Do you want to start an acting career? Are you looking for London’s top drama schools? Then you are right on track.
Whether you want to play the main role in a film, television show or even as an extra at a significant event, the world of drama is one where you may be who you are.
In addition to being the center of theater, London is also a relatively small city with plenty of opportunities to meet talented people easily.
Choosing the best acting school that suits your needs is one thing to consider while going with the options you have in mind. There are excellent courses to consider if you’re interested in attending an acting school. Let’s dive in.
Read Also: 10+ Best Acting Schools in California
Table of Contents
Are There Acting Schools in London?
Yes. There are acting schools in London. Even though it is possible to succeed and become well-known as an actor without having a degree in acting, drama, theater, or film studies, many working actors who have acting degrees have been able to demonstrate that their formal training has increased their confidence and competence in their line of work.
Actors who can pass their auditions and land a spot in one of the drama schools from the list below will gain a solid acting foundation and possibly launch their careers. To advance your acting profession, here is a comprehensive list of some of London’s best acting schools.Â
- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- London Academy of Performing Arts
- Guildhall School of Music and Drama
- Drama Center London
- East 15 Acting School
- Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
- Queen Mary University of London
- Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
- Mountview Academy of Theater Arts
- Arts Educational Schools, London
- The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
- Academy of Live and Recorded Arts
What are the Requirements for Acting Schools in London?
For someone with no prior experience, applying to any acting schools in London might be challenging.
You don’t have anything to worry about because we will guide you on the requirements you need to have in mind before heading out to apply to an acting school.
Every acting school has a different application process, but here listed are the requirements for acting schools in London:
- Application Form
- Audition
- IELTS Test Score
- Minimum age of 18-23
- A well-structured Personal Statement
What are the Top 10 Best Acting Schools in London?
After a lot of research, we have come up with the ten best acting schools in London, all listed in no particular order. In contrast to the American entertainment industry, where a degree in drama doesn’t matter much, the British entertainment industry is entirely the reverse in this situation.
If you want to pursue a successful acting career, you might consider enrolling in one of these acting schools in London. They include;
1. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- Course Duration: 3 years
- London, England
- Tuition fee: 847 USD per semester
Since its founding in 1904, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) theater school has earned a reputation as one of the most elite drama programs in London and the entire world.
It has a reputation as a globally recognized center of excellence, providing the best resources and top-notch instruction.
The student productions of RADA Drama Institution, seen by agents, casting directors, and theater professionals, are of a high caliber, and the school takes pleasure in its graduates’ track record of employment.
2. Drama Centre London
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Tuition fee: £2,075 per academic year
One of London’s premier theatre schools, Drama Centre London was established in 1963 by a creative group of teachers and students.
For those who are unwaveringly serious about their acting careers, it provides a motivating, passionate environment.
The Drama Center has been a part of Central Saint Martins since 1999. Central Saint Martins is the University of the Arts London constituent college. This renowned institution offers the most varied and comprehensive selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the nation in art, design, and performance.
3. Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Tuition fee: 9,000 GBP in-state and 20,800 GBP out-of-state.
One of the world’s finest drama schools and in London is the Guildhall School of Music & Drama (GSMD). It provides a positive atmosphere for artists and professionals to expand their careers as musicians, actors, stage managers, and theatre technicians.
The Guardian University Guide ranked GSMD as the top specialized institution in the UK in 2013 and 2014, and it currently enrolls over 800 higher education students from nearly 60 different nations. Some of the most well-known actors in the world today are graduates of this prestigious drama school.
Also, read – 10+ Best Acting Schools in Los Angeles
4. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
- Course Duration: 3 years
- London, England
- Tuition fee: £14,200 per semester
The oldest and most prestigious drama school in London and the entire world was established over 150 years ago and is known as the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). They believe in excellence, passion, talent, and imagination.
LAMDA provides exceptional vocational training to talented people, enabling them to become outstanding actors, regardless of their educational background, or financial situation.
LAMDA is one of the leaders and pioneers in acting training. The school works to give students who will benefit the most access to LAMDA and all of its activities.
5. East 15 Acting School
- Location: Loughton, United Kingdom.
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Tuition fee: 17,570 GBP per academic year.
Essex England, is home to East 15 Acting School. The institution opened its doors in 2002 and offers a one-year acting study leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Three specialization options are available to applicants: film production, television commercial work, or stage performances at East 15’s on-campus theater for students with a good background in acting.
6. Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Tuition fee: £32,970 /Yr
London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSDS) is a drama school. It provides undergraduate, graduate, and diploma programs in acting, directing, and stage, screen, and television production design.
At the Royal Albert Hall, Elsie Fogerty started it in 1906 as The Central School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art.
The Institution is one of just a handful of prestigious theater schools in London to obtain special government support in recognition of its outstanding work. Their graduation employment figures are among the highest in their industry.
7. Queen Mary University of London
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Tuition fee: 9,250 GBP per academic year
The Queen Mary University of London also referred to as QM, is a public research university in London, England, and a federal member of the University of London.
Three faculties make up the university: the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. The school offers an acting degree to students interested in getting one.
8. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
- Location: Cardiff, United Kingdom.
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Tuition fee: 9,000 GBP in-state and 15,700 GBP out of state.
Cardiff, Wales is home to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD), a school for the performing arts. Since its founding in 1967, it has been a part of the University of Wales and provides undergraduate-level courses in dance, drama, and music.
The Studio Theater, which has about 100 seats, and the Dance Pavilion, which has 340 seats, are two of the theaters available at the college.
The RWCMD offers six rehearsal spaces spread among various buildings, including a 450-seat theater where students take final exams, such as GCSEs or A levels.
9. Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Tuition fee: €17,860 per semester
Mountview Academy of Theater Arts is one of the top theatre schools in the UK. It is situated in north London. The school provides a 2-year BA in Theater Arts and a 3-year BA in Acting.
Actress Lesley Manville, who has been a teacher there since 1987, founded the school. The acting program at Mountview is home to a small minority of performers who have performed onstage at some of Britain’s most prominent theaters.
10. Arts Educational Schools, London
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Course Duration: 3 years
- Tuition fee: £15,670 per semester.
One of the UK’s most prominent and established drama schools is Arts Educational Schools, London (AES). William Macready and John James, two drama enthusiasts, founded it in 1871.
There are two sites for the school—one in Chiswick and one in Battersea. Both campuses provide educational possibilities for students seeking employment after graduating from AESs, including courses from entry-level through A-Levels and opportunities for vocational training.
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Are there Part-Time Acting Classes in London?
Sometimes students find it hard to juggle getting into an acting school and managing their respective jobs.
The option of a part-time acting class makes it easy for students that have other engagements, to be able to get things done at the right time.
There are a few part-time acting classes in London. They include:
- Kingdom Drama School
- London School of Dramatic Art
- The International School Of Screen Acting
- Drama Studio London
- City Academy
What are the Musical Theatre Schools in London, UK?
There are a few musical theatre schools in the UK. Some of them are:
- Guildhall School of Music and Drama
- Royal Academy of Music
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- Leeds Conservatoire
Conclusion
London’s drama schools provide a wide selection of top-notch training options for those looking to pursue careers as actors, directors, or playwrights.
The nation’s capital is home to some of the most prestigious theater schools in the world and numerous illustrious organizations which provide programs for people who desire to work in the field.
As you can see, London has a wide range of top-notch institutions where you can earn a degree in acting or develop your acting skills. It’s up to you to take advantage of this opportunity and reach your career’s peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do drama schools offer?
Instead of offering theoretical classes, theatre schools offer practical classes. They aim to prepare students to become professional performers for stage work (such as theater or musical theater) and camera work (film and television shows).
How long is a drama school in the Uk?
Acting degrees typically last about two to three years. Applicants can go to drama school straight from high school or college. They can also attend an acting studio or workshop to improve their acting skills further.Â
How Much Do Acting Schools in London Cost?
Acting schools in London cost more than £5,000 per term. This depends on the housing expenses and cost of living in that area. Some schools would permit fees to be paid in installments, i.e. twice before the start of each school year.Â
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