How to Get Into Drama School in the UK

So, you know you want to study acting and there’s nothing else you want to do? Well, now you need to choose the right drama school. That means doing your research and asking yourself some questions. What do you want out of it? Do you want to concentrate on the practical, hands-on side of acting or do you want a degree that involves academic study? Do you want to focus on a particular genre, like musical theatre, or a broader range of study?

Each drama school will have its own focus and strengths – and its own reputation. Spend some time finding out where actors whose careers you admire got their training. Take a deep dive into each school’s website and read student testimonials. Look at their facilities. Go to an open day. Is it a good fit? Can you really picture yourself at this school?

It’s also important to think about the practicalities. Applying for drama school costs money, and many people don’t get accepted the first time around. Schools like students to have maturity in all its forms. Think about how much the fees are and how much it costs to live where you want to study. Can you afford the expense? Is the best drama school really in London, or is there a better, more affordable option? 

There are two main types of drama training in the UK: University drama departments and conservatoires.  

• University drama departments, such as at the University of Manchester, University of Glasgow, and University of Exeter, offer a broad academic approach. They might mix theory with practical learning and offer a flexible approach to exploring related subjects. They are typically structured as academic degrees. 
• Conservatoires like RADA, LAMDA, and Bristol Old Vic focus on professional, specialised acting training. They also have strong links to the wider industry. Class sizes tend to be smaller, and the learning is very hands-on and performance-focused rather than academic. Students train as if they are already part of the profession. 

See also: The 16 Drama Schools All UK Actors Should Know

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Most, although not all, drama schools take applications through UCAS. Take a look at their advice. You can apply for up to five UCAS options each year. Make sure you know how your chosen institution runs its process and its individual opening and closing dates. Once applications have been read, the schools will start scheduling auditions and/or interviews. This usually occurs between November and April each year. 

As with any major audition process, it’s common for the selection process to have several stages over several months. The first round may well be online, so be prepared to do some self-taping. Many actors say it’s beneficial to apply as early as possible. With each intake, tutors are effectively trying to create a cast for their third-year show, so don’t get pipped at the post by not getting in early!

There are some notable exceptions that do not work through the UCAS system. These include some of London’s top drama schools, including RADA, LAMDA, Mountview, and Guildhall. Most accept applications directly through their websites, but do your research before you apply.  

Many institutions charge a fee for the audition. As an example, RADA charges £39, and there are four rounds of auditions, culminating in a full-day workshop. It’s also good to remember that only 28 people get accepted out of the many thousands who apply.

Being talented is not the end of the story when it comes to getting into drama school or university. Most institutions will also want a range of supporting materials, starting with a written personal statement. This is your opportunity to talk about yourself, your skills, and why you want to go to this particular school. You’re being given the chance to sell yourself, so grab it!

Make sure you include why you want to go to the school or course and what makes you suitable for it. Tell them about your current or past experience, both in acting and education. You need to prove to them that you’re ready to learn and that the desire to act isn’t a new one. Demonstrate your commitment to an acting career – do you do am-dram, read plays, help with the local panto? Have you performed professionally in any capacity? What are your goals? Show the panel you really want this.

Don’t be too long-winded, and make sure you get someone else to proofread it before you send it. For more help, UCAS have put together a handy guide to drama school personal statements. 

Other things you might need to provide include a headshot. Try not to spend too much money or time on this at this stage, but equally try to make it as professional and presentable as possible. You may also be asked for references, so take some time to think about who you might ask to provide this for you, such as a teacher or an acting coach.

As well as the audition and personal statement, you will probably be interviewed. You need to be ready to talk about yourself, your motivations, and your ambitions. Drama schools want talent, but they also want personality. To prepare for the interview, review some of the questions you think they’ll ask: Why have I chosen this school? How do I handle rejection? Why do we tell stories? And the biggie: Why do I want to act?

If you can, find people who have been interviewed in previous years and quiz them about the process. Knowledge is power.

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After you’ve chosen the drama school you want to apply to and written your statement, it’s time to get ready for the audition. It’s normal to be nervous, but preparation will put you in good standing. Be confident but not cocky, and remember that auditions are a regular part of any working actor’s life, so it’s good to get used to what they entail.  

Choose the right material

When thinking about audition material, it’s important to choose something you emotionally connect with. How does it make you feel? Are you confident delivering it? If you’re just not feeling it, choose another piece. Trust your instincts. Here are some classic monologues, but check you’ve read what the drama school has asked for (then check again just to make sure). 

Learn your lines

Once you’ve picked your audition piece, make sure you know it inside out. Practice, practice, and practice again – that way you’ll be able to keep your nerves under control. When you’re in the room, be ready to play around with the material and have fun with it. Be creative, and don’t worry if you make a mistake – it’s how you react to it that’s important.  

Be open to direction

In a professional environment, you need to take direction and collaborate with your fellow artists, so start by showing these skills in the audition room. Drama schools are looking for acting talent, but they’re also looking for good students who can work with other people and take on feedback. Show the panel you can listen and are eager to learn.   

Be yourself

Don’t try to second-guess what the panel wants. They’re on the lookout for new talent, not something they’ve seen before. The best way to impress them is to be your true, authentic self. They want to see curiosity, empathy, and truth, not a bad impression of another actor. They’ll also want someone who they want to spend time with and who is a good fit with the ethos of the school. Smile, be polite, and be ready to talk about yourself. Also, be sociable with your fellow potential students – the tutors are watching!  

Finally, remember that you’re also auditioning them. Take a few moments to consider if this is the right drama school for you. Do you respond to the teachers? What is the atmosphere like? You’ll be spending a lot of time with these people and in this place, as well as paying a lot of money for the privilege, so make sure you make a considered decision. 

Good luck! You’ve got this!      

See also: How to Become an Actor in the UK