Qualifications
2020-21 Courses are underway!
COVID-19 Update: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and whilst Eden Court remains closed, our qualification courses are beginning with online delivery. We anticipate face to face delivery beginning for the intensive week during the October holidays. This will remain under review.
Our proposed audition and induction schedule will be delayed due to the current lockdown measures, but we will communicate updates to all applicants as soon as we have a new plan in place. This may also affect some of the initial course dates.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.
Application packs:
Moving Image Arts Application Form
242 KB PDF
Completed applications can be emailed directly to Lucy McGlennon, Head of Engagement, or sent by post to our usual address: Lucy McGlennon, Eden Court Theatre, Bishops Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA
COURSES
Eden Court, in partnership with the Highland Council, proudly offers the opportunity to study SQA qualifications in Drama and Dance here at the theatre. Full information about the courses is available below.
Bursaries may be available, as well as some assistance with travel and accommodation costs, for those that need it. Information on how to claim will be provided at the start of the course. We also accept applications from mature students who have been out of school for less than two years, as well as students from outwith the Highland schools area, although there will is a course fee of £500 for these applicants.
For more information, please contact Lucy McGlennon, Head of Engagement.

Moving Image Arts (MIA) is a practical subject with hands-on film production at its core, and is believed to be the best film qualification in schools across Europe.
The qualification is based on the study of film history and theory, as well as a portfolio & final film which participants research, develop, write, produce, direct, shoot and edit.
MIA is an ideal choice for students wishing to pursue a career in the Creative Industries, which value and promote independence, originality, creative enterprise and technical skill. The course develops creative and critical abilities in writing, producing, directing and editing, as well as analysing films from a range of contexts and disciplines.
Students aged up to 19 years old are welcome and must be well-motivated and able to commit to 100% attendance at the agreed course dates in Inverness, which will be at weekends and during school holidays.
The Moving Image Arts A-level is accredited by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland, delivered by Eden Court and funded by Screen Scotland.

Higher Dance is now full and underway for 2020-21
Higher Dance encourages learners to be inspired and challenged whilst developing technical dance skills through performing, creating and appreciating dance. Students focus on two styles: Jazz and Contemporary, and final assessment includes practical performance of technique and choreography, as well as a written evaluation.
The course prepares you for dance training at college and pursuing a performance career. It will deepen your knowledge, understanding and skills in dance. The course includes regular homework.
Entry Requirements:
• We recommend that you will have completed fifth year of high school by the time you start this course, although it is achievable by committed S4 & S5 students.
• Some dance experience is essential and attending additional classes is recommended for those with little or no previous technical experience.
• It is important that students have a real depth of interest in dance.
• Students have to be well-motivated and able to commit to attendance at all workshops in Inverness on the agreed dates, including the 5-day workshop blocks during school holidays.

Higher Drama is now full and underway for 2020-21
Higher Drama provides exciting opportunities to learn skills in creating and analysing dramatic texts; exploring voice, movement and characterisation; and developing skills in production, such as acting, directing, design, lighting, sound and costume. Set assignments will take the form of learning lines, scripting a scene, researching key topics, planning a rehearsal or writing a review.
Students can choose to structure their course around the following streams:
• Acting
• Directing
• Set Design (alongside either Costume, Make-up, Sound or Lighting design)
Final assessments are divided into a practical exam hosted with us in the One Touch Theatre, demonstrate your skills in your chosen area of study, and a written exam which takes place at your school focussing on analysis of our chosen text and productions seen during the course.
The course prepares you for further education and a potential career in theatre. It will deepen your knowledge, understanding and skills in theatre.
Entry requirements:
• You need to have completed your fourth year of high school and passed National 5 English by the time you start this course.
• Some performance experience is desirable, as acting is a significant part of the assessment and our approach in practical workshops.
• Although you don’t have to want to follow a career in performance to enjoy the course, a real interest in theatre is essential.
• Students have to be well-motivated and able to commit to attendance at all workshops in Inverness on the agreed dates, including the 5-day workshop blocks during school holidays.

National 5 Drama will not run for the 2020-21 academic year.
This is to enable delivery of Higher Drama and Higher Dance in line with guidance relating to COVID security and social distancing at such times as teaching at Eden Court can resume.
LAMDA
In line with our Studio Programme of classes, LAMDA will not resume before 2021. This will remain in review along with the broader programme.
The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is one of the oldest drama schools in the UK and their former students can be found on stages and screens around the world.
Here at Eden Court, we’re proud to provide the opportunity to gain LAMDA qualifications in both Acting and Musical Theatre from entry level up to Elite Grade 8. Weekly evening classes allow students the support and experience to prepare for the annual exams hosted here in Inverness each Spring.
Students work throughout the year towards their exams, so LAMDA is only open to new students at the start of the autumn term and new students must attend a free introductory session to assess their grading before booking the relevant class. Students attend the class that is right for their level but the price is based on age.