A NEW degree course in acting and performance is to be launched, a first for Brighton and Hove.

From September, the Brighton Institute for Contemporary Theatre Training (BRICTT) will be offering the city’s only BA (Hons) course in acting and performance.

The degree will be accredited by the University of Sussex and will be built around the BRICTT trinity of acting, dance and vocal technique.

BRICTT is the brainchild of Mia Bird, founder of Brighton’s Bird Studios.

An industry veteran with decades of experience in working with all areas of the entertainment business, Mia’s goal is to train highly talented individuals and prepare them for entry into the industry via auditions and casting calls.

She also aims to hone their skills so they will be able to produce their own projects.

The course also has strong ties to BIMM, Brighton Film School and the Theatre Royal, providing unique opportunities to collaborate with up-and-coming musicians and performers.

All BRICTT’s UK undergraduate three-year degree courses are £9,000 per year for UK students and, as with all validated degree courses, funding is available through student loans.

It comes as BRICTT, in conjunction with Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA), launches a new A level diploma course in performing arts from September as well.

Practical classes will cover a multitude of styles and disciplines including Shakespeare, ballet, contemporary, jazz and street dance.

Mia said: “With an emphasis on life coaching and physical and mental wellbeing, the BRICTT ethos is to nurture our young performers to be the best that they can be.

“We will eradicate any self-limiting doubts with a focus on building their confidence to enable them to stand up and achieve their full potential acquiring or securing the life skills needed to transfer into any job or training the future holds for them.”

BACA principal Dylan Davies said: “What sets this course apart and makes it so extraordinary is that students will not only be taught by a faculty of such exceptional standard, they will also have access to BRICTT’s industry connections and celebrity guests who will offer career guidance and opportunities for the developing performer.

“What an opportunity for our students.”