Classical Acting for the Professional Theatre

Entry requirements

Applicants must be 21+ to apply for this course.

This course is aimed at graduates with a BA/BFA degree, or equivalent vocational experience.

Applicants should have a knowledge and interest in classical texts and the speaking of verse and prose, and a commitment to a career as a professional actor.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This intensive Master's degree is delivered through an inspiring and exhilarating programme of classwork, scene study and workshop performances, culminating in a shared performance in our largest performance space, the Sainsbury Theatre.

Working on plays from the Shakespearean, Jacobean, Spanish Golden Age, French classical and Restoration periods, you will discover how classical theatre translates across centuries, cultures and languages, and build an awareness of their historical, political and social context, and their impact on modern theatre.

You will take skills classes to develop and strengthen your existing abilities and prepare you for the rehearsal process. Delivered throughout the year, these will include acting (voice, textual analysis and artist development), movement, music and singing.

You will also flex your own creative muscles with the creation of a practical thesis presentation reflecting on the relationship between your classical training and contemporary theatre practice.

You will progress and apply your acquired knowledge of both theory and practice as it relates to the intelligent exploration and development of original characters.

Your intensive year will culminate in the staging of a Shakespeare production to which agents and casting directors are invited.

Course highlights:

• Rigorous training through classes in Acting, Voice, Speech and Singing, Movement, Dance and Artist Development.
• A 20-minute self-created practical thesis project, performed here at LAMDA.
• A fully-realised classical production, industry facing, performed in our largest space, the Sainsbury Theatre.
• A UK showcase in the heart of London, for invited agents, casting directors and other industry figures.
• Masterclasses and workshops.

Information for international students

Each year, LAMDA hosts in-person auditions in different cities across North America, with call-backs in New York and Los Angeles.

If you live in North America, you are eligible for our in-person North American Audition Tour.

International applicants who wish to travel to and audition in North America should contact the Admissions team for information on availability.

Fees and funding

If you’re starting a Master’s degree, you could get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan to help with course fees and living costs. If you need any further information, please get in touch with our Admissions team.

The Fulbright John Wood LAMDA Award (US students only), for an incoming student on the MA Classical Acting course, provides a full tuition fee scholarship as well as a living stipend. Applications from students from under-served populations are encouraged.

This award is generously provided through an endowment from the MLDauray Arts Initiative. You can find out more on the Fulbright website. Applications for this scholarship are made directly to Fulbright, not LAMDA, and open annually in early November.

Students can also apply for a Leverhulme Arts Scholarships, which awards between £3,000-£12,000 per annum and can support with fees and/or maintenance costs throughout the duration of a degree. These scholarships are available for all postgraduate courses.