Aspiring drama and acting students in the UK have plenty of options to choose from when deciding where to go to school, ranging from small privately-owned studios to well-established universities with highly regarded theatre programs.
That said, choosing between so many dramas and acting schools in UK can be an overwhelming task if you don’t know where to start with.
From our research, we can say that the best drama or acting schools in UK are those institutions that are ranked based on their facilities and reputation, e.g the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Students who enroll in one of these institutions will have access to some of the most highly regarded instructors in the country, teaching them everything from Shakespearean drama to modern comedy writing techniques.
How do you get into acting in the United Kingdom?
Whether you are an aspiring actor or someone looking to start your own production company, starting your career in UK will give you access to all that this beautiful country has to offer as well as help you learn from some of the best in their respective fields.
To get into most drama schools in the UK, you’ll need to pass an audition. The audition process is competitive, so it’s important to be prepared.
Also Read: 18 Easiest Film Schools To Get Into US, UK, CANADA, EUROPE
What are the best Drama or Acting Schools in UK?
Here is a list of some schools in the United Kingdom where you can get top-notch drama classes;
- Sylvia Young Theatre School in London
- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
- Guildford School of Acting at Guildford
- Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre
- London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
- Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London
- Central School of Speech and Drama in London
- Oxford School of Drama in Woodstock
- Italia Conti Academy of theatre arts in London
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff
- Mountview Academy of theater arts in London
- Rose Bruford College of Theatre and performance in London
- East 15 Acting School in Loughton
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow
- Royal Academy of Dramatic art in London
- Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts
- Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- The Academy of Live and Recording Arts
1. Sylvia Young Theatre School in London
The Sylvia Young Theatre School is a well-known independent drama school located in the heart of London.
Founded in 1972 by Slyvia Young, the school has a strong focus on the performing arts, and its alumni include; Adele Silva, Alex Walkinshaw, Amy Winehouse, Nick Berry Adam Woodyatt, and Perry Fenwick.
If you’re looking for a top-notch drama school in the UK, the Sylvia Young Theatre School should definitely be on your list.
Contact details:
Address: 1 Nutford Pl, London W1H 5YZ, United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 20 7258 2330
2. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art is arguably the best drama school in the United Kingdom, it was ranked among the best drama schools in the world by Hollywood Reporters.
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art offers acting programs that train students in all aspects of performance.
It provides vocational conservatoire training for theatre, film, television, and radio, here are some of the school’s notable alumni; Alan Rickman, Tom Hiddleston, Ralph Fiennes, Sean Bean, and Anthony Hopkins.
Contact details:
Address: 62-64 Gower St, London WC1E 6ED, United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 20 7636 7076.
3. Guildford School of Acting
Founded in 1935, the Guildford School of Acting at the University of Surrey is one of the top drama schools in the United Kingdom.
Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, this school has a long-standing reputation for excellence.
Located just outside London, students have the opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious acting schools in the world while also being able to take advantage of all that the city has to offer.
There are many reasons to study at Guilford, and the most outstanding is its reputation, it was ranked #6th in the UK for drama, dance, and cinematics by the Complete University Guide.
Contact details:
Address: Stag Hill Campus, Perimeter Rd, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 1483 684040.
Also Read: 16 Best Drama and Acting Schools in New York
4. Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre
If you’re looking for one of the best drama and acting schools in the UK, look no further than Manchester Metropolitan University’s school of theatre.
This institution was established in 1970 and has been grooming many students who have gone on to become top actors in society, here are some of the alumni; Sarah Amankwah, Yasmin Mwanza, Assad Zaman, and Elliot Knight.
With its world-class facilities and highly experienced teaching staff, MMU is the perfect place to develop your acting skills.
The Manchester Metropolitan University’s school of theatre is one of the best drama schools in UK also because it was ranked as the fourth best school in drama and dance by the Guardian University Guide.
Contact details:
Address: Cavendish St, Manchester M15 6BG, United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 161 247 1306
5. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
Founded in 1861, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is one of the most well-renowned acting schools not only in the United Kingdom but in the world.
It has a very prestigious reputation and has been responsible for training some of the world’s most successful actors.
The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as summer courses.
One of the things that set LAMDA apart from other acting schools is its strong focus on Shakespearean acting techniques.
Contact details:
Address: 155 Talgarth Rd, London W14 9DA, United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 20 8834 0500.
6. Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Established in 1880, Guildhall School of Music and Drama is one of the most prestigious acting schools in London, United Kingdom.
The school offers both undergraduate and postgraduate training in all aspects of classical music and jazz along with drama and production arts.
The school has produced many successful actors including Hayley Atwell, Michelle Dockery, Daniel Craig, and Ewan McGregor.
Guildhall School of Music and Drama has been ranked as the sixth best school in the world for Performing Arts by the QS World University Rankings.
If you’re looking for an acting school that will give you the best chance at a successful career in acting, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama should be at the top of your list.
Contact details:
Address: Silk St, London EC2Y 8DT, United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 20 7628 2571.
7. Central School of Speech and Drama
Founded in 1906 by Elsie Fogerty, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is one of the best acting schools in UK.
They offer a program that covers all aspects of performance, the school has an excellent reputation, and graduates often go on to have successful careers in the industry.
The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is ranked #34 in QS World University Ranking.
Contact details:
Address: Eton Ave, Belsize Park, London NW3 3HY, United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 20 7722 8183.
Also Read: 15 Best International Schools in London, United Kingdom
8. Oxford School of Drama in Woodstock
Founded in 1986 and located in Woodstock, Oxford School of Drama is one of the top drama schools in UK that offers programs that focuses on acting, directing, and design.
It is an independent vocational school that gives students the opportunity to perform in various productions throughout their time at the school.
Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue careers in theatre, film, and television.
Here are some of the notable alumni of this school; Jemma Powell, Claire Foy, Catherine McCormack, and Annabel Scholey.
Oxford School of Drama has been ranked among the best film-acting schools in the world.
Contact details:
Address: Sansome’s Farm Studios, Wootton, Woodstock OX20 1ER, United Kingdom.
9. Italia Conti Academy of theatre arts
One of the oldest and most prestigious drama schools in UK is the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Italia Conti has trained some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Charlie Chaplin, Kathy Bates, and Gemma Arterton.
The school offers a three-year degree program in acting, as well as a one-year foundation course.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to join the academy’s professional acting company.
Contact details:
Address: 221 Epsom Rd, Merrow, Guildford GU1 2RE, United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 1483 568070
10. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff
Founded in 1949, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) is a conservatoire located in Cardiff, Wales.
As well as being one of the leading drama schools in UK, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama also offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The college has close links with major organizations such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Welsh National Opera, Sherman Theatre, and the Sinfonia Cymru.
The college has three theatres where students get hands-on learning experiences, they include; the Richard Burton Theatre, the Bute Theatre, and the Caird Studio.
Contact details:
Address: North Rd, Cardiff CF10 3ER, United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 29 2034 2854.
Conclusion
Choosing the best drama school for you can be a daunting task, but we hope this list will help make your decision a little easier.
All of these schools have incredible programs that will help you grow as an actor or actress, so take your time, do your research, and find the perfect fit for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is studying acting worth it?
Yes, attending an acting school is definitely worth it, aside from the degree attained, you can network with like minds and industry leaders, this can help your career.
How long does it take to complete an acting school in the UK?
It takes three years to complete a degree from any of the acting schools in the United Kingdom.
What is the best drama or acting school in the UK?
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art is arguably the best acting school in the United Kingdom.
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