FAQs

A selection of questions you may find helpful

Courses

What courses do you run and what qualifications are offered?
How do I work out which course to apply for?

Please apply for the course you initially think you are most suited to, read all information on the website carefully before choosing. During your audition interview, we will advise you on other courses if we feel they are more suited to you.

If you are interested in the degree courses you MUST apply through UCAS and through our Audition System on the website.  A place cannot be accepted on the degree unless the application has been offered through your UCAS Track.

 

What does a typical daily timetable look like?

Acting Training
The Acting for Stage and Screen 3-year course follows the same framework as the Musical Theatre replacing dance and singing with more in depth classes of voice, physical theatre and acting projects etc. The students do an average of 6 hours training per day.

Musical Theatre Courses

Acting, Singing and Dance are all treated with equal importance in the Musical Theatre Courses. In addition, you will bring these skills together in performance-based classes and projects, developing your ability to collaborate and use critical thinking in a wide range of activities. You will do an average of 7 hours per day, integrating a balanced variety of each discipline. You will also have a weekly one to one Singing Tutorial in the first and second years.

What do we have to wear?

At PPA we celebrate individuality, so we do not have a specific uniform as such. However, you will be required to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for each class and your tutors will give you guidance on this.

Upon acceptance, you will be sent a welcome pack which will give you more information.

No jewellery is to be worn in dance classes.

Do you get personal singing tuition?

Musical Theatre Courses

You will have a 30-minute one-to-one Singing Tutorial every week in the first and second years.

Accommodation

Do you provide accommodation?

Students wishing to relocate during their studies at PPA will be assisted by the college. The college has great relationships with student accommodation providers, and landlords/ estate agents in Guildford, ensuring the accommodation process is as stress-free as possible. For many students, this will be there first time living away from home – so we give as much support as we can. 

Fees & Funding

What is your refund policy?

PPA is fully committed to delivering all aspects of the courses promised upon acceptance. Regular tutorials monitor each student’s progress and reports or assessments are completed after every term. This is designed to communicate each student’s development and reaffirm their aspirations moving forward. PPA makes no guarantees to the students but aids each individual’s realistic aims. Therefore, we feel we follow this through and achieve our goals and consequently have a no refund policy. Should students leave before their course completion then a terms notice of fees in lieu is required. All deposits received on acceptance are classed as non-refundable.

What funding is available?

STUDENT FINANCE

The degree courses may, subject to eligibility, be covered by Student Loan Company funding and maintenance loans and/or grants may be available. Student funding (and course designation by DMU) is subject to change and is reviewed on an annual basis. You must apply for the degree courses through our website audition system and also through UCAS using these links Musical Theatre or Acting for Stage and Screen.

SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES

We offer a number of scholarships each year to Musical Theatre and Acting diploma students for up to half of their fees. Students are invited to audition for these scholarships on the basis of their first audition.
PPA also have a pool of funds that we allocate to students each year in the form of part bursaries for training, based on audition and interview.
We reserve the right to offer funding at our own discretion and this can be offered to students on all courses.

Applying to PPA

Do you run Open Days or college tours?

We offer college tours where we take you on a tour of the building where you have the opportunity to see the college in action and ask any questions you might have to staff and students. We also run Open Days regularly – please see our ‘Open Day’ page for more info.

To book a tour, please email [email protected]

Why is this college ‘unique’?

PPA is a small family orientated college with an emphasis on pastoral care and individuality. Our courses are based on conservatoire style of training. The Acting and Musical Theatre courses at PPA are the sole purpose of the college itself – Performance Preparation Academy. We have the additional advantage of our students being enriched by constant course updates, industry professionals working on the courses, hands on patrons, and the most up to date training that can be offered. This not only enriches the day-to-day work within the college but encourages a lively correlation between the two arts – Acting and Musical Theatre. Perhaps, more importantly, this ‘mix’ of skills allows students to appreciate each other’s gifts and so develops a working relationship that can easily be developed beyond the bounds of college life.

When do the auditions usually start?

We begin auditioning in November for courses beginning the following September. We continue to audition regularly throughout the year until August.

Do you have a minimum applicant age?

Yes. For 2025 intake, all students must be 18 or over by the 1st September 2026.