Top 10 Drama Schools in the UK in 2023
Are you looking for the best drama schools in the UK? Whether you want to take your acting career to the next level or just want to explore this fascinating craft, enrolling in a drama school is a great way to gain access to experienced teachers and industry professionals. Studying drama at a professional level is an exciting opportunity, and the UK is home to some of the best colleges and universities offering degrees in Drama. For aspiring actors and actresses, this list of top-notch drama schools will provide you with the best education and training available in the UK.
Here are the 10 Best Drama Schools in the UK in 2023 that will help foster your growth as an actor:
#1. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
Founded in 1904, RADA is one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world. It has produced some of Britain’s most talented actors, including Sir Laurence Olivier, Alan Rickman, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Emma Thompson. RADA offers a range of courses from short intensive workshops to three-year full-time programs. You can also find masterclasses, summer courses, and even online learning opportunities at RADA.
#2. LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art)
Founded in 1861, LAMDA is the oldest drama school in the UK and for more than 150 years has been dedicated to providing quality training for actors and stage professionals. Notable alumni include Dame Judi Dench, Anthony Hopkins, Richard E Grant, Imelda Staunton, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. LAMDA offers various part-time and full-time courses in acting, directing, and producing; playwriting; technical theatre; film & TV acting; music theatre; voice coaching; speech & communication skills; performance studies; and teaching & coaching qualifications.
#3. Central School of Speech & Drama
The Central School of Speech & Drama was founded in 1906 by Elsie Fogerty. It is one of Britain’s leading conservatoires for theatre training with an impressive list of alumni including Tom Hiddleston, Rachel Weisz, Derek Jacobi, Kenneth Branagh, and Miranda Richardson amongst others. CSSD offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees as well as professional development programs such as stage combat classes or industry workshops.
#4. Guildhall School of Music and Drama
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama is one of the UK’s premier institutions for drama, music, and technical theatre training. It offers full-time courses in acting, opera, music production & engineering, creative leadership & management in the performing arts; as well as masterclasses, workshops, and summer schools. Alumni include Pierce Brosnan and Ewan McGregor.
#5. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is another excellent choice for budding actors and stage professionals. Located in Cardiff, the college offers full-time courses in acting, directing, writing, and producing; animation & visual effects; choreography & dance studies; music theatre; tech & production arts; and classical & contemporary performance. Notable alumni include Michael Sheen, Robert Pugh, Alison Steadman, and Hayley Mills.
Also Read: Top 10 Law Schools in the UK 2023
#6. Rose Bruford College
The Rose Bruford College is one of the most respected drama schools in the UK, offering an extensive range of degrees, diplomas, and short courses. Notable alumni include Daniel Radcliffe and Eddie Redmayne. The college offers a wide selection of performance-based undergraduate and postgraduate programs along with professional development opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, and workshops.
#7. Oxford School of Drama
The Oxford School of Drama is one of the UK’s leading conservatoires for actor training. It offers a range of full-time, part-time, and evening classes in acting and stage combat. Notable alumni include Hayley Atwell and Hugh Grant. The school also has a dedicated research center where students can study topics such as contemporary theatre practice, film & TV studies, and modern performance techniques.
#8. Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
The Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts is a leading conservatoire for musical theatre training. Notable alumni include Emma Bunton, Gary Barlow, and Samantha Barks. The academy offers full-time and part-time courses in acting, dance & musical theatre, technical theatre, and production arts; as well as masterclasses, internships, and summer schools.
#9. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a world-leading conservatoire for theatre training. It offers full-time courses in acting, directing & producing, creative writing, and theatrical production; as well as masterclasses, workshops, and summer schools. Notable alumni include David Tennant, James McAvoy, and Robert Carlyle.
#10. Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is one of the UK’s leading conservatoires for music and drama. Notable alumni include Anita Dobson, Sheila Hancock, and Brian Blessed. The conservatoire offers full-time and part-time courses in acting, directing & producing, voice coaching, and theatre design; as well as internships, apprenticeships, and summer schools.
These are just some of the many prestigious drama schools in the UK that offer outstanding training for aspiring actors and stage professionals. With so many options to choose from, aspiring performers can find a school that suits their individual needs and goals. It’s important to do your research when selecting a program so you can ensure it has the right combination of programs for you to reach your fullest potential.
Conclusion:
These are just 10 out of many excellent drama schools located throughout the UK offering students unique opportunities to learn from experienced teachers while connecting with like-minded individuals who share their passion for performing arts. Regardless if you are planning on taking your career further or just curious about what it takes to be an actor/actress – choose any one of these institutions and take your first step towards realizing your potential today! Good luck!
