INDUSTRY READY.
IN ONE YEAR.

Professional Diploma · Stage & Screen Performance

The alternative to traditional drama-school training.

One intensive year designed around a simple question: what does an actor actually need to be ready to work?

We train actors for the realities of the professional industry — stage, screen, auditions, self-tapes, performance, collaboration and the business of acting.

Practical training. Professional expectations. Lots of doing.

01

Equity
Recognised

Professional training built with the working actor in mind.

02

Spotlight
Recognised

Graduate with Spotlight eligibility and material ready for your profile.

03

Edinburgh
Fringe

A full three-week Fringe run built into your training.

04

Stage +
Screen

Bespoke training designed to get you ready for professional work.

Our approach

No hype.
No gimmicks.
Just serious actor training.

Your certificate isn't going to get you the job. Your ability to act will.

So we built a course that cuts through the noise and concentrates on what matters: acting craft, performance experience, camera technique, auditioning, self-taping, professional behaviour and understanding how the industry actually works.

One year. Properly used.

Learn it.
Rehearse it.
Do it.

We believe actors learn by acting.

You'll train intensively Monday to Friday and put that training into practice through live performance, screen work, auditions, industry workshops and professional preparation.

Classes are intentionally small. The environment is demanding, practical and supportive — because we want to know you as an actor, not lose you in a lecture theatre.

ACS acting students performing on stage
Training through doing.
Not just training

Leave with something to show for it.

The goal isn't simply to finish a course. The goal is to leave ready to start pursuing professional work.

Spotlight Eligibility Graduate ready to create your professional performer profile.
Professional Showreel Professionally shot and edited screen material.
Voice Reel Professional voice material to help you market yourself.
Headshots Professional images ready for your acting profiles.
Fringe Experience A full Edinburgh Fringe run — not simply a showcase.
Industry Preparation Auditions, self-tapes, casting, representation and the business.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Don't just train to perform. Perform.

There are lessons you cannot learn in a classroom. That's why professional performance experience is built into the course.

You'll rehearse, develop and perform a production for a full three-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival — twenty performances in one of the world's most competitive theatrical environments.

Train for the industry you're entering

Stage.
Screen.
Both matter.

We don't think actors should leave full-time training frightened of a camera — or without substantial live performance experience.

Actors performing on stage
Stage

Perform. A lot.

Rehearsal, text work, ensemble practice and regular public performance — culminating in your Edinburgh Fringe run.

ACS student recording professional material
Screen

Get camera ready.

Intensive acting-for-camera training followed by professionally produced scenes you can use to show the industry what you can do.

“We don't want to change you. We want to help you get out of your own way and let the ability you already have shine through.
Acting Coach Scotland
Straightforward fees

Know what you're committing to.

The Professional Diploma is private professional training. Monthly payment plans are available.

International Students
£10,500

Tuition fee for the one-year programme.
£250 administration / registration fee.

A deposit is normally required on acceptance and the remaining tuition balance can be spread across monthly instalments. The Professional Diploma does not receive SAAS tuition funding.

September 2027

Think you could do this professionally?

Don't spend the next year wondering. Apply, audition and come and show us what you can do.

Follow us: @weareactingcoachscotland