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East 15 Acting School

Loughton, England

LGBTQ+

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BA (Hons) Acting and Contemporary Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

East 15 Acting School traces its heritage to 1961 and the legacy of Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop

Member of the Federation of Drama Schools

Part of the University of Essex, ranked number one in the UK for drama and dance (Guardian University Guide 2026)

Renowned for its pioneering methodology and award-winning original productions

Training & Productions

Dynamic, intensive contemporary actor training that develops you as both performer and theatre-maker

Explores roles such as actor/writer, actor/musician, and actor/choreographer through European physical theatre, creative writing, expressionism, and music

Showcase and opportunities to present original work at leading professional venues

Taught at the Loughton Campus, a short walk from Debden Underground and 30 minutes from central London

Industry Connection

Recent graduates have worked with the National Theatre, Royal Court, RSC, Shakespeare's Globe, Cirque du Soleil, the BBC, Netflix, Warner Bros, Complicite, Frantic Assembly, and Improbable

Notable Alumni

Beatrice Grannò — The White Lotus

Antonia Desplat — Shantaram, Feud

Lily Newmark — Pin Cushion, Sex Education

Melissa Johns — Coronation Street, The Interceptor

School info

Snapshot

Satisfaction

90%

2025, 1 course, n=140

Continuation

94%

1 yr after entry

Earnings

£24k

5yr after

Costs & aid

Home tuition & fees

£9,790

Home students · October 2026 start

International tuition & fees

£22,600

overseas students · October 2026 start

Ba Acting · east15.ac.uk Discover Uni

Program info updated Oct 5, 10:49 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

East 15 Acting School traces its heritage to 1961 and the legacy of Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop

Member of the Federation of Drama Schools

Part of the University of Essex, ranked number one in the UK for drama and dance (Guardian University Guide 2026)

Renowned for its pioneering methodology and award-winning original productions

Training & Productions

Dynamic, intensive contemporary actor training that develops you as both performer and theatre-maker

Explores roles such as actor/writer, actor/musician, and actor/choreographer through European physical theatre, creative writing, expressionism, and music

Showcase and opportunities to present original work at leading professional venues

Taught at the Loughton Campus, a short walk from Debden Underground and 30 minutes from central London

Industry Connection

Recent graduates have worked with the National Theatre, Royal Court, RSC, Shakespeare's Globe, Cirque du Soleil, the BBC, Netflix, Warner Bros, Complicite, Frantic Assembly, and Improbable

Notable Alumni

Beatrice Grannò — The White Lotus

Antonia Desplat — Shantaram, Feud

Lily Newmark — Pin Cushion, Sex Education

Melissa Johns — Coronation Street, The Interceptor

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

East 15 Acting School traces its heritage to 1961 and the legacy of Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop

Member of the Federation of Drama Schools

Part of the University of Essex, ranked number one in the UK for drama and dance (Guardian University Guide 2026)

Renowned for its pioneering methodology and award-winning original productions

Training & Productions

Dynamic, intensive contemporary actor training that develops you as both performer and theatre-maker

Explores roles such as actor/writer, actor/musician, and actor/choreographer through European physical theatre, creative writing, expressionism, and music

Showcase and opportunities to present original work at leading professional venues

Taught at the Loughton Campus, a short walk from Debden Underground and 30 minutes from central London

Industry Connection

Recent graduates have worked with the National Theatre, Royal Court, RSC, Shakespeare's Globe, Cirque du Soleil, the BBC, Netflix, Warner Bros, Complicite, Frantic Assembly, and Improbable

Notable Alumni

Beatrice Grannò — The White Lotus

Antonia Desplat — Shantaram, Feud

Lily Newmark — Pin Cushion, Sex Education

Melissa Johns — Coronation Street, The Interceptor

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

UCAS School Website

Deadline

Rolling / Until Full

Applying To East 15 · east15.ac.uk

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Fee

Round 2 Recall Booking Fee

£10

Preparing For Auditions · east15.ac.uk

Prescreen Requirements

Monologues

Two Speeches, Each 90 Seconds Maximum

Speech 1: a character-driven speech from a contemporary play or film/TV drama

Choose writing from the 20th or 21st century that lets you communicate thoughts and emotions to another person or group

Speech 2: a speech in heightened language

Choose a piece with a distinct rhythm where sound and meaning overlap with purpose

Can be lyrics, spoken word, poetry, drama, or literature from any period that rises beyond conversational speech (anyone from Shakespeare to Kae Tempest, Soyinka to Stormzy)

Material Selection

All pieces must be performed in English

Published texts from all global traditions are welcome in English translation

Embody the role and make clear choices rather than simply reading the text

Video Specifications

Framing

Frame the two speeches differently

Speech 1: head, shoulders, and the top half of your torso, with the lower edge of frame at the bottom of the breastbone

Speech 2: head and full torso, with the lower edge of frame at waist level

Leave a little space above the head in both setups

Delivery

Deliver each speech straight to camera, addressing the lens as the person you are speaking to (or the audience for a soliloquy)

Keep the main light source behind the camera, not behind you

A smartphone camera is fine, a professional camera is not needed

Preparing For Auditions · east15.ac.uk

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Monologues

Round 2 Recall

Prepare a contemporary speech

Prepare a heightened-language speech

Prepare an original piece of work

Each piece must be no longer than 90 seconds

Pieces may be the same as or different from the Round 1 video

Workshop

Participate in a general workshop

Preparing For Auditions · east15.ac.uk

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Applications for BA Acting and Contemporary Theatre are closed for October 2026 entry

Applications for October 2027 entry are open

Apply through UCAS (Essex E70; W441, Campus L) or the University of Essex Direct Application, then complete the East 15 application form with your Round 1 video URL

Do not submit both UCAS and the Essex Direct Application

Important Notes

There is no fixed application deadline; East 15 recommends applying before the end of February and may close courses to further applications from early June

Applicants may apply and audition only once per admissions cycle

What's The Process

Round 1 Video Audition

Record a video audition and submit its URL with your East 15 Application Form

Begin with a spoken introduction of up to 90 seconds: your name, where you are from, why you chose East 15, and the character and source of each piece

Follow the introduction with your two speeches

Tutors review your video and notify you of the outcome, usually within 10 working days (longer during the busy January to April period)

Round 2 Recall

Applicants who pass Round 1 are invited to a Round 2 recall audition

Round 2 takes place on campus, at an international venue, or online via Zoom

You will be sent your options and booking details when you are recalled

At Round 2 you are considered for all East 15 courses, taking your course preferences into account

Contact

Audition and admissions queries: e15adms@essex.ac.uk

School info

Snapshot

Satisfaction

90%

2025, 1 course, n=140

Continuation

94%

1 yr after entry

Earnings

£24k

5yr after

Costs & aid

Home tuition & fees

£9,790

Home students · October 2026 start

International tuition & fees

£22,600

overseas students · October 2026 start

Ba Acting · east15.ac.uk Discover Uni

Program Recognition

East 15 Acting School traces its heritage to 1961 and the legacy of Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop

Member of the Federation of Drama Schools

Part of the University of Essex, ranked number one in the UK for drama and dance (Guardian University Guide 2026)

Renowned for its pioneering methodology and award-winning original productions

Training & Productions

Dynamic, intensive contemporary actor training that develops you as both performer and theatre-maker

Explores roles such as actor/writer, actor/musician, and actor/choreographer through European physical theatre, creative writing, expressionism, and music

Showcase and opportunities to present original work at leading professional venues

Taught at the Loughton Campus, a short walk from Debden Underground and 30 minutes from central London

Industry Connection

Recent graduates have worked with the National Theatre, Royal Court, RSC, Shakespeare's Globe, Cirque du Soleil, the BBC, Netflix, Warner Bros, Complicite, Frantic Assembly, and Improbable

Notable Alumni

Beatrice Grannò — The White Lotus

Antonia Desplat — Shantaram, Feud

Lily Newmark — Pin Cushion, Sex Education

Melissa Johns — Coronation Street, The Interceptor

Updated Oct 5, 10:49 PM