Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting)

Study Acting at IVMA — hands-on training for dynamic careers in theatre, screen and emerging media. Develop the skills to become a versatile, industry-ready performer.

No Entry Exam 2 Years Accelerated Full-time Study Loan Available Colombo Campus Feb / Jun / Sep Intakes

Overview

Acting at IVMA

During the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting), you'll develop techniques to apply acting craft for theatre, screen, motion capture, voiceover and digital media. You'll collaborate with filmmakers, musicians and designers on real productions, building your portfolio and professional network.

With a focus on resilience, wellbeing and entrepreneurship, you'll shape your skills to succeed across theatre, TV, film and emerging media — preparing you to create your own opportunities in the creative industries.

1

Collaborate with filmmakers, animators and game designers on real projects to build your portfolio and professional network.

2

Master techniques in theatre, film, TV, voiceover, motion capture and digital media for a diverse acting career.

3

Gain practical experience and entrepreneurial skills training with industry professionals in purpose-built facilities.

Acting students in a stage production Production: Polemos

Career Outcomes

Bringing Characters to Life on Screen and Stage

IVMA Acting graduates go on to perform across film, television, theatre, streaming and voice-over. This course prepares you for a versatile and sustainable career in the performing arts, developing your craft, confidence and adaptability across multiple performance mediums.

Explore Career Outcomes
Actor performing on stage

Venues Students Perform At

Real Stages, Real Audiences

Colombo National Theatre

Colombo National Theatre

Lionel Wendt Art Centre

Lionel Wendt Art Centre

Bishop's College Auditorium

Bishop's College Auditorium

Who Is This For?

Built for Aspiring Performers

This course is designed for people who are passionate about performance and ready to build a career on stage and screen. It suits those who want to develop their craft through practical experience, industry mentoring and professional productions.

Ideal for aspiring actors, voice-over artists and performers who want to master screen and theatre techniques, collaborate across disciplines and prepare for work in film, television, theatre and digital media.

Enquire Now
Acting students rehearsing

Learn From Industry Experts

Meet Your Lecturers

Ranjith Silva

Ranjith Silva

Acting Lecturer

Amaya Fonseka

Amaya Fonseka

Acting Lecturer

Dinesh Weerasinghe

Dinesh Weerasinghe

Acting Lecturer

Chamari Perera

Chamari Perera

Acting Lecturer

Life at IVMA

Life with IVMA

More Than Classes

Life with IVMA is about more than classes — it's about being part of a creative community. With state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative projects and a vibrant campus culture, students are surrounded by like-minded people who share their passion for the arts.

Explore Life with IVMA

Course Structure

Building the Actor's Process

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) builds a strong foundation integrating movement, voice, creativity and professional practice into the holistic development of the actor's process. Early trimesters focus on developing a free and responsive acting instrument, before moving into craft techniques for stage, screen and digital media performance. In later trimesters, you'll collaborate on productions, devise original performance works, prepare for auditions, and perform in professional productions and showcases.

Perform across mediums — Train for stage, screen, voiceover and motion capture with guidance from industry professionals.

Create and collaborate — Team up with filmmakers, animators and game designers to produce original, cross-disciplinary projects.

Build confidence and versatility — Graduate with extensive performance experience, strong audition skills and an industry showcase.

Careers

Potential Career Paths

A career in acting opens doors to the stage, screen and beyond. From film and theatre to voice, motion capture and digital media, IVMA equips you with the skills, experience and resilience to perform, collaborate and create your own opportunities across the entertainment industry.

Film, TV or Theatre Actor
Voice-over Artist
Motion-Capture Actor
Performance Maker
Dramaturge
Director
Producer
Theatre in Education
Content Creator
Presenter / Host
45%
Growth in local screen production output
1.2M
Annual live performance attendance islandwide
120+
Active theatre & production companies
92%
Graduate employment within 12 months

"I chose IVMA because of the vast amount of opportunities it provides — from stage to screen to voice acting — and getting that chance within two years while meeting incredible people."

— Tharindu Jayasuriya, IVMA Acting Student

Screen Credits

  • Nela Diva (Rupavahini)
  • Igillena Kurulla (Feature Film)
  • Doramadalawa (ITN)
  • Sanda Eliyata (TV Derana)
  • Rana Bimai (Feature Film)

Stage & Venues

  • Colombo National Theatre
  • Lionel Wendt Art Centre
  • Punchi Theatre
  • Sri Palee Campus Auditorium

Showcase

Acting Student Showcase

At IVMA, acting students bring bold performances to life on stage and screen. From short films and live productions to motion capture and voiceover work, the showcase celebrates their range, creativity and technical ability.

Stage production showcase
Graduate Showcase — Colombo National Theatre
Ensemble performance
Ensemble Production — Lionel Wendt
Student film scene
Screen Scene Study

Venues

Where You'll Perform

At IVMA, you don't just learn on campus — you perform in some of the island's most iconic theatre and performance venues, gaining real industry experience that builds confidence and connections.

Colombo National Theatre
Graduate Showcase — Colombo

Colombo National Theatre

As one of Sri Lanka's most prestigious performance venues, IVMA gives Colombo students the opportunity to perform their Graduate Showcase here. This capstone event celebrates years of training as students step into the industry as emerging artists.

Lionel Wendt Art Centre
Colombo

Lionel Wendt Art Centre

As an Education Partner of the Lionel Wendt, IVMA acting students gain direct access to one of Colombo's most influential creative spaces, training and performing within a professional theatre environment.

World-Class On-Campus Facilities

Train Like a Professional

Explore Our Campus

Train in the Heart of the City

Colombo Campus

Colombo Campus

Performance Studios

Performance Studios

Media Labs

Media Labs

Fees & How to Apply

Key Course Details

  • AwardBachelor of Performing Arts (Acting)
  • Course CodeIVMA-ACT-104
  • Study ModeFull-time
  • Duration6 trimesters / 2 years accelerated
  • Delivery ModeOn-Campus
  • CampusColombo
  • IntakesFebruary, June, September
Application MethodCourse Code
Apply Direct
UGC / UCAS Equivalent773018
Private Higher Ed Portal953011

How to Apply

To apply for the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting), you can submit a direct application through the IVMA website (no application fees) or apply via the relevant tertiary admissions portal.

February Intake (School Leavers): If you're finishing school and looking to apply for the Colombo campus, we recommend applying early to secure your preferred intake.

More Details on How to Apply

Start Your Application

Apply Direct

Entry Requirements — Domestic

  • Completion of school leaving qualification or equivalent
  • No entry exam required
  • All applicants attend an admissions interview
  • All applicants attend an audition
  • Minimum 17 years old at course commencement
See Full Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements — International

  • English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5, no band below 6.0
  • Valid student visa documentation
  • Audition may be conducted online
See International Requirements

Domestic Fees

  • All courses are study-loan eligible for domestic students
  • Tuition can be deferred — no upfront payment required if eligible
Domestic Fees & Financial Aid

International Fees

  • Tuition charged per trimester, based on study load
  • A non-refundable enrolment fee applies
International Fees

FAQs

Acting Course — Frequently Asked Questions

We know choosing the right acting course comes with lots of questions. If you don't see your question here, our Admissions team is only a click away.

What is the Acting course at IVMA?

IVMA's Acting course is a performance-focused program that trains students in new media (motion capture, content creation), blending traditional techniques with contemporary industry practices.

Do I need to audition to apply for the Acting degree?

Yes. An audition and interview are required to assess your performance ability and passion for the craft.

How long does the Acting degree take to complete?

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) is completed over 2 years full-time accelerated, or can be extended for international students.

Is the course more focused on stage or screen acting?

IVMA offers balanced training across both mediums — stage and screen — with dedicated units, performance projects and showreel development for each, as well as training in new media (motion capture).

What career options are available after the Acting degree?

Graduates can pursue careers as professional actors in film, television, theatre, streaming and voice-over, as well as related roles in directing, writing or producing.

Is the Acting degree suitable for beginners?

Yes. IVMA supports emerging actors at all levels. No formal training is required, but you must complete an audition to demonstrate your potential.

Are IVMA courses available to study online?

No, our courses are hands-on and practical. Students are required to attend classes to receive ongoing mentorship, learn new skills and work with the equipment provided.

Connect With Us

Take the Next Step

Get in Touch

Find out how this course fits into your creative future. Our admissions team can guide you with personalised advice.

Enquire Now

Start Application

Take the next step towards your career in the creative industries. Secure your place and start your IVMA journey.

Apply Now

Course Guide

Your roadmap to creative study, with insights into our campus, courses, facilities and career pathways.

Get the Guide

Related Courses

You May Also Like