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Performing Arts Academy

two students sat down looking at scripts together on a dark stage

Performing Arts Academy

Start your Performing Arts journey

Exeter College’s Performing Arts Academy aims to stretch and challenge learners who demonstrate a genuine commitment and motivation in creating live performance work and want a career within the industry.

Performing Arts Academy students will experience a broad and diverse programme of master classes, workshops and work experience outside the curriculum of their studies. Previously students have visited local venues in the City Centre to watch professional work and talks. In addition to this they have visited a range of theatres in the South West. The Academy benefits from excellent connections with both local theatres as well as acting professionals. In previous years, academy students have worked with professional agents, regional theatre artistic directors, local theatre companies, conservatoire lecturers as well as Exeter College Alumni who are now working professionally in the Performing Arts Industry. The culmination of the academy will be a showcase of live performance work in front of a panel of industry professionals and invited guests. Previous scratch performances include ‘Paper Crowns’, ‘New Views 2024’ and ‘I love my AI Girlfriend because…A Discourse.

Performing Arts students sat on chairs mid performance

Who is the Performing Arts Academy for?

This Academy is aimed at learners who are passionate about the performing arts, have open minds and are prepared to face challenges. Potential Academy members need to be able to write, produce and perform their own work to make a living in such a competitive industry. The Performing Arts Academy is open to any student that is studying a performing arts related course and has gained a GCSE grade 4 or above in both English and Maths.

The Academy is for both first years and second years as it has been designed to be both aspirational as well as inspirational. Drama and Performing Arts staff will be able to feed back to all learners who have been unsuccessful in their application as part of the induction process when term starts in September. We’re really excited when learners reflect upon feedback, develop new skills and apply again to the Performing Arts Academy the following year.

Academy Sessions are timetabled outside of your subjects and are not incorporated in your timetable. Typically, students will commit approximately 3 hours per week, although when working upon a final showcase of work this will increase.

What will you gain?

Students will gain an honest and realistic insight into the performing arts industry. You’ll get the opportunity to work with learners on other performing arts related courses. You’ll get to develop skills in networking, collaboration, creativity and performance techniques. At the core of the academy is the demand for learners to be open minded and motivated to create their own work. We are passionate about learners becoming theatre makers as well as developing enhanced performance technique.

This year we are working on an adaptation of ‘Blood Wedding’ by Lorca – working title ‘Dry Land’ or ‘Somewhere else’. If a potential applicant would like to come and see the performance, we have a limited number of free tickets for Wednesday 4th February 2026. To arrange the ticket please get in touch.

Previous Performing Arts Academy students have graduated onto courses at Drama Schools and Universities such as: Southbank University, Bristol School of Acting, Central Film School, University of Exeter, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, University of Manchester, East 15, Bristol Old Vic, GSA, Rose Bruford, Emil Dale, Plymouth Conservatoire, London School of Musical Theatre and Bournemouth University. 

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Academy Fees

Apply for 2025/2026

Once you have completed your College course application, you can apply for an Academy.
Click below to apply.
The Academy team will then review your application and shortlist candidates for audition.

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