Young Actors: Summer School
Course overview
Spend a Summer at RADA and get a taste of classes at a world-leading drama school. Our Young Actors Summer School will challenge your skills, deepen your understanding of acting technique and give you a practical insight into literature and drama. You'll gain confidence and find your voice while gaining a solid grounding in the fundamentals of acting, under the guidance of RADA’s expert tutors.
This two-week Summer School is a programme for 16–18 year-olds, and is particularly suitable for those thinking about actor training at degree level. Classes include:
Acting Technique
Learn some of the techniques actors use to create powerful connections with characters, using the core methodologies taught at RADA. You'll grow in confidence as you gain an understanding of rehearsal practice, develop your stage presence and craft compelling performances.
Text and Scene Study
Take a script from the page and up onto its feet by working on scenes, monologues and sonnets. You'll use scene study techniques to confidently analyse texts by Shakespeare and contemporary writers, and communicate their meanings.
Voice and Movement
Find your voice and explore how movement and physical expression can enable you to inhabit a character. You'll learn vocal techniques and movement exercises to help you communicate clearly, make your voice heard, and take a physical approach to telling a story.
Devising
Discover the power of creative collaboration and improvisation, which are essential elements of theatre practice and working life. You will explore a variety of storytelling techniques to create original scripted work, developing skills in story development and research.
This course requires discipline and commitment in order for you to get the most out of the training. This includes arriving to classes promptly, working generously in an ensemble, remaining focused during sessions and ensuring you have properly prepared for all classes.
Who is this course suitable for?
- Young people aged 16–18 who may not have any prior experience
- Those who wish to learn more about actor training and acting technique
- Those wanting to develop their movement, voice and confidence.
Please note, our courses do not offer explicit or direct advice on audition technique for drama school entry.
Entry requirements
- Selection by application. Please see the application form for more information.
- Participants must have fluent, confident use and knowledge of the English language.
- Participants must be aged between 16 and 18 at the start of the course. Students aged 16 or 17 will need additional permission from a parent or guardian. Please see relevant section on the application form.
Course information
What are the Terms and Conditions of my booking?
You can read the full Terms and Conditions here.
Will there be anything I need to prepare before the course starts?
More information will follow closer to the start of the course.
Is there any work to do outside of class time?
Participants will be encouraged to undertake some further personal preparation work after classes and outside of RADA.
What’s included in the fee?
The fee covers the cost of your tuition for the times advertised above and any materials essential to the course (and not specified here as materials you need to provide yourself). The fee does not include any meals or accommodation.
RADA cannot provide written references for Short Course participants.
What materials or equipment do I need?
You need to wear loose clothing that you can move in freely.
I have a disability or access requirement – can reasonable adjustments be made?
We are able to make reasonable adjustments to our training where possible. Many of our courses are highly practical. Most involve movement and some may include work on the floor. You may also be asked to read from various texts. If you have access requirements and/or require more information on access and facilities in our RADA buildings, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk
Are there any funding or payment plans available?
There are no RADA Scholarships available for Short Courses. We cannot offer payment plans, and full payment is required to secure your place on a course.
Can RADA provide accommodation?
We are unable to provide accommodation for RADA Short Courses.
Please note that in the event of cancellation, RADA can accept no liability for any costs you may already have incurred; and we strongly recommend you purchase insurance cover for any travel or accommodation booked before the start of the course.
Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. A Certificate of Completion is available for this course. Certificates are awarded to students who had no unexcused absences or lateness and operated within the obligations laid out in the Terms and Conditions.
Does the course count towards University credits?
There are no University Credits associated with this course.
What is the attendance policy?
Our attendance policy can be read within our Terms and Conditions. 100% attendance and punctuality are expected for all classes.
How do I register for an in-person course?
You will be providing most of the information we need when you fill in your application form or information form.
On the first day of your course, you will be asked to arrive at RADA up to 30 minutes before the start of your first session, and you need to bring a copy of your passport, and, if applicable, evidence of your right to join a short course in the UK.