First off — congratulations.

If you’ve completed the full Core Acting or Writing Pathway (or both), you’ve done more than most. You’ve shown up week after week, pushed yourself creatively, and built real skills.

So where do you go from here?

Here’s what’s possible.

Can I repeat a course?

Yes — and many students do.

Courses like Theatre Training Company or our intermediate writing options are designed to be taken more than once. Each time, you’ll work with new material, different collaborators, and explore new challenges.

You won’t be going back to square one — you’ll be building on what you’ve already done.

Can I stage my own work?

Yes.

Many MAD students go on to develop and perform their own shows. The Hope Street Theatre is a natural home for this work — especially if you’ve written something through one of our courses and want to see it come to life.

You can also act in someone else’s project, collaborate on a devised piece, or apply what you’ve learned to something completely new. We’re happy to advise.

What about writing development opportunities?

If you’ve completed our writing pathway, there are some great next steps you can take:

• Royal Court Stage Write Playwright Development Programme
  A free, nine-month course for writers living in the Liverpool City Region. You’ll meet twice a month, receive professional support, and work toward staging new writing. You’ll need to submit a short sample to apply.
• Everyman & Playhouse Playwrights’ Programme
  A ten-month programme for emerging writers in Liverpool. It includes workshops, feedback, peer sessions and the chance to grow your voice in a professional context.

Both are well-respected, highly regarded, and completely free to access. Many MAD writers go on to apply.

Can MAD help me progress?

Yes. While we don’t have a formal graduate programme, we support students who want to go further.

• We can help coach you for drama school auditions
• We regularly share information about Liverpool festivals, projects, and submission opportunities
• We offer occasional one-off workshops and short courses to help you continue developing

And if you’ve got a particular goal in mind, we’re happy to talk it through.

Should I consider formal training?

Possibly — if you’re serious about pursuing acting or writing at a professional level. We can help you explore options like:

• RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art)
• Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
• Other formal training routes, including MA programmes or accredited diplomas

Some of our students decide to audition for these schools. Others are content to keep developing locally and performing on their own terms. Both are valid choices.