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 Originate and have celebrated partnerships that highlight legacy and innovation.
RADA began the year by visiting the University of Calicut, India during the International Festival of Theatre Schools (IFTS) 2024 were we led workshops identifying the physical patterns and habits that interfere with the free and flexible use of the body in performance.
In February, Sir Kenneth Branagh stepped down after nine years as RADA President, passing the mantle to graduates David Harewood OBE and Cynthia Erivo as President and Vice President.
This year, RADA has introduced three Master’s degree courses in Performance Lighting Design, Stage Management, and Theatre Costume. These programmes aim to foster collaboration and innovation, equipping students to shape the future of live performance, and reinforce RADA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of theatre-makers.
In May, RADA welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla as its new Royal Patrons. Their Majesties toured the academy, including watching an excerpt of a play and touring our scenic art and construction workshops and speaking with students, staff and graduates.
In the Spring and Summer our students toured productions internationally. Our MA Theatre Lab students performed Bacchae by Euripides at the Festival of Ancient Drama in Messene, Greece. Our undergraduate acting and technical students toured Shakespeare for Young Audience performances to schools around London, as well as internationally to META Festival in Florence, Utah Shakespeare Festival and the European Forum Alpbach in Austria.
RADA excelled in the latest National Student Survey (NSS), with a 96% satisfaction rate in teaching and a perfect score in key areas such as teacher effectiveness and career preparation. These results reaffirm our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience.
The second Annual Stage Management Journeys seminar honoured the late Trish Montemuro, a RADA graduate and esteemed National Theatre stage manager. Featuring a distinguished panel of industry leaders, the event celebrated the impact of stage management on theatre and showcased invaluable professional insights.
Our collaboration with The Coronet Theatre continued with the second year of Lab Works, a platform for MA Theatre Lab graduates to showcase original performances and experiment with diverse forms. This partnership supports emerging talent and experimental theatre practices.
In September RADA attended the Cultural and Creative Industries Pavilion at the Labour Party Conference. 40 of the UK’s leading creative organisations came together to celebrate and showcase the impact of the Cultural and Creative Industries in this important moment. At the event RADA graduates Adrian Lester CBE spoke with Sir Chris Bryant MP and David Harewood OBE spoke to Imogen Walker MP in conversations about the importance of the arts.
In October, RADA Principal Niamh was awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London, recognising her significant contributions to arts and education.
Our annual short films from this year's selection garnered awards, the highlight was Still which won Best Ensemble at The New York Film and Actors Awards.
In November we celebrated our 120 anniversary by hosting a series of events in New York including graduate events, a celebration at the British Consulate, and our first Shakespeare in New York short course. The events took place as King Lear opened at The Shed, featuring an all-RADA graduate cast and starring former president Kenneth Branagh.
The Originate Actor training programme, a collaboration between RADA, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and Theatre Peckham, won the Widening Access Partnership Award at the NEON Awards. This free nine-month programme has successfully prepared young actors for drama school and industry careers.
Through our Big Give Christmas Challenge, we raised £54,600 towards training equipment and spaces. Thank you to our generous match funders: Lucy & Zac Barratt, Aidan Clegg, Alan & Ros Haigh, Richard Lissack, Maxine Peake, John Romeo, Caroline Spicer and the Big Give Trust, and to our campaign ambassador David Harewood.
In December we hosted a special screening of Wicked at the Soho Hotel followed by a Q&A with the star of the film, RADA graduate and Vice President Cynthia Erivo.
