The Best Acting Schools In The UK

So, you want to be an actor. You probably already know that you can’t just turn up at a casting director’s house, give him your best impassioned monologue and expect fame and fortune to drop into your lap, right? You need to work at it, and spend time learning about acting skills and techniques. But where should you go to do this? We have had a scout around and picked out the best acting schools in the UK, so you can work out where you want to go:

RADA

RADA is an incredibly popular, prestigious acting college, which has turned out some of the biggest and brightest stars of our time. Founded in 1904, it attracts students from all over the world, and offers vocational training for actors, directors, stage managers and more in theatre, television and radio. They offer full time courses in acting and theatre production, plus short courses and workshops.

CENTRAL

Another London based acting college, this one will offer you undergraduate and postgraduate studies, or diplomas, evening courses, summer courses and open courses. The courses cover just about everything you might want in an acting course; from musical theatre to stage design, production and lighting courses, as well as the standard acting training.

RCS

This acting college based in Scotland will offer you a comprehensive study of any of the performing arts, all in one campus. Postgraduate and undergraduate courses are offered, along with courses specifically for adults or young children. You will find courses in acting, plus music, dance and film making.

RWCMD

A Welsh acting college that focuses heavily on musical courses, this one will offer good qualifications in acting too. There are dedicated courses for many different instruments, such as guitar, keyboard, woodwind and percussion, plus courses in stage management, art management, and acting.

LAMDA

LAMDA offers vocational training in acting, stage management, as well as technicians and directing qualifications. It takes in students from around the world, and is a very multicultural, diverse London based college. LAMDA also has a wide range of financial support available to eligible students.

ACS

Acting Coach Scotland has three courses for you to choose from; a 2 year HND acting and performance, a one year professional acting diploma, and a one year foundation acting course. 

- The two year course comprises of an intensive course jam-packed with everything you will need to improve your acting from movement coaching to stage combat and monologue training. 

- The diploma is designed to get you ready for stage and screen, and features a LOT of performances, more than you would expect from a short course. 

- The one year foundation course incorporates and HNC in acting, and is perfect for those who missed out on drama school but still want to forge ahead with the dream of becoming an actor, and makes you much more attractive to any drama school you choose. 

All these courses are industry recognised, and the college has an impressive list of previous graduates’ successes. If this wasn’t enough, you can also opt for part time acting courses, drama school coaching and 121 coaching to fulfil your dreams of becoming a professional actor.

Check out their acting courses here. 

MTA

This London college is dedicated solely to musical theatre. Entry is based on auditions, so there is no need to fret that you don’t have the right sort of qualifications. They also run a fast track programme, which promises to make you industry ready in just two years, rather than the standard three. They only accept a small number of students, meaning that your one on one time is maximised.

As you can see, the UK has a great selection of the best acting colleges. Whether you fancy a university course or if you jump at the chance to add to your qualifications with a two year HND acting and performance course, the choice is in your hands.