In the last few years there have been some major changes to the way that the best drama schools make themselves stand out. In the past most of these schools were members of the Conference of Drama Schools. The best courses received a stamp of approval if they were then accredited by a different organisation – the National Council for Drama Training. These two organisations merged into Drama UK in 2012 but in 2017 the organisation ceased to exist as many member schools left the organisation.
In June 2017 a brand new membership body was set up by the 20 schools to represent their interests – the Federation of Drama Schools. The main difference now is that there is no formal independent accreditation process so no ‘stamp of approval’. The members of the Federation of Drama Schools do, however, agree to adhere to certain principles and hallmarks which underpin their training.
In real terms nothing much has changed for potential students and if you are serious about becoming an actor then full time training at one of these schools is highly recommended…
- The Academy of Live & Recorded Arts (ALRA)
- Arts Educational Schools London (Arts Ed)
- Birmingham Conservatoire
- Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
- Drama Centre London
- Drama Studio London
- East 15 Acting School
- Guildford School of Acting (GSA)
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama (GSMD)
- Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
- London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
- The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
- Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre (MMU)
- Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
- Oxford School of Drama
- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
- Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance
- Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama