Unveiling Excellence: The Best Acting Schools in London
So, you’ve set your sights on the dazzling world of acting, and the vibrant city of London beckons with its renowned drama schools. Choosing the right school is a crucial step on your journey to becoming a successful actor. Here’s a curated list of some of the best acting schools in London, each with its unique offerings and illustrious alumni.
1. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
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Location: London
Established: 1904
The school that graces every conversation about drama education, RADA stands as an icon in the world of acting. With a history dating back to 1904, RADA offers a three-year BA in Acting validated by Kings College London. Known for its rigorous training and esteemed faculty, RADA provides students with vocal, physical, and imaginative training. The BA Acting course focuses on stage performance while incorporating audio and video training in the third year.
2. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
Location: London
Established: 1861
Established in 1861, LAMDA proudly boasts a stellar list of alumni, including recipients of Golden Globes, Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Tonys. The school’s courses are known for their thoroughness, and LAMDA prioritizes teaching in small groups, ensuring personalized attention. The BA Acting course emphasizes stage performance, with the third year dedicated to audio and video training. LAMDA’s Genesis mentoring project fosters a strong alumni network.
3. The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Location: London
Joined University of London: 2005
Central, as it’s widely known in the industry, is considered one of the toughest schools to get into. Offering a variety of courses such as BAs in Acting, Collaborative and Devised Acting, and Musical Theatre Acting, along with MAs in Acting for Screen, Music Theatre, and Classical Acting, Central is a big school with over 1,000 students. The school’s extensive network provides brilliant opportunities to make connections, and its degrees are highly regarded.
4. Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, London
Location: Sidcup, London
Gold Status: New Teaching Excellence Framework
Situated on the outskirts of London in Sidcup, Rose Bruford College is an established drama school with degrees accredited by the University of Manchester. Recently awarded a gold status ranking by the New Teaching Excellence Framework, the college offers full- and part-time courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. With plans to expand to Berlin, Rose Bruford is perfect for those wanting proximity to the action without the bustling city atmosphere.
5. Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Location: London
Established: 1880
Guildhall School of Music and Drama, founded in 1880, is a vibrant institution known for its cutting-edge performing arts education. Offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Guildhall’s BA Acting course focuses on classical and contemporary acting techniques. The school provides a range of performance opportunities, and its strong emphasis on collaboration sets the stage for comprehensive training.
6. Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Location: North London
Founded: 1947
Nestled in North London, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, also known as Mountview, has been a prominent player in drama education since 1947. With Judi Dench as its school president, Mountview offers BA students a minimum of 30 hours of contact time per week in small classes. The school’s commitment to building links with industry professionals, agents, and producers provides students with a valuable network for their future careers.
7. ArtsEd (Arts Educational Schools London)
Location: London
Established: 1919
Founded in 1919, Arts Educational Schools London, commonly known as ArtsEd, is renowned for its commitment to excellence in performing arts education. The school offers a diverse range of courses, including acting, musical theatre, and dance. With a rich history and a modern approach to training, ArtsEd has produced notable alumni who have excelled in various aspects of the entertainment industry.
8. The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA)
Location: London
Established: 1979
ALRA, established in 1979, stands as a leading drama school dedicated to live and recorded arts. The school offers BA and MA programs, focusing on a holistic approach to actor training. With an emphasis on practical experience and industry connections, ALRA prepares its students for the dynamic world of acting in both live and recorded formats.
9. London College of Music (LCM) – University of West London
Location: London
Founded: 1887
Part of the University of West London, the London College of Music (LCM) boasts a rich history dating back to 1887. LCM offers a diverse range of programs, including acting courses that blend creativity with academic rigor. The school’s multidisciplinary approach allows students to explore various facets of the performing arts while honing their acting skills.
10. The Poor School
Location: London
Founded: 1986
Established in 1986, The Poor School has carved its niche as a drama school with a focus on practical training. The school offers an intensive one-year acting course, emphasizing a hands-on approach to learning. Despite its unconventional name, The Poor School has gained respect for its commitment to providing affordable yet quality acting education.
11. Identity School of Acting
Location: London
Established: 2003
Founded in 2003 by actor and director Femi Oguns, the Identity School of Acting has gained recognition for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the world of acting. The school focuses on providing professional acting training for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. With an industry-relevant curriculum, Identity School of Acting prepares actors for the challenges of the modern entertainment landscape.
12. London Film School
Location: London
Established: 1956
While primarily known for film education, the London Film School (LFS) offers programs that encompass acting for the screen. Established in 1956, LFS provides a unique opportunity for actors to learn the intricacies of performing specifically for film. With a global reputation and a collaborative approach to filmmaking, LFS contributes to the development of versatile actors for both cinema and television.
13. Fourth Monkey Actor Training Company
Location: London
Established: 2010
Founded in 2010, Fourth Monkey Actor Training Company takes a bold and innovative approach to actor training. The school offers a two-year actor training program, focusing on physical theatre, ensemble work, and classical texts. With an emphasis on cultivating versatile and resilient actors, Fourth Monkey prepares its students for the diverse challenges of the contemporary acting landscape.
14. The London Theatre School
Location: London
Established: 2005
Established in 2005, The London Theatre School provides comprehensive training in acting, musical theatre, and dance. With a commitment to nurturing individual creativity, the school offers diploma and certificate programs. The London Theatre School’s approach combines traditional training methods with a contemporary understanding of the performing arts industry.
15. The Brit School
Location: London
Established: 1991
The Brit School, established in 1991 and funded by the British government, focuses on providing education in various aspects of the arts, including theatre. While known for its broad arts curriculum, the school offers specialized programs in theatre arts. With state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse student body, The Brit School creates a dynamic learning environment for aspiring actors.
16. London Actors Workshop
Location: London
Founded: 2015
Founded in 2015, London Actors Workshop offers practical and affordable acting training for individuals passionate about the craft. The school provides workshops and short courses, making acting education accessible to a wide range of aspiring actors. With experienced industry professionals as instructors, London Actors Workshop equips students with practical skills and insights for a successful acting career.
Choosing the right acting school involves considering factors such as the curriculum, faculty, industry connections, and the overall learning environment. Each of these institutions contributes uniquely to the rich tapestry of drama education in London, providing aspiring actors with diverse opportunities to hone their craft and embark on fulfilling careers in the performing arts.
Conclusion
Choosing the best acting school in London involves considering factors such as course offerings, faculty expertise, and the overall atmosphere that aligns with your artistic aspirations. Each of these esteemed institutions has contributed significantly to the world of performing arts, producing actors who have left an indelible mark on stage and screen. Your journey to stardom begins with the right education, and these top acting schools in London offer a promising start. Break a leg!
FAQ for London’s Top Acting Schools
Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London is renowned for its comprehensive theatre training programs, covering various aspects of performing arts.
The Royal Academy of Drama in London is a prestigious institution offering specialized courses in dramatic arts, shaping aspiring actors into industry-ready professionals.
To discover the best acting classes in London, consider exploring reputable institutions such as LAMDA, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, known for their high-quality training.
LAMDA London provides a range of acting courses, including full-time degree programs, part-time courses, and specialized workshops, catering to diverse interests and schedules.
Drama schools like Italia Conti, LAMDA, and Rose Bruford in London warmly welcome international students, providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for aspiring actors from around the world.
Yes, London offers a variety of acting classes for beginners, such as introductory courses and workshops designed to nurture the foundational skills needed for a successful acting career.
London features top-notch screen acting courses, with institutions like LAMDA and Mountview Academy offering specialized training for aspiring actors in the film and television industry.
Yes, several institutions in London, including drama schools like RADA and Drama Centre London, conduct workshops catering to professionals looking to enhance their acting skills.