The Best Drama Schools in London 2024
London, the cultural capital of the United Kingdom, is renowned for its thriving theatre scene, and the city is home to some of the most prestigious drama schools in the world. These schools offer training and education to aspiring actors, directors, and theatre technicians, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in the industry. In this article, we'll explore some of the top drama schools in London, including LAMDA, RADA, Rose Bruford, Guildhall, Central School of Speech and Drama, Drama Centre, Fourth Monkey, and Mountview.
1. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
Founded in 1861, LAMDA is one of the oldest and most renowned drama schools in the world. The school offers a range of courses, including acting, stage management, and technical theatre, as well as degrees in performance, directing, and design. LAMDA's alumni include Benedict Cumberbatch, John Lithgow, and David Oyelowo.
2. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
RADA, founded in 1904, is one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world. The school offers a three-year BA in acting, which focuses on classical and contemporary theatre, film, and television. RADA has produced some of the most famous actors, directors, and writers in the industry, including Kenneth Branagh, Ralph Fiennes, and Anthony Hopkins.
3. Rose Bruford College
Rose Bruford College, founded in 1950, is located in the London Borough of Bexley. The school offers courses in acting, directing, and theatre arts. The acting program is a three-year BA course that covers classical and contemporary theatre, film, and television. Rose Bruford is known for its innovative approach to theatre training and its emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary work.
4. Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Guildhall School of Music and Drama was founded in 1880 and is located in the heart of the City of London. The school offers courses in acting, directing, and technical theatre. The acting program at Guildhall is a three-year BA course that focuses on classical and contemporary theatre, film, and television. The school has a strong reputation for its musical theatre program, which offers a four-year BMus course.
5. Central School of Speech and Drama
Central School of Speech and Drama is a constituent college of the University of London and was founded in 1906. The school offers courses in acting, theatre practice, and applied theatre. The acting program is a three-year BA course that covers classical and contemporary theatre, film, and television. Central is also known for its postgraduate courses, including MA courses in acting, theatre directing, and writing for performance.
6. Fourth Monkey
Fourth Monkey is a relatively new drama school, having been founded in 2010. The school offers a two-year accelerated training program, focusing on actor training, ensemble work, and physical theatre. Fourth Monkey is known for its immersive and experimental approach to theatre, and alumni include Freddie Fox, Rosie Wyatt, and Adelayo Adedayo.
7. Mountview
Mountview, founded in 1945, is one of the leading drama schools in the UK. The school offers courses in acting, musical theatre, and theatre production, as well as postgraduate courses in directing and writing for performance. Alumni include Amanda Holden, Eddie Marsan and Giles Terera.
