Don’t get us wrong—there are plenty of world-class summer acting courses available in the United States. But if you’re interested in studying on the other side of the pond, the U.K. offers a host of engaging programs that are open to international applicants, each appealing to a certain kind of aspiring actor. Want to prep for drama school? Interested in learning the ins and outs of screen performance? There’s a course for that.
Read on for our rundown of summer acting schools in the U.K. for adults and young performers, along with specifics to help you decide which program is the best fit.
Adults
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- Length: 2 weeks (July 14–25)
- Cost: £1,425
- Location: London
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Founded in 1880, Guildhall is dedicated to promoting innovation across the performing arts, and its summer program has a strong practical focus. Craft-based master classes and intensive workshops explore movement, voice, and various acting techniques taught by a blend of Guildhall tutors and visiting industry professionals. Expect to participate in scene studies, devising, improv, and monologue performance. Though previous acting experience isn’t required, applicants should have a willingness to share and discuss their work.
How to book: Through the school’s website. Bookings close either at the end of June or when the course reaches capacity. This is a popular program, so don’t sleep on securing your spot.
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- Length: 2 weeks (Aug. 4–15)
- Cost: £1,900
- Location: London
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The high standards of RADA’s “rigorous and detailed” summer program reflect the institution’s pedigree; the academy has held a royal charter since 1920. In the summer school program, tailored for experienced actors, you’ll workshop a modern or contemporary monologue; attend acting, voice, and movement classes; and receive plenty of individual attention. The course closes with a performance for your fellow students. You’ll also have the chance to sit in on RADA graduate rehearsals and participate in Q&A sessions with the performers.
How to apply: Via written application, including a personal statement and a reference. Application reviews are ongoing, but places typically fill by June.
Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
- Length: 3 weeks (July 21–Aug. 8)
- Cost: £1,800
- Location: London
Credit: Patrick Baldwin
This school’s Summer Theatre Company course is all about collaboration. Rather than rehearsing monologues to perform in a showcase, students work with their fellow actors to create a piece of live theater from a pre-assigned text. You’ll be supervised by an experienced director, culminating in a studio performance. When you’re not rehearsing, you’ll explore contemporary acting techniques, and sharpen your voice and movement chops. You’ll also get the chance to hone your skills at researching and close-reading texts. Participants don’t need to have prior experience—only a passion for theater.
How to book: Through the school’s website. Keep in mind that places are first come, first served.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- Length: 4 weeks (July 28–Aug. 22)
- Cost: £2,295
- Location: Glasgow
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Despite its name, RCS’ Acting: Stage and Screen Intensive primarily focuses on the ins and outs of screen acting, with an emphasis on realism, naturalism, and the differences between acting on camera and onstage.
Beyond classes in voice and movement technique, students leave prepared to study acting at the degree level. You’ll put together a portfolio and an outline of your career plan, with a chance to assemble a list of industry contacts. You’ll also rehearse excerpts from various plays, to be performed in a showcase. Prior acting experience is required.
How to apply: Upload a video recording of yourself performing two contrasting monologues around two minutes apiece, plus a reference and a personal statement. You’ll then be invited to a virtual audition. Applications are being accepted until June 2, but places may fill up sooner than that.
Kids and Teens
ArtsEd
- Length: 1 week (July 21–25 or July 28–Aug. 1)
- Cost: £365
- Location: London
Focused on both the techniques and social benefits of performance, ArtsEd’s Acting for Stage and Screen course helps kids 11–13 and teens aged 14 and up develop their teamwork skills and boost their confidence. Students participate in exercises and drama games designed to empower them as performers and introduce essential techniques. Students apply what they’ve learned through rehearsing film scenes and devising short pieces for the stage.
How to book: Register as a student on the ArtsEd website.
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- Length: 2 weeks (July 21–Aug. 1)
- Cost: £1,900
- Location: London
RADA’s summer school introduces teens aged 16–18, particularly those interested in degree-level training, to the core methodologies of acting. Experts teach students the essentials of text analysis, voice, movement, and storytelling. Participants devise original pieces and adapt selected texts ranging from the works of Shakespeare to modern plays.
How to apply: Submit via RADA’s website. Your application should include a short overview of your previous training and experience, as well as details about why you’re attracted to the course, what you like most about theater, and your favorite aspect of being part of an ensemble.
West End Stage
- Length: 1 week (Aug. 4–10, Aug. 11–17, or Aug. 18–24)
- Cost: £1,445 with accommodation; £695 without
- Location: London
Courtesy West End
WES’ weeklong summer course offers drama, singing, and dance classes taught by stage professionals for students aged 8–21. There are also daily master classes, culminating in a showcase at His Majesty’s Theatre. A ticket to a West End matinee is included, and monitored accommodation
is available.
How to book: Sign up online through the school’s website, providing a short rundown of your performance experience.
This story originally appeared in the Apr. 10 issue of Backstage Magazine.