performances. The costs for these are likely to work out roughly as follows:
- First year acting script fees: £20
- Second year acting script fees: £25
- Third year acting script fees: £40
Headshots and joining Spotlight
Headshots are vital marketing tools. In your final year, you need to invest in headshots to present yourself as a professional. We encourage you to undertake research into which photographer to work with. Our students typically pay around £80 to £120 for their headshots. Professionally taken headshots can cost over £300 in London. It is compulsory for you to supply a headshot so you can take part in the showcases which are an assessed part of the course.
Being a member of Spotlight is important for finding work in the UK, so you will need to join in your final year. (The Actors Spotlight Membership fee costs just over £150).
Showcases
The majority of the costs for your final year North West and London showcases are included in your tuition fee. We provide you with both a travel allowance and food allowance for your showcases, but we don't pay for overnight accommodation costs. Most of our students stay with friends or alumni. The showcase is an assessed part of the course so taking part in the showcase is compulsory.
Seeing shows
You should go to the theatre as often as you can. This is not compulsory, but it will help your development as an actor. Theatre visits are not covered by your tuition fees, so you'll need to cover these costs yourself. Most theatres offer student discounts and we are occasionally offered a limited number of free or discounted tickets for shows in the city. We also encourage you to see other actors performing in our shows. We offer discounted student tickets to make this as affordable as possible.
Optional stage combat training
During one of the vacations, we usually bring in a stage combat tutor for those of you that want to put yourselves forward for a qualification in this to add to your CV. You have to pay an examination fee and the cost for the training is shared between all of the students who undertake it. This is not a compulsory part of the course.
Cost of living
Wherever you choose to study, you'll have to budget for accommodation and other everyday living expenses, such as food and bills.
Liverpool represents great value for students. Accommodation costs are low in comparison with other places in the UK, particularly the South East. The city's shops and entertainment venues also have lots of student discounts.
We’d recommend completing a simple budget plan to predict your income and outgoings. This should include accommodation, bills, insurance, TV licence, food, laundry, clothes, books, travel and socialising. How much you'll want to spend on a lot of these is completely personal.
There is lots of advice available online about budgeting,:
- UCAS budget calculator is a great tool to help you balance your in-comings and out-goings.
- SaveTheStudent provides useful information on student money resources, including loans, budgeting, and scholarship sources.
Most UK students will be able to take out a maintenance loan to assist with living costs and there are some grants available. We also offer some bursaries. To find out more, please see Student Finance and bursaries.
Because our courses are intensive and we have a busy season of student performances, options for part-time work during our teaching periods can be limited. However, many of our students gain flexible part-time work, in performance venues, shops, restaurants and bars. We also provide casual work opportunities for our students ranging from stewarding work on our productions to working with young people to help us widen access to our courses. The long summer break is when many of our students choose to work.
