Helsinki
Academic year 2026-27
August 12th 2026 – May 22nd 2027
Application period
Application for the academic year 2026-27
is open!
You can complete the admission process either in person
(in May or August), or remotely (through a self-tape).
What do we do when we act?
This is the question around which our entire study program is built. Does it sound exciting? Then this program is for you!
But perhaps you are thinking: “That’s a big question…” Don’t let that intimidate you. In our program, we believe it is more important to ask questions than to find ready-made answers.
But what else? What makes this acting program special?
Our program is not just a traditional acting education; it is a laboratory where we explore, challenge, and develop together what acting is, what it can be, and what it should be today.
We place great emphasis on our students’ own creative work and artistic development. What matters most to us is your growth as a student, which is why we support you in asking yourself the question:
What does acting mean to me?
During the year you will create both smaller and larger works and performances, allowing you to grow and develop as an artist.
Studies in acting can serve as a springboard to further studies in the field, but they are also a fantastic way to get to know yourself better and to build stronger self-confidence and self-understanding.
Additionally:
The study program is carried out in collaboration with the Theatre Academy, which means that you will receive university credits – a valuable addition if you aim to continue studies in the arts.
You can learn more about the courses in the program further down the page.
After one year in the program you will have:
- developed an understanding of who you are as an actor and performing artist
- gained stronger self-awareness and confidence
- acquired knowledge about theatre as an art form and its role in society
- developed confidence in performing, both individually and in a group
Content of the Studies
The studies are full-time (25 hours per week) and take place in Helsinki.
The year consists of three modules.
In the first module we take a closer look at what acting actually is. You will learn the fundamentals of acting and work with:
- voice
- movement
- character work
- stage performance
You will also explore more theoretical questions about what acting can mean.
In the second module we take a step further and place acting in a more practical context. You will apply your acting skills in two different mediums:
- film
- theatre performance
During these courses we explore what a creative process involves, as well as what the external gaze means for our acting, how it affects us, and how we can play with it.
In the third module we zoom out and examine the role of acting and theatre in society.
In this module you will:
- dive into the history of theatre
- gain an understanding of how the professional theatre field works
- analyze and critique performances and texts
- experiment with different forms of applied theatre, such as community theatre and documentary theatre
MODULES 1–3
Acting 1: The Actor
Includes the courses:
- The Actor’s Instrument
- Character Creation
- Stage Performance
- Singing I & II
Acting 2: The Audience
Includes the courses:
- Film: The Actor and the Camera
- Theatre Production: The Actor and the Audience
Acting 3: Society
Includes the courses:
- Theatre History
- Documentary Theatre
- Reading Circle
- Community Theatre
- Cultural Policy and Working Life
- Performance Analysis
It is possible to take only some of the modules, but we of course hope that you will participate in all of them.
Study Load
The studies generally correspond to full-time folk high school studies,
25 × 45 minutes per week.
Contact Information and Further Details
Have questions?
Contact the programme director.
Programme Director:
Martin Paul | Phone +358 (0)40 722 3925 | martin.paul@akan.fi
Guest Teachers
Our teachers are experts in their fields and work professionally in the theatre sector both in Finland and internationally.
Guest teachers for the academic year 2026–2027 include:
Astrid Stenberg, Joel Forsbacka, Filip Rosengren, Tom Rejström, Marika Hill, Jonas Welander, Antonia Atarah and Vega Adsten.
Timetable
Application Period opens: February 2, 2026
Admission opportunity: To be announced later (admission can also be done remotely)
Academic Year: August 12, 2026 – May 22, 2027 (full-time studies, 25 hours/week)
Location:
The teaching is primarily based in central Helsinki (Annegatan 26).
Language of Instruction:
The course is taught in Swedish, but it is also suitable for those whose native language is not Swedish and who want to practice the language.
If necessary, English can also be used in teaching.
Study fees:
450 €/month including teaching, lunch & afternoon coffee
(The fees apply to the academic year 2026-27)
Accomodation:
If you need accommodation, you can board in the school’s dormitory connected to the school in Porvoo (Borgå folkakademi Runeberginkatu 16-18, Porvoo). You are responsible for the travel costs between Porvoo and Helsinki.
Cost 200 €/month in a shared double room or 260 €/month for a single room, including breakfast Monday-Friday and supper Monday-Thursday. Further information about accommodation and costs can be found here.
We withhold the right to change the contents and offers in our courses and educational programmes.