The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Acting is a two year programme that prepares you for progress onto Degree level courses at Acting Schools, Conservatoires and Universities. The programme is structured so that in the first year you achieve a 90 credit Diploma which is then topped up to an Extended Diploma at the end of the second year. 

The Extended Diploma in Acting offers young actors the opportunity to train in a wide range of areas and techniques that, combined, will serve to establish them as confident, creative and technically fluent artists. Our programme divides the actor’s training into three areas: the body, the voice, and the imagination. You take classes on a wide range of skills, techniques and practitioners including: classical texts, Improvisation, voice work, physical theatre, text analysis, play reading, scene study, and Devising. A range of key practitioners will be engaged with and explored, with a particular focus on the theories and ideas of Declan Donnellan.

For one day each week all ESPA actors train together, forming a close-knit company and developing your ensemble skills. At Christmas time the actors perform a Revue, demonstrating skills learnt in term one. In term two you will perform in the ESPA Showcase at The Corn Exchange, and in term three the actors perform a full play at a site-specific performance space.

ESPA provides a supportive environment that fosters not only the artistic development but also the intellectual and personal development of its students. The training is based around practical sessions and performance experience, where skills and techniques are brought together. Students will also study historical, stylistic and professional aspects of the industry. Workshops with guest professional practitioners and training schools take place throughout the year.