News and press
For press enquiries, please contact:
Thomas Brewer, Head of Communications and Marketing thomasbrewer@rada.ac.uk
Award Nominations for RADA graduates
Nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced this week, 23 January 2025. RADA graduate and Vice-President Cynthia Erivo received a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance as Elphaba in the adaptation of the musical Wicked. Fellow graduate Ralph Fiennes was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in the papal thriller Conclave.
See our round up of recent graduate nominations, including Academy Awards, BAFTA and IFTA.
Highlights from 2024
As we launch into 2025, we look back over 2024 and some of the highlights from the year. In our 120th year anniversary, among other achievements, we launched a series of new MA degrees in technical theatre, we won an award for our widening participation project and we have celebrated partnerships that highlight legacy and innovation.
Congratulations to Anne Reid who is recognised in the King's New Year Honours list 2025
Congratulations to graduate Anne Reid who was recognised in the King's New Year Honours list 2025 with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Congratulations to Darcy Dixon winner of the Luke Westlake bursary 2024
We are delighted that our second year BA (Hons) in Acting student Darcy Dixon has won this year’s Luke Westlake Scholarship, which supports working-class creatives in their final years of training.
RADA Launches New MA Courses in Technical Theatre
RADA is excited to announce the launch of three new Master’s degree courses in Stage Management, Theatre Costume, and Performance Lighting Design.
"These new MA courses reflect RADA’s commitment to collaboration and innovation in theatre-making. We are excited to equip students with the skills to shape the future of live performance.” Niamh Dowling, RADA Principal.
RADA Principal Niamh Dowling Awarded Freedom of the City of London
We are thrilled to announce that our Principal, Niamh Dowling, has been awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London.
RADA's National Student Survey Success
We are delighted to share RADA's results from the latest National Student Survey (NSS) with significant achievements in student satisfaction and teaching.
Stage Management Journeys
The second Annual Stage Management Journeys seminar, in honour of RADA graduate and National Theatre London stage manager Trish Montemuro, was held on 9 July 2024 in RADA Studios.
MA Lab Work at The Coronet Theatre
We are delighted that Lab Works returns to The Coronet Theatre. Now in its second year our MA Theatre Lab's exciting collaboration with The Coronet Theatre, presents Lab Works between 17-20 July 2024.
Originate Actor Training shortlisted for Widening Access Award
We are delighted that Originate Actor training has been shortlisted for the Widening Access Partnership Award at this year’s NEON Awards.
Offered in collaboration with Theatre Peckham, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and RADA, Originate prepares young actors for Drama School and the industry via a free intensive nine-month programme.
Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit RADA
On Wednesday 29 May we welcomed our new Patron of RADA His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla to RADA. This follows the announcement earlier in the year that His Majesty would take up the Royal Patronage of the academy.
Royal Patron His Majesty King Charles III
We are honoured to announce that this week Buckingham Palace has confirmed His Majesty King Charles III will take up the Royal Patronage of RADA.
The Winslow Boy with support from The Terence Rattigan Society at RADA
Period drama The Winslow Boy is produced with support from Dr Holly Hill of The Terence Rattigan Society in the GBS Theatre, Malet Street from 29 May - 8 June 2024.
David Harewood and Cynthia Erivo appointed new President and Vice President of RADA
We are delighted to announce the appointment of RADA graduates David Harewood and Cynthia Erivo, as our new President and Vice President. They succeed Kenneth Branagh, who has been an incredibly generous and supportive President over the last nine years.
Graduate winners at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2024
Congratulations to the RADA graduates who were nominated at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2024.
Highlights from 2023
Before 2023 draws to a close, we wanted to share some highlights from another busy year at RADA.
RADA Short films - round up of recent success
Every year, RADA produces internationally recognised short films from original commissioned scripts, collaborating with a diverse range of award-winning writers, professional directors and crew.
Recent films have landed a series of accolades and been included in festivals around the world.
RADA receives gold rating for Teaching Excellence
We are delighted to announce that RADA has been awarded Gold, the highest award, in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF), recognising excellence in the quality of our teaching, learning environments and student outcomes.
RADA graduates and staff at Edinburgh Fringe 2023
We're thrilled that many RADA graduates and staff are presenting work at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Find out more about the shows listed in order of start date and book tickets.
If you are a RADA graduate or staff member and would like to see your show listed, please contact graduates@rada.ac.uk
Young Technicians: New partnership with Theatre Royal Stratford East and Backstage Niche
We are joining forces with Theatre Royal Stratford East and Backstage Niche for their Young Technicians course offering free stage management, lighting and technical training for young people currently underrepresented in the industry.
This free 12-week introductory course for 16–21-year-olds will give students the opportunity to develop practical skills in stage management, lighting and sound with industry professionals.
Kathryn Hunter and Winsome Pinnock new RADA Honorary Fellows
We are delighted to announce that Kathryn Hunter and Winsome Pinnock have been made Honorary Fellows of RADA.
The role celebrates figures who have made significant impact and contribution to RADA, to training or to the wider industry. Fellows will be invited to take an active role in the life of the Academy including, where possible, meeting and working with current students.
In 2018, RADA revived the tradition of Honorary Fellows and has since awarded Fellowships to Thelma Holt CBE, Cicely Berry CBE, Glenda Jackson CBE, Mona Hammond OBE, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Stephen Sondheim and Francine Watson Coleman.
Lab Works announced at The Coronet Theatre
We are excited to announce our MA Theatre Lab's new collaboration with The Coronet Theatre, presenting Lab Works.
The project combines workshops and scratch nights, and culminates in a series of original 'theatre-shorts', enabling artistic development, public visibility and new networking opportunities for emerging artists at RADA.
Cast and creative team announced for Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company’s King Lear
The full cast and creative team has been announced for the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company’s production of King Lear. We are delighted that RADA students, graduates and staff are involved in the production opening at Wyndham’s Theatre from 21 October - 9 December 2023.
Read more
Glenda Jackson CBE, 1936 - 2023
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Glenda Jackson CBE, award-winning actress, Labour MP and RADA graduate.
As an actress, Jackson won two Oscars, three Emmys, two BAFTAs and a Tony in a career spanning six decades.
The BAFTA TV Awards 2023 nominations
This week, the nominations were announced for the BAFTA TV Awards 2023. Congratulations to everyone nominated, particularly to the numerous RADA graduates who have been recognised. The ceremony will be broadcast on Sunday 14 May.
Obituary: Nigel Leach
It is with great sadness we report that RADA graduate Nigel Leach has passed away.
Nigel Howard Leach was born in 1956 in London and originally trained as a theatre designer at the Central School of Art and Design before fulfilling his lifelong ambition by being accepted into RADA, where he went on to win the prestigious William Poel Memorial Prize. After graduating in 1980, he worked all over the country in productions ranging from Shakespeare to pantomime.
Learn more
Olivier Award nominations for 2023
We are delighted that multiple RADA graduates received nominations for the Olivier Awards 2023. The awards ceremony was held at the Royal Albert Hall on 2 April.
RADA welcomes new trustees
We are pleased to share the appointment of seven new trustees and one appointment to our Development Board, bringing expertise in the areas of higher education, social policy, equality, diversity and inclusion and finance, to bring new skills and perspectives to RADA’s Council and support RADA’s strategic development.
RADA graduate nominated at the 2023 Academy Awards
On 24 January, the nominations for the 95th Academy Awards were announced. The awards ceremony will be held at Dolby Theatre, Ovation Hollywood on Sunday 12 March. Find out which RADA graduate was nominated for Best Actress.
The 80th Golden Globe Awards Nominees
The 80th annual Golden Globe Awards were announced this week in a ceremony held on 10 January in LA. This year saw a number of RADA graduates nominated for their artistry.
David Harewood accepts OBE
After being nominated in the New Year Honours List 2023, RADA graduate David Harewood accepted an OBE for his services to drama and charity, having previously received an MBE in 2012.
RADA awarded world-leading specialist funding
We are delighted that the Office for Students has announced that RADA has been awarded world-leading status and funding for our teaching and education activities.
The British Independent Film Awards 2022 Nominees
Congratulations to everyone nominated in the British Independent Film Awards 2022. This year marks the 25th year of the BIFA’s, which see 36 British feature films recognised. Winners will be announced at the BIFA ceremony on Sunday 4 December 2022.
The 2022 Black British Theatre Awards
The Black British Theatre Awards launched in 2019 to celebrate the influence of Black performers and creatives on the UK's artistic legacy. The BBTAs highlight the abundance of Black talent and seek to change the lack of recognition by amplifying the positivity of talent and creativity in UK theatre through their work.
Congratulations to Nnabiko Ejimofor on his theatre debut in the production of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, which won Best Production Play at the 2022 Black British Theatre Awards.
National Theatre Casting Updates
The National Theatre have announced their upcoming programming, which includes seven RADA Theatre Production and Acting graduates across eight productions performed in the UK and internationally.
Emmy Awards 2022
The 74th annual Emmy Awards were announced this week in a live ceremony held on September 12 in Los Angeles with RADA Acting graduate Matthew MacFadyen winning Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series for his role in the HBO series Succession.
Her Majesty The Queen, 1926 - 2022
We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Her Majesty The Queen, patron of RADA, has passed away.
Mona Hammond 1931 - 2022
Mona Hammond OBE, RADA Honorary Fellow and graduate has died aged 91.
MA Theatre Lab residency and performance at the Coronet Theatre
In its tenth anniversary year the MA Theatre Lab is delighted to begin celebrations with a three-day residency at the Coronet Theatre in Notting Hill.
RADA celebrates Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
As we congratulate Her Majesty for the extraordinary milestone of her Platinum Jubilee RADA looks back at her relationship with our academy.
Westminster Abbey to honour Sir John Gielgud
RADA Honorary fellow Sir John Gielgud, who was regarded as one of the finest actors of the twentieth century, will receive a memorial stone at Westminster Abbey this week.
Graduates nominated at the 2022 BAFTA Television and TV Craft Awards
The BAFTA Television and TV Craft Awards nominations were announced today with a number of RADA graduates nominated for awards.
RADA graduates Awards and nominations
Its Award season for stage and screen and we are pleased to celebrate RADA graduates awarded and nominated this year at the BAFTA, Critics Circle and Olivier Awards.
Niamh Dowling announced as new Principal of RADA
RADA’s Council is pleased to announced that Niamh Dowling will become the new Principal of RADA. Niamh Dowling will take up the post in June this year.
Read more
Winter news at RADA 2022
As we head into awards season, RADA has much to celebrate in terms of awards, nominations and casting over the past few months, as well as other headline news from students, staff and graduates.
Updates and guidance on Covid-19
Please read our latest guidance regarding Covid-19 here.
Big Give Christmas Challenge 2021
A huge thank you to everyone who donated to RADA’s Big Give Christmas Challenge. Thank you to The Big Give team and our champion, The Childhood Trust and official pledgers.
Together we raised £65,000 towards our Access and Participation programme.
Photo from The Next Stage 2021
Photographer: Amaal Said
Stephen Sondheim and his legacy remembered at RADA
Renowned composer, lyricist and RADA Honorary Fellow Stephen Sondheim has died aged 91.
RADA graduate David Jonsson wins at the Black British Theatre Awards 2021
RADA graduates are recognised at the Black British Theatre Awards at this year's ceremony held at Old Finsbury Town Hall in London.
RADA short films 2021 recognised at international short film festivals
RADA is delighted to announce the 2021 short films have been recognised by a number of international film festivals with several laurels and five awards.
Congratulations to our RADA winners and nominees at the 73rd EMMY® Awards 2021
Tobias Menzies and Robert Sterne were winners at the 73rd EMMY® Awards, along with several RADA graduates who were also nominated this year.
MA Theatre Lab at the Bloomsbury Festival
We are thrilled that our relationship with the Bloomsbury Festival continues in 2021 with a programme that features performances from RADA's MA Theatre Lab.
Oliver Neville, 1929-2021
We are deeply saddened to hear former RADA Principal Oliver Neville has died at the age of 92. He was born in 1929 in Birmingham and was Principal from 1984 to 1993.
Marcus Ryder appointed new Chair of RADA Council
Marcus Ryder succeeds Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen who has held the post since 2007, at the end of June this year.
BAFTA Television Awards and Television Craft Awards 2021
Nominees were announced this week for the BAFTA Television Awards and the BAFTA Television Craft Awards 2021, we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate the actors, theatre technicians and designers who trained at RADA.
Anthony Hopkins wins best actor Oscar for The Father
Graduate Anthony Hopkins has won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in 'The Father' at the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
Read more
Update on RADA's anti-racism project
We are committed to institution-wide change to create an anti-racist and inclusive culture, where everyone feels safe and is able to speak up.
BAFTA Film award winners announced
Bukky Bakray, who trained on RADA's Youth Company: Acting wins EE Rising Star Award, and graduate Anthony Hopkins wins Leading Actor award at BAFTA Film Awards.
RADA Talks: Imelda Staunton and O-T Fagbenle
We are thrilled to announce the next event in our RADA Talks series. RADA graduates Imelda Staunton and O-T Fagbenle will be in conversation broadcast on DICE on Sunday 18 April, 5pm and Wednesday 21 April, 8pm (available to watch for 24hrs).
MA Theatre Lab applications open
We are pleased to let you know that applications for our MA Theatre Lab are now open.
The MA Theatre Lab course runs from January 2022 for a year, and is a collaborative training course building on and extending students' previous experience in performance with rigorous experimentation.
Nominees announced at the BAFTA Film Awards 2021
Nominees were announced this week for the BAFTA Film Awards 2021, and we're thrilled to see nominations for actors who trained at RADA on both our full-time courses and with our Access and Participation projects.
Kenneth Branagh and Ralph Fiennes in conversation for RADA Talks
As part of the RADA Talks series, we are pleased to announce a conversation with Kenneth Branagh and Ralph Fiennes, chaired by RADA’s Head of Film, Television and Radio, Pamela Jikiemi. Join us for this streamed event online on Friday 26 February at 8pm.
Awards round-up: nominations and awards for graduates on stage and screen
As awards season gets under way, several RADA graduates have been recognised for their stage and screen work.
OnComm finalists announced
The finalists have been announced for the OnComm Awards, celebrating excellence in productions by independent, alternative and fringe theatres that are presented online. We're delighted to see lots of shows that include work from RADA graduates, as theatre-makers in many different disciplines adjust to new ways of working.
Edward Kemp to step down as Director of RADA
Edward Kemp has today announced that he will step down after 14 years as Director of RADA, during the 2020-2021 academic year.
RADA graduates nominated at the Critics' Choice Awards
The Critics' Choice Award nominees for television and film have been announced recently, with several RADA graduates nominated.
Short courses: endless possibilities
Join us in 2021 to explore your talent, as we launch new online short courses in acting.
Our courses offer a range of opportunities for budding actors to focus on various aspects of acting. With topics that cover a wide variety of interests and techniques, there really is something for everyone.
Find out more about our 2021 courses here.
Graduates nominated at the 2020 BIFAs
Nominations have been announced for this year's British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs), with several RADA acting graduates making the shortlists.
Awards for RADA Festival Homemakers commissions
We're thrilled that several of our RADA Festival commissions for the Homemakers digital festival have received awards and nominations, and been screened at international film festivals.
2020 South Bank Sky Arts Awards nominees
The nominees have been announced for this year's South Bank Sky Arts Awards, and it is fantastic to see nominations for work created and performed by many RADA graduates.
RADA appoints Leeds Beckett University as anti-racism consultants
Leeds Beckett University (LBU) is partnering with RADA to help develop a culture of anti-racism. The initiative will be led by Professor Vini Lander and colleagues from the Centre for Race, Education and Decoloniality (CRED), part of the Carnegie School of Education at LBU, who will act as specialist consultants.
See RADA graduates in Steve McQueen's Small Axe
The first film in Steve McQueen's Small Axe collection was broadcast on BBC One last Sunday to critical acclaim. We are proud to see several RADA graduates involved in the series in front of and behind the camera.
RADA takes part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2020
RADA’s annual campaign with match-funding platform The Big Give returns this year from Tuesday 1 to Tuesday 8 December, raising funds for our access and participation projects. All donations, of any size, made during this week will be doubled.
BAFTA Breakthrough awards for RADA actors
This year's BAFTA Breakthrough UK artists have been announced, and we're delighted to see graduate Tamara Lawrance and Youth Company member Bukky Bakray named among this year's recipients.
Olivier Awards for RADA graduates
After the ceremony was postponed earlier this year, the winners of the 2020 Olivier Awards were announced on Sunday 25 October. Congratulations to all the RADA graduates who won awards.
'Rocks' released on Netflix UK
Yesterday the critically acclaimed film Rocks was released on Netflix UK. Written by Theresa Ikoko and Claire Wilson and directed by Sarah Gavron and Anu Henriques, the film tells the story of Shola 'Rocks' Omotoso, a teenage girl who struggles to look after herself and her younger brother after being abandoned by their mother.
Graduates nominated at the Black British Theatre Awards
This week the nominees were announced for the second Black British Theatre Awards, and we are thrilled that three graduates are nominated.
Update from RADA's Anti-Racism Steering Group
An update on progress from RADA's Anti-Racism Steering Group, shared with all RADA students, staff and graduates on Friday 21 August 2020.
RADA actors and designers nominated for The Stage Debut Awards
Three RADA graduates from technical and acting courses have been nominated at this year's The Stage Debut Awards.
Short courses: endless possibilities
We are running online acting courses throughout autumn and winter 2020, kicking off with our Winter Shorts, bookable through our website.
RADA launches new five-part fiction podcast
We are pleased to launch This Weird Normal, available to listen to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify now.
A new five-part fiction podcast about seven young actors who had planned to take a theatre show to the Edinburgh Festival.
Updates and guidance on Covid-19
Please read our latest guidance regarding Covid-19 here.
BAFTA TV Awards for RADA graduates
Several RADA graduates have won BAFTA TV Awards across acting and craft categories.
Cynthia Erivo leads Culture in Quarantine singing masterclass
We were delighted that RADA graduate and Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo was able to lead a singing masterclasses for graduating RADA student Daniel Bowerbank as part of the BBC Arts Culture in Quarantine series.
Anti-Racism at RADA
RADA needs radical change and must work together as a community to achieve it. We are committed to working with students, staff, graduates and the industry to create an anti-racist culture and institution.
Graduates nominated at the IFTA Film and Drama Awards
Nominations have been announced for this year's IFTA Film and Drama Awards, celebrating the best of Irish film and television. We're delighted that several RADA graduates have been nominated in the acting categories.
RADA Festival partners with HOME
The RADA Festival is proud to be announced as a commissioning partner for Homemakers, a digital festival created by HOME in Manchester.
Graduates nominated at the 2020 BAFTA Television and TV Craft Awards
The BAFTA Television and TV Craft Awards nominations were announced recently, and a number of RADA graduates have been nominated.
Graduates nominated for the Ian Charleson Award
We are delighted that three RADA graduates have been nominated at this year's Ian Charleson Awards, celebrating the best classical performances by actors under 30. Congratulations to Ronke Adékoluẹjo, Kitty Archer and Kit Young.
Watch our acting graduates on stage from home
As theatres were forced to close their doors during the UK lockdown, there has been a boom in theatres streaming their previous shows online, with many opportunities to see RADA graduates on stage.
RADA Business launches Virtual Stage programme
RADA Business helps people at work become brilliant communicators. We build on the work of one of the world’s most respected drama schools to deliver world-class training programmes and coaching for organisations and individuals. All our profits are gifted to the academy to support the next generation of actors and technicians.
We want to help organisations adapt to the 'new normal', and by this we mean accepting and adapting to a world where communicating across virtual media such as video calls is a fundamental part of everyday working life, as things may never go back to exactly how they were.
The Virtual Stage offer covers a wide variety of online training options for individuals and organisations.
RADA graduates in the Lockdown Theatre Festival
As theatres and artists continue to find new ways to share creative work in the digital sphere, it is great to see many RADA graduates getting involved in a range of productions and performances.
One such project is the Lockdown Theatre Festival, created by acting graduate Bertie Carvel.
Royal Television Society awards for RADA graduates
The Royal Television Society (RTS) announced the winners of their Programme Awards this week - and we're thrilled to see RADA graduates Tamara Lawrance, Tanya Moodie and Phoebe Waller-Bridge on the list of winners.
Student success at the Carleton Hobbs Bursary Award
Final year RADA acting students have received awards and commendations at this year's Carleton Hobbs Bursary Award, which took place in March.
Ian Dunnett Jnr was selected as one of four overall winners, and all four members of the team received commendations.
RADA graduates nominated at 2020 Olivier Awards
The nominees have been announced for this year's Olivier Awards, with several RADA graduates in the running.
RADA graduates nominated at the 2020 Academy Awards
Following last week's BAFTA Film Award nominations, the Academy today announced the nominees for this year's Oscars, and we're thrilled to see three RADA graduates nominated across four categories. Congratulations to Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Pryce and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
BAFTA Film nominations announced
As awards season continues, the nominees for this year's BAFTA Film Awards have been announced, with more nominations for RADA graduates.
Golden Globe Awards for Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Taron Egerton
The winners of the Golden Globes took place in LA last night, and we're thrilled that Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Taron Egerton were both announced as winners.
Screen Actors Guild Awards nominees announced
Following the recent Golden Globes nominations, there has been further recognition for RADA graduates Taron Egerton, Cynthia Erivo and Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the Screen Actors Guild Awards nominees were announced.
Golden Globes nominations for RADA graduates
We're delighted that several RADA graduates have been nominated at this year's Golden Globes - with five out of the six graduates nominated for playing real-life roles.
Stephen Sondheim awarded Honorary Fellowship in New York
We were delighted to present renowned composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with his RADA Honorary Fellowship at a special event in New York last week.
Hosted by the British Consul-General, the evening included performances by RADA graduates Jenna Augen and Jamie Bogyo.
Graduates shortlisted for BBC Audio Drama Awards
Several RADA graduates have been shortlisted for this year's BBC Audio Drama Awards, celebrating the range, originality and quality of audio dramas, including performers, writers, directors and sound designers.
Evening Standard Theatre Awards nominations
This year's Evening Standard Theatre Awards will take place on 24 November in London. This year RADA graduates Tom Hiddleston, Juliet Stevenson and Fly Davis are nominated, across performance and design categories.
BIFA nominations for RADA graduates
Jessie Buckley, Sally Hawkins and Tom Burke have all been nominated for acting awards at this year's BIFAs, as the shortlists were announced today.
Audition and interview for RADA's training across the UK
We are pleased to announce the dates for this year's acting auditions and theatre production interviews, which will take place across the UK and overseas.
New for this year are our auditions in Glasgow (acting and theatre production) and Sheffield. We will also be returning to Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Plymouth and Bristol, as well as to Dublin, New York and Los Angeles.
Graduates honoured at the Hollywood Film Awards
RADA graduates Cynthia Erivo and Taron Egerton will be honoured at the 2019 Hollywood Film Awards, taking place next month.
Emmy Awards for Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Ben Whishaw
The winners of the 2019 Primetime Emmy Awards have been announced in LA, with awards going to RADA graduates Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Ben Whishaw.
Bloomsbury Festival programme announced
The programme for this year's Bloomsbury Festival has been announced, with several recent RADA MA graduates presenting new work at the festival.
RADA at the Edinburgh Fringe
As the Edinburgh Festival Fringe kicks off for another year next week, we're once again pleased to see many RADA graduates taking their work to the festival as performers, writers, lighting designers, directors, stage managers and more.
2019 Emmy nominations announced
This year's Primetime Emmy nominations have been announced, with nominations for Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Fiona Shaw and Ben Whishaw - and particular success for Fleabag and Killing Eve.
Four new Honorary Fellows appointed at RADA
Mona Hammond OBE, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Stephen Sondheim, and Francine Watson Coleman have been made Honorary Fellows of RADA
These renowned industry figures have been appointed in recognition of their influential contribution to the industry, on and off the stage and screen.
Jessie Buckley wins at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards
RADA graduate Jessie Buckley is one of the winners in this year's South Bank Sky Arts Awards, which took place at the weekend.
Tony Awards for RADA acting graduates
The winners of this year's Tony Awards have been announced in New York, with awards for two RADA acting graduates - Bertie Carvel and Rosemary Harris.
Two RADA graduates are 2019 BAFTA TV Award winners
Two RADA graduates have won acting awards at this year's BAFTA TV Awards, which were announced in London at the weekend.
Ben Whishaw and Fiona Shaw won awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress, for A Very English Scandal and Killing Eve.
Tony Award nominations announced
Nominations have been announced for this year's Tony Awards, which celebrate excellence in theatre on Broadway.
Graduates Janet McTeer and Bertie Carvel are both nominated, while Rosemary Harris will be awarded a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater.
RADA and Audible: what Britain's best brands can teach the world
Now published exclusively on Audible, How To Outperform: What Britain's Best Brands Can Teach the World takes a look behind the scenes of some of Britain's oldest and most well-known institutions to see how they have stood the test of time.
You can now listen to episode two in the series, to learn more about RADA - its heritage, and what it is like today - from our staff, students and graduates.
Olivier Awards success for RADA graduates
The winners of the 2019 Olivier Awards have been announced, and we are thrilled that three RADA graduates have won awards in the acting categories.
Chris Walley, Kyle Soller and Patsy Ferran all picked up awards.
Clinton Greyn, 1933-2019
Clinton Greyn, who trained at RADA in the 1950s, passed away recently at the age of 85.
As well as a career spanning stage and screen, he was an active member of Equity and had a passion for contemporary architecture.
Otis and Eunice: a Virtual Conservatoire collaboration
RADA was recently part of a collaboration with five other music and drama conservatoires bringing together four years of the Virtual Conservatoire project.
A unique production of Otis and Eunice was performed simultaneously to audiences in London and Bristol on 29 and 30 March.
RADA graduates nominated at the BAFTA TV Awards
The nominations have been announced for this year's BAFTA TV Awards, and we are thrilled that three graduates - Fiona Shaw, Ben Whishaw and Daisy May Cooper - have been shortlisted in the acting categories.
Chris Hayes
It is with great sadness we report that Chris Hayes has passed away. Chris worked at RADA for over 25 years in a number of different roles.
Read more about Chris' time at RADA and his career here.
Nominees announced for the 2019 Olivier Awards
Nominees have been announced for the 2019 Olivier Awards, and we are thrilled that seven RADA graduates have been nominated this year.
Festival screenings for RADA short film
We are delighted that short film Deadpan, written by Marcelo Dos Santos and directed by Edward Hicks, has been selected to screen at two festivals: Omaha Film Festival (5-10 March 2019) and the 10th Crystal Palace International Film Festival (7-30 March 2019).
Success for RADA graduates at the Critics' Circle Awards
As the winners of the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards were announced in London this week, we were delighted that all four acting awards were won by RADA graduates.
Applying for our BA (Hons) in Technical Theatre and Stage Management
Students on RADA's FdA in Technical Theatre and Stage Management (TTSM) will be automatically considered for the BA (Hons) progression year from September 2021.
Home: two shows premiered at the RADA Festival return for Wales Week London
Two shows which premiered at the RADA Festival 2018 combine for a special double bill at this year's Wales Week London.
Fly Half and Salt will form two halves of Home, a celebration of Welsh theatre taking place at RADA Studios.
Jennie Buckman
Renowned acting teacher at RADA and theatre director Jennie Buckman has died after a long battle with cancer on 4 January 2019.
Nicholas Barter, former Principal of RADA, pays tribute here.
Golden Globes win for Ben Whishaw
We are delighted that RADA acting graduate Ben Whishaw has won Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie for his performance as Norman Scott in A Very English Scandal.
Nominees announced for the BAFTA EE Rising Star Award
RADA graduates Cynthia Erivo and Jessie Buckley have both been nominated for the BAFTA EE Rising Star Award this year, celebrating performers who have shown outstanding talent on the big screen. Both have made their film debuts in the past year with roles in Widows, Bad Times at the El Royale and Beast.
It is the only BAFTA film award voted for by the public.
Graduates and staff nominated at the WhatsOnStage Awards
Six RADA graduates and one member of the RADA faculty have been nominated at this year's WhatsOnStage Awards, which are currently open for public voting.
Continued success stories from the RADA Festival
Several productions seen at the RADA Festival 2018 are continuing to make waves beyond RADA, with further development and new performances at a range of festivals and venues.
Short courses: lasting impact
Acting and Technical Production applications now open
Last spring and summer we welcomed 500 students onto our Short Courses aged between 16-70 from over 30 countries - to give them a taste of our training.
From the feedback we gain and the relationships we build with our attendees, we know that our Short Courses have a lasting impact on people’s lives - and many people return to us each year.
Awards for RADA graduates on stage and screen
In recent weeks, RADA graduates have won awards for both stage and screen work, at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards and BIFA Awards.
Ralph Fiennes, Sophie Okonedo and Jamael Westman all won awards for their stage work, while Jessie Buckley won at the British Independent Film Awards.
Graduates collaborate on and off stage for new play
A new production at the Tristan Bates Theatre in London is demonstrating the talents of RADA graduates across many areas of a production: performing, writing, directing and design.
Drowned or Saved? follows chemist, writer and Auschwitz survivor Primo Levi decades after World War II as he struggles to complete his latest story.
Evening Standard Theatre Awards shortlist announced
Shortlists have been announced for this year's Evening Standard Theatre Awards, with six RADA graduates nominated for awards.
Ralph Fiennes, Kyle Soller, Sophie Okonedo, Robert Hastie, Jamael Westman and Chris Walley are all in the running for awards this year.
Graduates cast in new BBC thriller 'Informer'
Four RADA graduates have been cast in thrilling new BBC One drama Informer. The new series explores networks of police informants and the role they play in the 'war on terror'.
Jessica Raine, Fehinti Balogun, Robert Whitelock and Irfan Shamji all appear in the show.
RADA partners with Extant on new Pathways training programme
Extant, Britain's leading professional performing arts company for visually impaired people, is excited to launch Pathways, a programme developed to address the lack of accessible progression routes for visually impaired artists into professional theatre.
RADA is delighted to be a partner for this new programme.
Emmy Award for RADA graduate Matthew Rhys
Acting graduate Matthew Rhys has won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for The Americans.
Also nominated was Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who was shortlisted for her first Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for her thriller Killing Eve.
West End cast announced for The Inheritance
Full casting has been announced for the West End transfer of Matthew Lopez's The Inheritance, after its sell-out run at the Young Vic earlier this year.
The cast includes RADA Acting graduates Hubert Burton, Syrus Lowe, Kyle Soller, Michael Walters and Jack Riddiford.
The Stage Debut Award nominations for two recent RADA graduates
We are delighted that two RADA actors from the 2018 graduating year have been nominated at The Stage Debut Awards for their professional theatre debuts.
Kitty Archer has been nominated for Best Actress in a Play for her role in Cordelia Lynn's One for Sorrow at the Royal Court. Chris Walley is up for Best Actor in a Play for his role as Davey in Martin McDonagh's The Lieutenant of Inishmore, directed by Michael Grandage.
RADA short film set for New Orleans festival screening
RADA short film The Heart Shaped Stone has been selected for screening at the NOLA Horror Film Festival.
The festival takes place from 20-23 September in New Orleans, and celebrates the craft and the art of genre film-making, in particular the genre of horror films, as well as science fiction, action, thriller and dark comedies. The Heart Shaped Stone will be screened in a segment focused on sci-fi short films.
Acting training from Theatre Royal Stratford East and RADA
Applications are open to join Cohort 2 of Theatre Royal Stratford East's Acting Course, run in partnership with RADA, Guildhall and Young & Talented.
The course is open to 17-24 year olds wanting to take their acting to the next level, and who are interested in future full-time drama training and/or professional work.
RADA graduates at the Edinburgh Fringe
As the Edinburgh Festival Fringe returns for its 71st year this summer, many RADA graduates are once again heading to the Scottish capital as writers, performers, directors, lighting and sound designers and more at the biggest arts festival in the world.
Lucie Sword wins Spotlight Prize 2018
We are thrilled that Lucie Sword, who graduated from RADA's BA (Hons) in Acting this month, has won the Spotlight Prize 2018 for Best Stage Performance.
Twenty finalists drawn from drama schools across the UK and Ireland performed in front of an expert industry panel on Tuesday 17 July in a special showcase.
RADA appoints three new honorary fellows
We are delighted to announce the appointment of three new Honorary Fellows at RADA, recognising contributions to the theatre industry in the fields of vocal coaching, producing and performance.
Leading vocal coach Cicely Berry, celebrated producer Thelma Holt and recent Tony Award winner Glenda Jackson have all accepted the position.
RADA students perform Shakespeare across Europe
RADA second year Acting students are performing their Shakespeare For Young Audiences productions across Europe in a series of festivals and forums. The productions were first staged at RADA and toured to state schools in Greater London this June-July.
Students will travel to Gdansk, Florence and Alpbach, Austria, to take part in performances and workshops this summer.
RADA graduates join West End transfer of The Jungle
The acclaimed Young Vic production of The Jungle transfers to the West End this month, with several RADA graduates working on the show.
Acting graduate Rachel Redford transfers to the West End having previously appeared in the show at the Young Vic. She is joined by new cast members Freddie Meredith and Eric Sirakian. Technical graduates Lauren Ione and Tom Turner are also working on the show in stage management and lighting.
Seven RADA graduates join new RSC adaptations
The RSC has announced new productions of Tartuffe and Tamburlaine for their 2018-19 season, with seven RADA Acting graduates joining the two companies. Asif Khan plays the title role, renamed as Tahir Taufiq Arsuf, in an updated version of Tartuffe.
Tamburlaine and Tartuffe play in rep at the Swan Theatre, RSC from August and September respectively.
RADA partners with Deafinitely Theatre on new Hub training project
RADA has partnered with Deafinitely Theatre on their new Hub project, which provides professional theatre training for emerging deaf artists.
The year-long programme comprises a variety of Industry Insights workshops including courses in acting, writing and other aspects of the theatre industry, such as stage management.
Alongside City Lit and the Royal Court, RADA is partnering on the project to assist Deafinitely Theatre in designing and curating a tailored course full of exciting and challenging opportunities.
Sabi Perez in the final of the Sondheim Student Performer Award
Current third year Acting student Sabi Perez is in the finals of the 2018 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award.
The annual competition comprises students selected from performing arts schools across the country, with twelve finalists performing a classic Sondheim number and a new musical theatre song.
The final takes place on Sunday 10 June at the Savoy Theatre, West End.
Off West End Award nominations for RADA graduates
The Off West End Awards (Offies) gather nominations throughout the calendar year to celebrate the excellence and innovation independent theatre across London.
As we approach the halfway point of the year, several RADA graduates have already made the longlist.
RADA film wins international festival prize
Following screenings at several international short film festivals, RADA short film Prodigal has won Best International Short at the SENE Film Festival in Rhode Island.
Written by Ursula Rani Sarma, the film was directed by Edward Hicks.
Tony Award nominations for RADA graduates
The nominations for the 2018 Tony Awards have been announced in New York, with three RADA graduates nominated in the acting categories.
Glenda Jackson picks up the fifth Tony Award nomination of her 60-year career for Best Leading Actress in a Play. She is nominated for her role in Edward Albee's psychodrama Three Tall Women.
Graduates Sir Mark Rylance and Jamie Parker are both shortlisted for Best Leading Actor in a Play, for Farinelli and the King and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child respectively.
Also nominated is Dame Diana Rigg, who plays Mrs Higgins
MA Theatre Lab perform in Europe
RADA's MA Theatre Lab students performed at two European theatre festivals this month, taking their interpretation of The Trojan Women to new audiences across Europe.
The students gave two performances of The Trojan Women at the SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER International Festival of Theatre Schools in Brno, Czech Republic which ran from 17-21 April. It is the first time that RADA students have participated in the festival.
The piece was also performed twice at the International Youth Festival of Ancient Drama in Messene, Greece.
Nominees announced for the Ian Charleson Awards
The nominees have been announced for this year's Ian Charleson Awards, with RADA graduates Ned Derrington and Tamara Lawrance on the shortlist for recent Shakespearean performances.
The Ian Charleson Awards recognise performances in classical roles (from works written before 1918) by actors under 30. They are named in memory of the renowned British actor Ian Charleson, in particular recognition of his celebrated performance as Hamlet at the National Theatre, shortly before his death at the age of 40.
RADA films continue festival success
We are delighted that RADA's short films are continuing to find success at international film festivals.
Having been previously selected for festivals in Berlin, Nevada and Florida, Prodigal will be screened at this year's River Bend Film Festival in Indiana and SENE Film, Music & Arts Festival in Rhode Island. The film was written by Ursula Rani Sarma and directed by RADA's Head of Film, TV and Radio Edward Hicks.
Also showing at this year's River Bend is RADA film Bitter Lemon, written by Jess Moore and directed by Edward Hicks. The film has also been selected for the 10th Fastnet Film Festival, which takes place in the Irish village of Schull.
As always we are thrilled to see our films getting recognition around the world. Congratulations to all the writers, directors and students involved. Click here to see more of RADA's film work, including the trailers for this year's films, and keep an eye on our website for future short film screenings.
Olivier Award for graduate Bertie Carvel
RADA graduate Bertie Carvel has won Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2018 Olivier Awards, which took place on Sunday night.
He received the award in recognition of his performance in James Graham's Ink, in which he played Rupert Murdoch. The play brought to life the early days of The Sun newspaper in the late 1960s; it premiered at the Almeida Theatre in 2017 before transferring to the West End. The show was also nominated for Best New Play and Best Director.
Alumni nominated for BAFTA TV Awards
The nominations for the 2018 BAFTA TV Awards have been announced, with two RADA alumni in the running for acting awards.
Daisy May Cooper has been nominated for Female Performance in a Comedy Programme for her role in mockumentary This Country, which Daisy co-created with her brother Charlie. Also nominated is graduate Sean Bean, who is shortlisted for Leading Actor for playing Father Michael Kerrigan in Jimmy McGovern's Broken.
Carleton Hobbs success for RADA students
RADA has continued its run of success at the BBC Radio Carleton Hobbs Bursary Award, with two current students winning top prizes and a contract with BBC Radio Drama.
Lucy Doyle and Saffron Coomber, who are both current third year students on the BA (Hons) Acting, were named as two of the five winners, gaining five-month contracts with the BBC Radio Drama Company starting in July. The team was completed by Hal Geller (who received a special mention) and Kwaku Mills, with all four students receiving individual commendations in different elements of the competition.
The competition has been running since 1953 and was renamed in 1978 in honour of acclaimed radio actor Carleton Hobbs, wjo trained at RADA. RADA has a very successful record in the competition, with recent winners including Natasha Cowley, Caolan McCarthy, Harry Jardine and Gunnar Cauthery.
New cast for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
As the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child announces its third cast this week, we are delighted to see that another RADA graduate is taking on a lead role in the record-breaking show.
Joe Idris-Roberts, who graduated from RADA's BA (Hons) Acting in 2015, will play Albus Potter from 20 May. He will take over from fellow RADA graduate Theo Ancient, who was cast in the show while still in his final year of training in 2017.
Cynthia Erivo to star in new Steve McQueen thriller
RADA graduate Cynthia Erivo will appear in Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen's upcoming heist thriller Widows, due for release in November 2018.
Based on the 1983 ITV series of the same name, the film follows four women whose husbands are all killed in a failed heist; teaming up, they decide to complete the crime themselves.
Asif Khan wins Channel 4 Playwrights’ Scheme
RADA graduate Asif Khan has been named as one of the winners of this year's Channel 4 Playwrights' Scheme. The awards, which have been running for five years, celebrate the best emerging British playwriting talent.
Actor and writer Asif Khan is among the list of five winners, recognised for his debut play Combustion.
Casting announced for the National Theatre's Macbeth
Full casting has been announced for the National Theatre's production of Macbeth, with four RADA alumni featuring in the cast.
Joining Rory Kinnear and Anne Marie-Duff as the titular Macbeths are RADA alumni Parth Thakerar (as Malcolm), Andrew Frame (as Siward), Alana Ramsey (as Murderer) and Michael Balogun (as Doctor).
International success for RADA short film
Prodigal, a RADA short film featuring 2017 Acting graduates, has recently been selected to appear at two film festivals in Germany and the USA.
Written by Ursula Rani Sarma and directed by Edward Hicks, the film was created in 2017 and has been screened at RADA at the graduate showcase and the RADA Festival. The film features actors from the 2017 graduating year, with technical support from RADA's Technical Theatre and Stage Management course.
Oscar and BAFTA Film nominations for Sally Hawkins
RADA graduate Sally Hawkins has added an Oscar nomination to her recent set of nominations for her leading role in fantasy drama The Shape of Water. She has been nominated for the Academy Award for Leading Actress, as well as a BAFTA Film Award for Leading Actress.
In the film, Sally plays the role of Elisa Esposito, a woman rendered mute by a traumatic event in her childhood. Living in Baltimore in 1961, she now works as a janitor at a high-security government laboratory and befriends a captured sea creature known as the 'Asset'.
The Shape of Water is currently leading the Oscars race with 13 nominations in total.
WhatsOnStage Award for Juliet Stevenson
RADA alumna Juliet Stevenson has been awarded Best Supporting Actress in a Play at this year's WhatsOnStage Awards, which were announced on Sunday night.
The only major UK theatre awards voted for by the public, the WhatsOnStage Awards celebrate the best in West End, Off West End and regional theatre.
Juliet won the award for her performance as Gertrude in the Alemida Theatre's production and West End transfer of Hamlet, directed by Robert Icke. The production was nominated for a total of six awards, also picking up Best Play Revival.
RADA alumna Imelda Staunton was also nominated for Best Actress in a Play for her performance as Martha in the West End revival of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Visit the WhatsOnStage website for a full list of winners.
Full casting announced for the Bridge Theatre's Julius Caesar
Full casting has been announced for the Bridge Theatre's Julius Caesar, which opens at the new central London theatre in January. The previously-announced Ben Whishaw (Brutus) and David Morrissey (Mark Anthony) will be joined by four more RADA alumni: Abraham Popoola, Kit Young, Leaphia Darko and Wendy Kweh.
Julius Caesar is the second show at the Bridge Theatre, following Young Marx this autumn. Visit the Bridge Theatre website for more information.
International Emmy Award for Sir Kenneth Branagh
The International Emmy Awards were announced in New York this week, with RADA graduate and President Kenneth Branagh taking home the award for best actor.
The International Emmys recognise excellence in television produced outside of the United States and in languages other than English, across fields including drama, comedy, arts, current affairs, documentaries and TV movies. This year the nominations covered programmes made in 18 different countries.
Kenneth Branagh won the award for Best Performance by an Actor for his portrayal of the title role in Wallander.
Best Actress Award for Glenda Jackson
RADA alumna Glenda Jackson has won Best Actress at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, which were held at the weekend. She won the award for her title role in the Old Vic's production of King Lear, her first return to the London stage since becoming an MP in 1992. The production also featured RADA alumni Jane Horrocks (Regan) and Danny Webb (Duke of Cornwall), alongside 2016 graduates Fehinti Balogun and Matt Gavan.
The award ceremony was hosted by RADA graduate Phoebe Waller-Bridge; click here to see the full list of winners.
Bertie Carvel was also nominated for Best Actor for his performance as Rupert Murdoch in James Graham’s Ink, which premiered at the Almeida to five star reviews and transferred to the West End.
RADA regional auditions visit Bristol and Chester
For the first time, RADA will audition potential acting students in Bristol and Chester in February and March 2018.
This year RADA will bring its audition process to Bristol and Chester as part of our regional auditions programme, which also comprises Manchester, Leicester, Plymouth and Newcastle as well as Dublin, New York and Los Angeles. RADA is committed to finding the very best talent from across the UK and internationally, regardless of social or financial background, and the regional auditions enable applicants from these regions to participate in first-round auditions and interviews without high travel and accommodation costs in London.
RADA alumni named as BAFTA Breakthrough Brits
BAFTA has announced its annual list of Breakthrough Brits, celebrating the most exciting new British talents across film, games and television. We're delighted that three RADA graduates - Susan Wokoma, Daisy May Cooper and Jessie Buckley - are amongst this year's successful artists, receiving a year-long mentoring and guidance programme.
RADA graduate wins Best Actor at the Stage Debut Awards
The winners of The Stage Debut Awards were announced in London last night, with RADA graduate Abraham Popoola picking up the award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance as Othello.
The show premiered at the Tobacco Factory Theatre in Bristol, before touring to Exeter, London and the Neuss Globe Shakespeare Festival in Germany. The cast also included fellow 2016 graduate Norah Lopez-Holden as Desdemona, as well as RADA alumni Mark Lockyer as Iago and Kenton Thomas.
New season announcement at the National Theatre
The National Theatre has announced its upcoming productions for 2018, with RADA alumni cast in two new revivals.
As previously reported, RADA alumni Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo will play the title roles in Antony and Cleopatra in the Olivier Theatre from September 2018, directed by Simon Godwin. It is the first time Okonedo has performed at the National since 1999, when she appeared in Trevor Nunn's Troilus and Cressida and John Caird’s production of Money with Simon Russell Beale. Fiennes most recently starred there in Shaw's Man and Superman in 2015, also directed by Simon Godwin.
Also in the Olivier Theatre, Indira Varma joins the cast of Ionesco's Exit The King alongside Rhys Ifans, in a new version adapted and directed by Patrick Marber. Varma also appeared alongside Ralph Fiennes in Man and Superman, and has previously worked at the National in Katie Mitchell's Ivanov, Di Trevis's Rememberance of Things Past and Sam Mendes's Othello.
Visit the National Theatre website to find out more about their upcoming productions and projects.
RADA students perform at the European Forum Alpbach
RADA students were amongst the participants of the 2017 European Forum Alpbach this month, which is once again taking place in Alpbach, Austria from 16 August - 1 September.
European Forum Alpbach is an annual gathering of hundreds of people from the fields of media, politics, science, business and culture, with a programme of seminars, talks, courses, exhibitions and other activities. This year's forum took the theme of 'Conflict and Co-operation', with wide-ranging topics including the EU, digital rights, the latest robot technology and global health solutions. The programme also features art and sculpture exhibitions, story-telling sessions and dramatic and musical performances.
RADA President Kenneth Branagh directs Tom Hiddleston in Hamlet
Kenneth Branagh’s Olivier Award-winning theatre company will join forces with RADA for a co-production of Hamlet, to support the transformation of RADA’s Chenies Street site in London, further developing the Academy as a world-leader in dramatic arts training.
The production will feature RADA alumnus Tom Hiddleston in the title role and will play a strictly limited three week run at RADA’s 160-seat Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre from 1-23 September 2017.
All funds raised will support the RADA Attenborough Campaign, which aims to raise £20million, enabling the regeneration of the Academy’s Chenies Street premises.
Michelle Terry appointed Artistic Director at The Globe
RADA alumna and Council member Michelle Terry has been appointed the new artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe, taking over the role from Emma Rice in April 2018.
Having graduated from RADA in 2004, Terry's stage career has included roles at the National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse and Royal Court, where she won an Olivier Award in 2010 for her performance in Tribes.
Graduate cast in lead role for Hamilton
We are thrilled to announce that 2016 graduate Jamael Westman will be playing the title role in the West End run of Hamilton: An American Musical currently running on Broadway. The show tells the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, with music, lyrics and book by the award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Since leaving RADA Jamael has performed in Torn at the Royal Court, written by fellow RADA alumni Nathaniel Martello-White, and The While Devil at the Shakespeare’s Globe.
CDD receives gold in Teaching Excellence Framework
HEFCE have recently announced the outcomes of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), with the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (CDD) receiving a Gold award.
The TEF was introduced by the government to build evidence about the performance of the UK’s world-class higher education sector. Out of 295 providers entered for the TEF, 59 institutions have been awarded Gold, which denotes high levels of excellence in teaching quality, learning environment and educational and professional outcomes. The awards were decided by an independent panel of academics, students and employer representatives.
Visit the HEFCE website to find out more.
Queen's Birthday Honours for RADA alumnae
RADA alumna June Whitfield has been made a Dame at the age of 91 for services to drama and entertainment after an acting career of over 70 years in the Queen's Birthday Honours, which were announced this week. Also honoured is fellow alumna Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who receives an MBE for services to drama.
RADA Council Member and chair of RADA's Development Board Simon Berry - chairman of London-based wine and spirit merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd - has also been honoured with a CVO (Commander of the Royal Victorian Order).
RADA graduate wins Technician of the Year
Charlotte Lockyer, graduate of RADA's technical theatre training, has been awarded Technician of the Year at last week's ABTT Awards.
Charlotte completed her Technical Theatre Arts training at RADA in 2007 and now works as an automation engineer, leading teams in the installation, commission and programming of productions across the UK and internationally.
Les Enfants Terribles and RADA launch new LET bursary
We are delighted to be working with theatre company Les Enfants Terribles to launch the new LET Bursary, raising funds to support an individual through drama training at RADA.
The first ever LET Bursary has been launched via a crowdfunding campaign that aims to raise £10,000 for an individual without the current financial means to attend drama school, to contribute to tuition fees and living costs for RADA's BA (Hons) Acting course.
International collaboration reimagines The Tempest
RADA recently collaborated with the British Council and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) to create a reworking of Shakespeare's The Tempest in the Philippines.
Directed by Nona Shepphard, the show takes Shakespeare's text into a modern setting and weaves in stories gathered from the survivors of the Haiyan typhoon disaster in Tacloban.
Success for RADA graduates at the BAFTA TV Awards
Two RADA alumni were awarded BAFTA TV Awards last night, for their performances in BBC drama and comedy.
Alumna Wunmi Mosaku won her first BAFTA, coming away with the award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Gloria Taylor in Damilola, Our Loved Boy, based on the true story of the murder of nine-year-old Damilola Taylor.
Meanwhile in the comedy categories, Phoebe Waller-Bridge also won her first BAFTA for Female Performance in a Comedy Programme for her lead role in Fleabag.
2017 BBC Carleton Hobbs Award results announced
RADA has once again enjoyed success at the BBC Carleton Hobbs Bursary Award, as Acting students receive a runners-up award and commendations.
After unprecedented success in 2016, this year RADA entered a team comprised of third year BA (Hons) Acting students Ralph Davis, Zoe Templeman-Young, Catherine Dryden and Irfan Shamji. Ralph received the runners-up prize along with a commendation, while Irfan also received a commendation for excellent prose sight-reading.
Double RTS Awards win for Phoebe Waller-Bridge
RADA alumna Phoebe Waller-Bridge has won two Royal Television Society Awards for her hit show Fleabag, while Sophie Okonedo also wins for Undercover.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge won both the Breakthrough Award and Best Writer: Comedy for Fleabag. Based on the play of the same name, the comedy centres on a woman attempting to navigate modern life in London and deal with the loss of her best friend. Sophie Okonedo won Best Actor - Female for her performance in BBC thriller Undercover, in which she appeared alongside fellow alumni Adrian Lester and Tamara Lawrance.
Olivier Awards for Kenneth Branagh and Jamie Parker
RADA President and graduate Sir Kenneth Branagh was presented with the Special Award at the 2017 Olivier Awards on Sunday, for his outstanding contribution to British theatre. Alumnus Jamie Parker also won Best Actor, while Glenda Jackson and Kate O'Flynn were also nominated in the acting categories.
It is the second special recognition award for Branagh in recent months, as he also received the Lebedev Award at November's Evening Standard Awards in recognition of the inaugural Branagh Theatre season.
Jamie Parker wins Best Actor at the 2017 WhatsOnStage Awards
RADA graduate Jamie Parker has been awarded Best Actor in a Play at this year's WhatsOnStage Awards, which were announced last night in London.
Parker won the award, which is voted for by the public, for his performance as Harry in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The hit show opened in the West End last year after months of anticipation to critical and audience acclaim, and the production took away eight awards in total.
Cynthia Erivo adds a Grammy to her awards collection
After winning a Tony Award for her lead role in The Color Purple on Broadway, RADA graduate Cynthia Erivo picked up a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album yesterday for her work on the show's cast recording as one of the principal soloists.
The award follows a critically-acclaimed run on Broadway. Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple first played on Broadway in 2005 and came to the Menier Chocolate Factory in London in 2013, where Cynthia first played the role of Celie.
As well as coming away with an award, Cynthia also performed at the Grammy Awards ceremony in LA. Her duet of 'God Only Knows' with John Legend accompanied the In Memoriam tribute to artists who passed away in the last 12 months. Click here to see a clip of the performance, and visit the Grammy Awards website for the full list of winners.
Winners announced at the 2017 Manchester Theatre Awards
The winners of the 2017 Manchester Theatre Awards have been announced, with awards for RADA alumni Daniel Rigby and Norah Lopez-Holden.
Daniel Rigby was awarded Best Actor for his performance in Breaking The Code, in which he played British scientist Alan Turing at the Royal Exchange Theatre. The show was also awarded Best Production and Best Supporting Actress for Natalie Dew.
Also picking up an award was 2016 graduate Norah Lopez-Holden, who won Best Newcomer for her role as Regine in Ghosts.
Alumni cast in the Liverpool Everyman new rep company
Two RADA graduates have been announced as part of the Liverpool Everyman's new rep company, the first of its kind at the theatre for 25 years.
The company of seven men and seven women will be resident at the theatre from February to July 2017, performing five works from Romeo and Juliet, to children's theatre, to new writing. It includes RADA alumni George Caple, who graduated in 2016, and Tom Kanji, who graduated in 2006.
Evening Standard Awards winners 2016
The winners of the Evening Standard Theatre Awards were announced on Sunday evening in a star-studded cermony at the Old Vic.
RADA alumnus Ralph Fiennes was awarded Best Actor for his performances in The Master Builder (Old Vic) and Richard III (Almeida).
Also honoured at the event was RADA graduate and President Kenneth Branagh, who received the Lebedev Award for his Branagh Theatre season, Plays at the Garrick.
Michael Attenborough appointed Director Emeritus at RADA
We are delighted to announce that Michael Attenborough CBE has been appointed to the honorary post of Director Emeritus, building on his long-standing and greatly valued relationship with the Academy.
Michael Attenborough was on the RADA Council for 17 years, latterly holding the post of Vice Chairman alongside the late Alan Rickman; his continuing association with RADA also includes over a decade of work with BA Acting students.
National Theatre announces 2017 season
The National Theatre today announced its 2017 season, with RADA alumni cast in works from Shakespeare to musical theatre.
The season includes revivals of Follies and Angels in America, Shakespeare's classic comedy Twelfth Night and the world premiere of Barber Shop Chronicles.
Nominations for RADA alumni at the UK Theatre awards 2016
RADA alumni Robert Hastie and James McArdle have been nominated at the 2016 UK Theatre Awards, while several other nominated productions feature RADA alumni in their casts.
Robert Hastie has been nominated for Best Director for his production of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof at Theatre Clwyd, which played at the Welsh venue in February-March 2016, before touring to Cardiff and Swansea.In the acting categories, alumnus James McArdle has been nominated for Best Performance in a Play for his roles in Ivanov.
NSS results put CDD as joint leaders in student satisfaction
The results of this year's National Student Survey (NSS) have shown high satisfaction across the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, with the organisation ranking joint highest amongst UK performing arts conservatoires.
The survey results, announced today by HEFCE, show an overall student satisfaction rate of 90% across all eight affiliate schools of the CDD. In addition, students rated the quality of teaching highly, with a 92% satisfaction rate – 5% above the sector average.
King Lear at the Old Vic features 60 years of RADA training
Award-winning actress and RADA alumna Glenda Jackson CBE will return to the London stage this autumn, playing King Lear in a new, gender-blind production at the Old Vic alongside four other RADA alumni. The graduation years of the alumni involved span an amazing sixty years.
This return to the London stage sees Jackson taking on one of theatre's most celebrated roles. She will be joined on stage by RADA alumni Jane Horrocks (Regan) and Danny Webb (Duke of Cornwall), alongside 2016 graduates Fehinti Balogun and Matt Gavan (both ensemble).
RADA alumna wins Grand Prix in Odessa
Burn Burn Burn, the debut feature film from RADA graduate Chanya Button, has been awarded the Grand Prix at the Odessa International Film Festival in Ukraine.
The tragicomic film, which centres on two girls' road trip to scatter their friend's ashes, premiered at the BFI Festival in 2015 and features a cast including RADA alumni Hannah Arterton, Owen Findlay, Lotte Rice and Susan Wokoma. It is the first full-length film directed by Button, who holds an MA in Theatre Directing from RADA.
The film was awarded the Grand Prix Golden Duke, the only award at the festival that is based on an audience vote. The Odessa International Film Festival has been running since 2010 and celebrates films of all genres that were created in the last year and have not premiered in Ukraine.
To find out more about the Odessa International Film Festival, click here to visit their website.
Emmy nominations for RADA alumni
Two RADA alumni have been nominated for Emmy Awards, as the shortlists were announced in California today.
Matthew Rhys (1996 graduate) has been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series for his role as Philip Jennings in The Americans. The series has gained five nominations in total at this year's Emmy Awards.
Also nominated is RADA alumnus Tom Hiddleston (2005) who is up for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role as undercover agent Jonathan Pine in the BBC's hit drama The Night Manager.
bricks and pieces at Latitude Festival
bricks and pieces by Charlene James, which premiered at RADA in May 2016, will be performed at Latitude Festival this week with a cast of graduating students.
The play was commissioned by RADA in partnership with the UK's leading African theatre company tiata fahodzi, with the aim of providing exciting new work for young black actors.
Alumna in scenic construction feat at the Royal Opera House
Kate Jewitt, RADA alumna, has just completed her most exciting project yet. Kate has just finished working on a moving tank that features prominently in a production of Il Trovatore at the Royal Opera House.
Kate graduated from the Foundation degree in Technical Theatre in Stage Management, and then completed the BA (Hons) progression year specialising in Scenic Construction, with two distinctions in July 2014.
Graduate success at National Stage Management Awards
A graduate of RADA's Technical Theatre course is amongst the winners of this year's National Stage Management Awards, which were announced recently at the ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace.
Cleo Maynard (2005) was one of a group of stage managers who took away the Team Award for their work on Boy. Cleo worked as ASM on the production, which played at the Almeida Theatre throughout April and May 2016 and was critically acclaimed.
The awards are organised annually by the Stage Management Association, which supports and advocates on behalf of stage managers and other backstage staff. Other RADA alumnae nominated at this year's awards were Cassie Adey (Team Award: Aladdin, Oxford Playhouse – ASM) and Lindah Balfour (Team Award: Mrs Henderson Presents, Bath Theatre Royal/Noel Coward Theatre – CSM).
For a full list of winners, see the Stage Management Association website here.
Conservatoire for Dance and Drama judged world-leading in independent HEFCE review
The Conservatoire of Dance and Drama (CDD) has been judged as world-leading in its fields of dance, drama, circus arts and technical theatre, as part of a recent Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) review.
Edward Kemp, Principal of the CDD and Director of RADA, said:"The Conservatoire schools are dedicated to the training of exceptional artists, and we are delighted to receive formal recognition from such a distinguished and expert panel for the impact of our students, staff and graduates on the industries they serve, both in the UK and internationally.
Tony Award success for RADA alumna Cynthia Erivo
RADA alumni Cynthia Erivo has won Best Leading Actress in a Musical at the 2016 Tony Awards, which took place last night in New York.
Cynthia won the award for her performance as Celie in The Color Purple. The show marks Cynthia's Broadway debut, and her performance has been greeted with rave reviews. The Color Purple was nominated for four awards in total, and also won Best Revival of a Musical.
Sophie Okonedo was also nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for her performance as Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible.
Lindsay Kemp works with RADA MA students
Legendary dancer, theatre-maker and artist, precursor of modern physical theatre and acknowledged “creator” of David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust persona, Lindsay Kemp is visiting RADA next month to work with MA Theatre Lab students.
The sessions will be part of Kemp's rare visit to London – his first in 15 years. From Thursday 05 May, Kemp will lead intensive classes at RADA for students on the MA Theatre Lab course, culminating in an open class for invited students and staff.
Oliviers success for Kenneth Cranham and Imelda Staunton
RADA alumni Kenneth Cranham and Imelda Staunton are celebrating success at the 2016 Olivier Awards, which were announced in London last night in a ceremony at the Royal Opera House.
Kenneth Cranham won the award for Best Actor for his role in Florian Zeller's The Father, which played at the Tricycle Theatre last year before transferring to the West End. Also taking home an Olivier was Imelda Staunton, who was awarded Best Actress in a Musical for her critically acclaimed performance as Momma Rose in Jonathan Kent's revival of Gypsy.
BAFTA TV awards for RADA alumni
The winners for the 2016 BAFTA TV Awards were announced in London yesterday, with winners and nominations for RADA alumni in two categories.
We are thrilled to announce that Mark Rylance and Tom Courtenay have won in the category of Leading Actor and Supporting Actor respectively. RADA alumni had four acting graduates nominated across these two categories.
Neil Bartlett in residence at RADA
Director and writer Neil Bartlett has been resident at RADA over the last two weeks, running short masterclasses for staff and students alike entitled 'Raising Your Voice'.
As part of Neil's research for his upcoming book, he has been delivering the series of short, intensive and confidence-boosting masterclasses on how to handle text.
Natasha Cowley wins BBC Carleton Hobbs competition
RADA has enjoyed unprecedented success at the BBC's annual Carleton Hobbs Bursary Award competition, with all four students who entered being recognised, and third year Natasha Cowley announced as a winner. Natasha receives a five-month contract with the BBC Radio Drama Company as part of BBC Radio's commitment to finding new talent.
RADA's Matt Gavan and Norah Lopez-Holden were both announced as runners-up, and will appear in at least one BBC Radio drama production in the coming months. Furthermore, with every member of the RADA team - Natasha, Matt, Norah and Luke Brady - receiving commendations, it’s been a triumph for RADA this year.
Awards and nominations round-up January 2016
It's awards season with the BAFTA and Oscar nominations having just been announced this week. Here is a round-up of awards and award-nominations for RADA alumni in the last few months.
Alan Rickman (1946 - 2016)
We were very sorry to learn that Alan Rickman, RADA graduate of 1974, died this morning of cancer.
Rickman commanded a rich and successful career in theatre and film and was a great supporter of RADA.
RADA celebrates 25th anniversary with King’s College London
RADA is delighted to be celebrating 25 years of partnership with King’s College London, which started back in 1990 with the formation of a ground-breaking and unique course.
Principal of RADA at the time, Dr Oliver Neville, and Professor Katharine Worth at the University of London were the first instigators of the MA Text and Performance course – which combined theoretical and practical approaches to the study of drama.
Award-winning Kenneth Branagh becomes our new President
We are delighted to announce and welcome Sir Kenneth Branagh as our new President, succeeding Lord Attenborough who was President from 2002 until his death last year.
Branagh graduated from RADA in 1981 and has since gone on to an acclaimed career as an actor, director, producer and screen writer. He becomes RADA’s sixteenth president, and commented “It’s such a privilege to be asked to take up this role".
