Academies – Discover More

We’re the only professional performance training course in Wales for learning disabled and/or autistic actors who aspire to work in the world of theatre and film.

Students learn a range of performance skills, develop social skills and become more independent. Many Hijinx students have gone on to perform in professional paid roles in TV, film and on the stage. 

How does it work.

Hijinx Academy is a performance skills training course for adults who identify as learning disabled and/or autistic. Students attend the course for two days every week and study a variety of skills taught by some of the most highly respected and experienced practitioners working in Wales.  

The Academy is designed to prepare you for employment as a professional performer. Students have the potential to go on to perform in our professional productions, at the Hijinx Unity Festival, and in other internal and external theatre productions and film and television projects.  

 The course is designed to support our actors throughout their professional careers, and unlike traditional drama school training, it doesn’t simply end after three years. Instead, actors can choose to continue for as long as they feel they are still benefitting.  

Where can I go .

There are five Academies across Wales and we’ve located them so you’ll never have to travel more than 90 minutes to get to one.  

South 1 & 2 – Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff  

North – TAPE Community Music & Film, Colwyn Bay

West – The Lyric, Carmarthen  

Mid – Aberystwyth Arts Centre   

When does it happen.

South Academy 1 – Mondays and Tuesdays  

South Academy 2 – Wednesdays and Thursdays   

North Academy – Mondays and Tuesdays  

West Academy – Thursdays and Fridays  

Mid Academy – Mondays (we’re hoping to introduce a two-day course soon)   

Classes run throughout the year, taking breaks for Bank Holidays, up to two weeks over Christmas and one week over Easter. The working day is from 10am until 4pm (currently 9.30am to 3.30pm for Mid Academy)  

How much does it cost.

The cost can vary very slightly across locations, but it’s usually around £42 per day. You can talk to your social worker or planning team about funding for studying and travel costs.   

Want to know more? Fill out our simple contact form and we’ll get back to you.