artsUCL - Cities Partnerships – Special Opportunity
Overview
At the end of this term, artsUCL will take 10 students to the Fontainebleau School of Acting (Fonact) in France for a specially curated exchange workshop exploring the craft of acting. The 5-day intensive workshop is entitled ‘Working Together: Creating Through Ensemble Practice’, and will be co-delivered by Fonact and artsUCL practitioners. It’s an opportunity for students to experience Conservatoire-level facilitation and creative collaboration alongside international peers, develop connections and exchange learnings and reflections in a unique environment for experiential learning.
Students must apply for the opportunity through the form below. You will then be invited to take part in an acting workshop, where the 10 students will be selected to take part in the exchange trip.
Got questions? We are holding an online lunchtime Q&A on Monday 9 February at 1pm. Please join via the following link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/37865564130352?p=8P747lMk4JQS34v0MI
Please read all of the information below before applying.
Applications close on Friday 13 February 2026 at 5pm. Please click here to apply.
- Who is it for?
This opportunity is targeted towards students with a passion for acting and theatre. Designed for students looking for a challenging and immersive intensive programme, providing an in-depth look into professional vocational training in just 5 days. This is a high-energy experience, designed to sharpen your craft and lay strong foundations for whatever is next in your acting journey. Unlock your confidence, creative freedom and artistic range.
- Intensive details
Students from both institutions will form a working theatre ensemble and explore ensemble theatre practice in a unique environment. The ensemble will use a classical Greek text as a vehicle to explore the fundamentals of acting, and the dynamics of human exchange that bring stories to life on stage.
The evenings will be spent together, including group meals and a theatre trip to Paris.
- Dates
Outbound travel to Paris: Sunday 29 March 2026
Intensive dates: Monday 30 March 2025 – Friday 3 April 2026
Return travel to London: Saturday 4 April 2025
- Costs
All costs are covered through the Cities Partnerships Scheme. This includes Eurostar train travel to Paris, metro, accommodation, food, cultural activities.
- Application process
You can apply for the opportunity via the form here, where we will ask you to submit a short statement about why you think you would benefit from the opportunity, as well as some details about you. We will then hold a practical workshop for applicants, and the final decision will be made after the workshop.
There are three workshops available on the following dates and times:
- Monday 23 February, 11am-1pm
- Monday 23 February, 2-4pm
- Tuesday 24 February, 2-4pm
Each workshop has capacity for 25 students and spaces will be offered on a first come, first served basis, so please make sure to get your application in quick!
- Application criteria
We will make decisions based on the following criteria:
- Passion for the opportunity: we want people to apply who are really passionate about acting, and will benefit from an intensive workshop similar to what would be delivered in a leading Conservatoire
- Suitability for the opportunity: this is a practical acting workshop which will require you to work with commitment and generosity within an ensemble. It’s an opportunity targeted towards those who already have some acting experience.
- Application deadline
The deadline for applications is Friday 13 Feb 2025 at 5pm.
- About Fonact
The Fontainebleau School of Acting (Fonact) is an international school of excellence in the performing arts, delivering world-class conservatoire training in acting and theatre making in the town of Fonatainebleau, Paris. The school runs a small number of courses for student artists looking to deepen their skills in acting, connection, creativity and storytelling, from three month intensives to a three year professional conservatoire training (with a final year forming a professional theatre company in Athens).