RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) was established in 1904 and is perhaps the most highly regarded acting institution in the United Kingdom. Past pupils include Anthony Hopkins and Alan Rickman (of Harry Potter fame). Courses focus primarily on acting; some of them are accredited by the NCDT and the CDS. Competition to get into RADA is fierce, and places are limited. International (non-EU) students' fees are about $21,350 a year.
The East 15 Acting School has been around for nearly 50 years and specializes in acting and technical theater courses. It is accredited by the NCDT. Courses include: Contemporary Theatre, Acting and Stage Combat, and Acting for Film, TV and Radio. Stephen Daldry, director of "The Reader" and "Billy Elliot," was a pupil. Bachelor of Arts courses are $15,000 a year for international students.
Guildhall School of Music and Drama first opened in 1880 and is one of the oldest performing arts schools in the United Kingdom. It is known for being the only major conservatoire in Europe that is both a music school and a drama school. The main courses are Bachelors of Arts in Acting and in Music, which are accredited by the CDS and the NCDT. Fees for international students are about $24,500 a year.
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance touts itself as the United Kingdom's first conservatoire of music and dance. It was formed in 2005 from the Trinity College of Music and the Laban dance institution. The 2009 National Student Survey ranked Laban as the highest for student satisfaction. Qualifications offered include diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Fees range from $16,800 to $21,400 a year.
The origins of LAMDA date back to the 1860s, making it the oldest academy of its kind. As well as being an Awarding Body in the United Kingdom, LAMDA drama school offers summer courses, foundation courses, Diplomas and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Courses are accredited by the CDS and the NCDT. Short summer courses start from $1,000, and Diplomas start from $21,400. Past pupils include Donald Sutherland, Jim Broadbent and John Lithgow.