RADA: An introduction

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) offers world-leading vocational training for actors, stage managers, designers and technical stage craft specialists.

RADA was established in 1904 and has built an outstanding reputation as a world-renowned centre of excellence, offering the best possible facilities, exceptional teaching and strong links with the industries that employ our graduates. RADA’s student population is a diverse community, united by a shared passion for theatre-making. The Academy prides itself both on the professional standard of its student productions, which are attended by agents, casting directors and theatre practitioners, and on their track-record of employment in theatre, film and television.

Many of our most celebrated graduates still play a very active part in RADA’s life. They share our belief in the Academy’s need to retain close links with the profession, keep our training relevant and remain open to all people with exceptional talent.

Among the many things which are distinctive to RADA is the extraordinary level of personalisation throughout all the training – the skills of highly experienced specialists are harnessed in providing a training tailored to the needs of each individual student.

Access

We consider diversity to be enriching and a vital part of what makes us one of the world leaders in providing vocational training. We encourage the opportunity for self-development regardless of age, background, disability, gender, nationality, political persuasion, race, religious belief or sexual orientation. We welcome applications from applicants with disabilities and encourage them to disclose relevant information regarding any disability when completing their application form, to enable us to provide additional support during the interview process. There is more information for disabled applicants on the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama website.

Conservatoire for Dance and Drama

RADA is a founding member of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (CDD). Students on higher education programmes validated by King’s College London are also jointly registered with CDD.

The Conservatoire comprises eight specialist schools delivering world-leading education and vocational training in the performing arts. CDD schools train the performing artists and production professionals of the future: actors, circus artists, dancers, stage managers, technical theatre practitioners, choreographers and directors.

Within the Conservatoire there is a balance between the art forms of dance, drama and circus arts, and between classical and contemporary styles. Internationally renowned centres of training, CDD schools are also creative laboratories: they bring in national and international artists to work with students and support emerging writers, directors and choreographers in creating and showcasing new work.

The other Conservatoire schools are:

RADA is a founding affiliate of this higher education institution.

King's College London

The majority of our higher education programmes are validated with King’s College London. Our relationship with King’s goes back over 25 years and RADA has offered King’s degrees and diplomas since 2001. The following programmes receive King’s awards: BA (Hons) in Acting; MA Theatre Lab; FdA in Technical Theatre & Stage Management; BA (Hons) in Technical Theatre and Stage Management; Postgraduate Diploma in Theatre Costume (and for completing students in 2017 the PgD in Sound for Theatre and PgD in Theatre Design)

RADA in Business

RADA in Business Ltd is the commercial subsidiary of RADA, and provides a vital source of income to RADA. All profits are gifted to the Academy to help cover the costs of running an educational organisation with the highest possible standards. Since the company's creation in 2001, it has grown to become an essential revenue stream for RADA and plays a crucial role in ensuring RADA maintains its status as a centre of artistic excellence and the English speaking world’s most renowned drama school.

For more information on RADA in Business and for details of the services they provide, please visit their website.