Choosing a drama degree is a deeply personal and high-stakes decision. If you are currently looking at the Acting for Contemporary Theatre BA at Chichester, you’ve likely asked yourself, “is the University of Chichester good for Acting?” or “what should I know before choosing this degree?” While a brochure can show you the performance spaces, it can’t tell you what it feels like to be in a rehearsal room at 9 PM or how to handle the pressure of an “actor-maker” curriculum.
At Already Doing It (alreadydoingit.co.uk), we believe the best way to understand the stage is to talk to someone who is currently standing on it. We connect you with vetted peer mentors who are currently studying this exact course—students who can provide an honest review of the course at the University of Chichester because they are living that reality every day.
Chichester’s approach is famously different from traditional “stand and deliver” drama schools. But what is it really like to study Acting for Contemporary Theatre at the University of Chichester? This is a core topic to explore with a peer mentor who can describe the creative energy on the Bishop Otter Campus.
You might want to ask a mentor about:
The “Actor-Maker” Philosophy: How does it actually feel to balance mastering your craft (voice and movement) with learning how to direct and produce? Does it feel like you’re getting two degrees in one, or is the workload a lot to juggle?
Experimental Rigour: Is the “vibe” as experimental as the prospectus suggests? You might ask a mentor how much freedom you really get to create “gutsy” work and whether the tutors encourage you to take genuine artistic risks.
The Collaborative Spirit: Since the course is deeply collaborative, what is the relationship like between students? A mentor can tell you if the environment feels competitive or if it truly functions like a professional theatre company.
By chatting with someone already doing it, you can figure out if you want to be a performer who waits for the phone to ring or an artist who creates their own movement.
The “insider” truth about Chichester is that the lack of written exams doesn’t mean the course is “easy.” In fact, the practical intensity is often what catches students off guard.
Topics to discuss with an Already Doing It mentor include:
The Performance Schedule: What is the reality of having at least 12 examined performances over three years? A mentor can tell you how they managed the “relentless” pace of rehearsals and what it’s like to be constantly “on.”
The Showroom and Beyond: How much access do you really get to the Showroom and the Chichester Festival Theatre? You might ask if the facilities feel like professional spaces and how the department helps you transition into these venues.
The 10 PM Rehearsal: Is the “homework” always as hands-on as people say? A student can give you the real story on the hours you’ll spend devising site-specific pieces or solo shows and how to maintain your energy throughout the term.
Assessment Without Exams: Without traditional papers, how do tutors actually measure your progress? A mentor can explain the feedback process and how you’re graded on your creative vision.
The Chichester audition is known for being a multi-part marathon. If you’re preparing your “Imaginary Play” pitch, you might be wondering how to make your vision stand out.
Questions to explore with a vetted mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk regarding your application:
The Audition Atmosphere: What is the day actually like? A mentor can describe the movement workshop and the “vibe” of the panel, helping you feel more prepared for the marathon.
The Pitch Strategy: How did they choose their real-world cultural event to pitch as a play? You might ask a mentor how they balanced their “acting” skills with their “vision” for where and who the play was for.
Monologue Choices: Which “Contemporary” monologues actually land well with the Chichester panel? A mentor can share what worked for them and what they observed during their own audition day.
The Interview Questions: Beyond the monologues, what do the tutors really want to hear during the one-on-one chat?
Connecting with a mentor allows you to refine your audition strategy based on the real experiences of students who have successfully navigated the process and are now thriving in the department.
Deciding where to train as an actor is a life-changing move. You deserve to have more than just a guide to go on. If you want to know what is it really like to study Acting at the University of Chichester, the most reliable source is a student who is currently devising work and performing in the Showroom.
The only way to get the real answer is to talk to someone already doing it. Find your mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk
© 2026 Already Doing It Ltd. All rights reserved. The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career or admissions advice. Student Mentor Sessions and Our Insider Guides reflect student perspectives; always verify specific course details, entry requirements, and module lists with the official University Prospectus before applying.
