MN AWARDS

What are MN Awards?

• MN Awards is an awarding body specialising in film & TV — offering graded qualifications in “Screen Acting” (performance) and also production/filmmaking. 

• Their “Screen Acting” pathway is designed to bridge the gap between traditional theatre-drama training and what is needed for acting on camera (film, TV, self-tapes, auditions, etc.). 

• For young performers, this offers a graded, structured way to learn screen-acting — with grades starting low (for younger learners/less experienced performers) and going up to higher, more advanced levels.

​

The MN Awards Exam Process

The exam process for Screen Acting with MN covers a range of components to reflect real screen-acting demands, not just stage-style performance. These include:

• Monologues and duologues: Exams aren’t limited to solo monologues — duologues (two-person scenes) are built in at every level. In duologues, the “scene partner” delivers opposing lines off-camera (simulating self-tapes or in person auditions). 

• On-camera performance techniques: Because it’s screen acting, the emphasis is on how performance reads on camera — focusing on subtlety, naturalism, reactions, camera awareness, eyeline and the ability to respond even when the partner may be off-camera. 

• Audition / self-tape preparation and skills: The training and exam structure simulates casting conditions — preparing for self-tapes, audition-style delivery, handling direction, choosing appropriate material, understanding how to perform whilst on camera. 

• Performance and production literacy: Aside from performing, MN also offers production-side qualifications (filmmaking) — but for screen acting, learners are introduced to a broader understanding of film/TV as a medium and what on-screen performance entails versus stage. 

• Formal assessment and grading: Their examinations follow a syllabus with graded levels (Grade 1 up to Grade 8) and official assessment criteria in categories such as “Audience”, “Engagement & Knowledge”, “Technical”. Marks are given and translated into percentages, then into grade bands (Pass, Merit, Distinction).

• Certification & recognition: For higher levels (Level 3), the qualifications carry UCAS points — meaning MN Awards are formally recognised in the UK education/qualification framework, which can help in applications to further education (e.g. drama schools, universities).​

​

Where can my child take their exam?

• The “Live Exams” are hosted via Zoom, with an MN Examiner present in real time. 

• No special filming/editing skills or high-end equipment is needed — as long as the camera can clearly show and capture the performance, that’s sufficient. In fact, MN emphasises that examiners assess the acting, not the camera-production quality. 

• Once the exam is complete, the performance is assessed, and digital certificates are issued (usually within about two weeks). ​

​

Why are MN Awards beneficial for young performers? 

• Realistic screen-acting training, not just stage acting: So many traditional youth drama/acting exams or courses focus on theatre — but screen acting is a different skill set (camera awareness, subtlety, self-tape technique, on-camera presence). MN gives young performers the chance to build on these specific skills.

• Flexibility & accessibility: Because exams are online and there’s no need for large groups or special equipment, it's much easier for families or small schools to participate — which lowers barriers to entry, especially for kids not living near major drama schools or who can’t commit to in-person sessions.

• Credentials and recognised qualification: The fact that MN’s higher-level qualifications carry UCAS points means that children who pursue a serious acting or film path can get formal qualifications — which can strengthen applications to drama schools or universities.

• Industry-relevant audition simulation: The exam model mirrors real-world industry demands — self-tapes, on-camera auditions, ability to perform duologues even off-camera, handling direction — all essential for working in the TV and film industry .

• Developing confidence, media literacy & professionalism: Beyond just performing, MN emphasises communication, media understanding, confidence on camera — important life skills for young performers, and also a strong foundation for a career in screen acting or broader media work. 

• Flexibility regardless of geography: Because exams are remote, even children living outside big cities (or internationally) can participate — making screen-acting training more accessible.

LAMDA EXAMS

What are LAMDA Exams?

• LAMDA is the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art — a long-established drama school in the UK. LAMDA offer a wide range of graded examinations in speech, drama and performance for people of all ages. 

• Exams run from Entry level up to Grade 8, with no strict minimum age requirement — meaning children, teens, or adults can take them.

• The qualifications are regulated under the UK’s regulated qualification framework (RQF), meaning they carry formal recognition and standardisation comparable to other qualifications. 

​

Beyond just “acting on stage,” LAMDA exams aim to teach and certify core skills: voice, interpretation, movement, characterisation, and dramatic understanding.

​

Why are LAMDA Exams beneficial for young performers?

Choosing to do LAMDA exams can bring several advantages — especially for young performers aiming to develop their acting or performance skills:

• Structured, progressive training — The graded system (Entry → Grade 8) allows learners to develop skills gradually, building from basic voice and confidence to advanced character work, interpretation, and dramatic technique.

• Flexibility & accessibility — Because exams can be taken online, young learners don’t have to be near a big city or specific centre; they can do the exam from home (with supervision).

• Formal, recognised qualification — LAMDA’s graded exams are regulated under RQF, giving them formal status. For high grades (Grade 6–8), the qualifications may even carry academic value (e.g. helpful for UCAS/university applications or performing arts further study). 

• Wide range of skills beyond acting — Because LAMDA offers many exam types (Acting, Devising Drama, Mime, Public Speaking, Verse & Prose, Musical Theatre, etc.), a young person can explore different aspects of performance — valuable for building versatility and confidence.

• Develops essential performance skills relevant to stage, screen, or public communication — Even though LAMDA originates in theatre/drama tradition, its focus on voice, interpretation, presence, and dramatic understanding gives a strong foundation for acting in theatre, essays, speaking in public, auditions, etc.— skills useful for stage and screen, or any performance medium.

• Encourages discipline, confidence, and expressive literacy — Memorising and performing scenes/monologues, analysing texts, understanding character/context — all build mental discipline, emotional awareness, self-confidence, and skills in communication and expression that benefit both performance and broader life skills.

Service Name