Founded in 1904, this London-based school, which offers bachelor's and master's degrees validated by King's College London, counts among its graduates such heavyweights of British acting as Kenneth Branagh and Ralph Fiennes. RADA offers programs of different length and degree level in acting, directing, text and performance, technical theater and theater management, including a program for students not from a European Union country. It is a member of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, a U.K. institution that comprises eight of the best performance conservatories in the country.
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
62-64 Gower St.
London, WC1E 6ED
United Kingdom
011 (+44) 020 7636 7076
www.rada.org
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School was opened in 1946 by Sir Laurence Olivier as a training school for the actors of the Old Vic Theatre in Bristol. Since those small beginnings, the school has grown to become one of the best conservatories in the U.K. A founding member of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, Bristol Old Vic offers master's, bachelor's and certificate programs in acting, directing and technical fields, validated by the University of the West of England. A program for non-E.U. students is also available.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
1 - 2 Downside Road
Bristol, BS8 2XF
United Kingdom
011 (+44) 011 7973 3535
www.oldvic.ac.uk
Located just outside Oxford, this independent actor-training school belongs to the Conference of Drama Schools, whose members are the 22 leading drama schools in Britain. Bachelor's or master's degrees are not offered, though the certificate granted is validated by Trinity College London. Courses are only in acting, and while it isn't the oldest school in the U.K. (at 22 years old), it was recognized in 2004 by the BBC as one of the top five drama schools in the U.K.
The Oxford School of Drama
Sansomes Farm Studios
Woodstock
Oxford, OX20 1ER
United Kingdom
011 (+44) 019 9381 2883
www.oxforddrama.ac.uk