Masters in acting
Master in Creative Performance Practice (ACTING)
Overview
Programme Name
Master of Arts in Creative Performance Practice (Acting)
Duration
1 Academic year
Language
English
Programme Leader
Validated by UK University
Exploring the methods and processes of actors to be able to create, work and interact in the contemporary international environment
Programme availability
- Applications closed
MA in Creative Performance Practice (Acting) is a practical, performance, and research-based programme. It provides a solid critical and theoretical framework while offering substantial opportunities for individuals to tailor their artistic practice to their own needs and aspirations within a challenging interdisciplinary context.
Students will have the chance to interpret and perform in both traditional and non-traditional texts and settings, including theatre, site-specific and site-responsive locations, museums, black-box theatres, and more. They will employ both conventional and innovative techniques, collaborating with external artists such as directors, mentors, and coordinators.
The programme emphasises diverse performance formats, including full productions, sharings, open rehearsals, rehearsed readings, studio-based presentations, and final projects, with students participating in approximately 10 performances per year.
What is creative performance practice?
“Creative Performance Practice is an open artistic discipline that emphasises not only the final product or production but also places equal importance on the creative processes, personal and individual growth of the artist. It focuses on helping artists find their unique voices, fostering experimentation, pushing boundaries, exploring new languages, driving innovation, and encouraging collaboration and interdisciplinarity across various fields, including acting, theatre, MT, music, audiovisual arts, literature, and writing.
At the same time, it remains conscious of the importance of repertoire and the ability to work within traditional frameworks as a in interpreter, director, singer, writer”.
Our Master in Acting is part of one of the two specialised pathways that forms part of the Master in Creative Performance Practice. The others include is Music Theatre. The masters is made up of 120 core credits which are the shared modules. The specialism acting credits are an additional 60 credits and are made up of The Embodied Actor, The Contemporary Actor and Transmedia and Interactive Storytelling.
- Creative performance practice
- Research skills
- Performance theory
- Arts entrepreneurship
- Final project
- Acting 1 - The embodied actor
- Acting 2 - The Contemporary Actor
- Transmedia and Interactive Storytelling
*These modules are shared with the music theatre specialism
Acting 1 - The Embodied Actor
Through the module, students will be introduced to a range of theatre texts and forms from a variety of genres and periods, and will be asked to explore, evaluate, and interrogate these through practice; thereby broadening their theatrical vocabulary and developing their abilities to recognise dramatic / theatrical potential within such texts and in other cognate forms of theatre and performance.
Through this process, which will include studio exercises, independent analyses, and workshop sessions, the student will be expected to investigate and recognise their individual qualities as an actor; and will be supported in developing a range of acting techniques to strengthen their individual acting profile.Â
The module also includes a voice and movement component.
Acting 2 - The Contemporary Actor
Transmedia and Interactive Storytelling
The module will focus on contemporary uses of and the interactions between performance, alternative performance practices, interactive techniques, the digital space, and transmedia story telling. Importance will be given to the interactions and relation between European and non-European traditions from the perspective of global and decolonised performance.
Who is this MA AIMED AT?
This programme is designed for those ready to immerse themselves in a rich, dynamic, and collaborative environment, contributing to and benefiting from a diverse community of artists and creators.
- Profile of the ideal artist
Passion for Acting and Musical Theatre
While you should have a strong interest in Acting and MT, we are not looking for someone whose focus is limited to these areas. You should also have diverse interests such as literature, cinema, film, music, the arts, politics, and beyond.
Artist-in-Training Mindset
Be prepared to approach the programme not just as a student but as an artist-in-training, with the willingness to work independently and collaboratively under the guidance of mentors or team leaders.
Engagement and Networking
Be enthusiastic about interacting with professionals through curricular and extracurricular activities, including workshops and seminars.
Dynamic and Open-Minded Approach
Demonstrate a readiness to explore your own practice as well as that of others, embrace challenges to your frameworks, and work effectively under pressure.
Creative and Flexible Perspective:
View conventional training as only one component of the MA programme while recognizing the importance of creative exploration.
Dual Interest
Be equally interested in Acting/MT and in creating performances, encompassing various roles such as writer, director, and performer.
Collaborative Spirit
Be willing to share your experiences and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Inclusivity
Foster an attitude of embracing and respecting others’ perspectives and practices.
Creative Productivity
Be ready to generate substantial creative material across various performing arts fields, including playwriting and directing.
Resourceful and Opportunistic
Make the most of the opportunities available during your time at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona (IAB). View the facilities and venues as resources to create, akin to an artist-in-residence.
- What we do not want
Dogmatism
Those with little or no prior experience in acting who want to learn the basics of performance, voice, and movement.
Resistance to Growth
Those with little or no prior experience in acting who want to learn the basics of performance, voice, and movement.
Narrow Focus
Those with little or no prior experience in acting who want to learn the basics of performance, voice, and movement.
Testing Attitude
Those with little or no prior experience in acting who want to learn the basics of performance, voice, and movement.
How to apply
- 1. Submit your application
- 2. Attend the audition
- 3. Wait for the result
1. Submit your application
To apply for our MA in Creative Performance Practice, you must submit an application and select which audition you would like to attend.
2. Attend the audtition
What does the audition consist of?
Required videos (Prior to the audition)
Part 1: Depends on specialisation:
- Acting: One monologue + optional monologue in your own language
- Music Theatre: One monologue + one song + 60-second jazz dance piece
Part 2: Creative response to stimuli:
A creative response of about 2 minutes to one of the stimuli listed in the audition guide.
One-to-One Interview
Online interview and discussion with yourself and members of the MA teaching team.
3. Wait for the result
The audition results can take up to 4 weeks to process.
Our tuition fees are made up of a number of different components and are determined by your nationality, country of residence and programme of study.
ANNUAL TUITION FEES
- €11,900
Additional annual fees:
- €500 – Non-refundable registration fee
- €80 – IAB Health Clinic membership
Fees
ANNUAL TUITION FEES
- €16,900
Additional annual fees:
- €500 – Non-refundable registration fee
- €80 – IAB Health Clinic membership
Successful audition, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent and, a BA (Hons) at 2.2 or above or an equivalent academic award, or, a long-term sustained professional career as a performer or creative practitioner.Â
Find out more about our entry requirements.
A graduation will be arranged by the IAB for all graduating students. Further information is provided directly to graduating students.Â
Degree of Master of Arts in Creative Performance Practice (Acting)
After successfully completing your MA in Creative Performance Practice: (Acting), you will receive a UK university certificate and transcript of studies issued by Liverpool John Moores University.
The certificate wording will state:Â
Degree of Master of Arts with (classification) having followed an approved programme of study in Creative Performance Practice (Acting)
- Applications closed
