MA Classical Acting for the Professional Theatre

This challenging and rewarding MA acting postgraduate course is for students who wish to enhance and develop their craft through experiencing world-class conservatoire training.

We have a long history of exemplary training for classical theatre. Prioritising ensemble work, this course builds upon this tradition and takes it further by exploring emerging new techniques and possibilities in contemporary theatre.

This immersive MA will advance your knowledge and give you a fuller skillset to draw on in your work. We teach each student as an individual, which means that you’ll be able to build on your prior experience whilst encouraging your growth as a professional actor.

This course is only suitable if you have previous experience in the industry or a qualification in drama or acting.

For the first 12 months (180 credits) of the course, learning and teaching take place in the following ways:

• Tutor-led classes and director-led practical workshops
• Experiential learning including discipline-based classes and workshop productions.

Acting can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. The course is designed to prepare you for the challenges of the industry, so you’ll be encouraged to build stamina, resilience, and a strong sense of commitment throughout your training. 

Because theatre often explores intense emotional experiences, it’s worth thinking about your readiness to engage with complex material. This course will stretch your boundaries and ask you to reflect deeply on the emotions and life experiences that inform your performance. You'll be supported by a core team of experienced tutors, along with visiting professionals who bring current industry insight and direction. 

Outside of classes, your development continues. You'll be expected to take initiative in your learning—reading widely, researching independently, and immersing yourself in live theatre to grow your creative perspective. 

Working in a collaborative environment means bringing consistent energy, focus, and a willingness to contribute meaningfully to rehearsals and group projects. It also involves being mindful of others’ creative processes. Showing up on time and being reliable are important parts of developing a professional mindset from day one. 

All classes are considered ‘calls’ and attendance is compulsory as reflected in current practice within the industry. There is an emphasis on skills development and research-based practice, led by experienced practitioners in a realistic theatre environment.

Assessment on this course is integrated into your everyday learning. Rather than being limited to traditional exams or set pieces, your progress will often be evaluated through your involvement in regular classes, rehearsals, and creative projects—making assessment feel like a natural part of your training journey. 

Each module has its own set of expectations, which will be clearly outlined as you go. Your growth will be measured by how you approach your work, how you develop over time, and how you apply yourself in practical and collaborative settings. 

Feedback is a continuous conversation. The advice and insights you receive during sessions, rehearsals, and productions are key to your development—not just academically, but also in preparing you for professional life in the industry. 

In addition to this day-to-day support, you’ll receive structured feedback—both written and verbal—after major projects and most technical or skills-based classes, helping you track your progress and refine your practice over time.

Both the MA and MFA Classical Acting courses are available for funding via UK student loans and US federal loans.

None of the scholarships available to postgraduate students are able to cover both tuition fees and living costs entirely, and applicants for these courses are encouraged to consider other funding sources. 

Leverhulme Arts Scholarships created to support incoming students on any of LAMDA’s degree courses, full and partial scholarships are available for incoming students on any of LAMDA's degree courses, undergraduate and postgraduate.

Acting Courses Equipment List

A lot of the work at LAMDA is physical/movement based you should always be dressed comfortably in clothes that do not prohibit movement.

Essential

• Basic black sweatshirt
• Basic black T-shirt
• Black sweatpants/jogging bottoms
• Yoga mat – For reasons of hygiene we recommend that students purchase their own.

Highly recommended

For rehearsal/character work

• Black trousers and/or skirt. Skirt should be floor length and loose. Skirts may also be needed for certain dance lessons.
• White shirt.
• Black shoes with a solid heel (not trainers) or character shoes
• Laptop/tablet.
• Wi-Fi

Recommended

• Black footless tights
• Trainers

Books

Your recommended reading lists will be sent out separately. Most of these books can be found in the LAMDA library therefore there is no need to purchase. These books are for reference and additional learning.

Other

It can be useful to have a recording device so that you can record accents, music etc. It is sufficient to have a phone with the facility to record sound.

You should be a fluent English speaker. Non-native speakers do not need to provide an English language test report when they apply, as we assess this at the auditions. However, you’ll need to provide a valid IELTS test report with an overall score of seven if you’re offered a place. We can only accept IELTS for UKVI.

Find out if you qualify for audition fee waivers here.

Tuition fees
Tuition fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for 2026/27 will be shared soon.

Previous 2025/26 entry:
UK students: £28,050 per year
International students: £28,892 per year

Application fees

US Applicants:

• £88 for in-person first round audition in the US.
• Recall audition, if successful.

UK & International applicants:

• ​​​​​£15 first-round audition fee. Recall fees to be confirmed.

If you’re interested in applying to two or more LAMDA courses, please let the Admissions team know by emailing [email protected]. There is no need to apply to more than one LAMDA course in your UCAS application choices. 

Course fees confirmed in an offer letter may be increased in further years of study by an inflationary amount determined in accordance with measures set by government.

Agents and casting directors are invited to attend the production at the end of the course. Towards the end of your degree, you’ll gain professional insight through three masterclasses with industry professionals. We also share some digital work from your time at LAMDA on our website. You'll be eligible to join our Alumni community platform LAMDA Connect upon graduation. Find out more about how LAMDA will support you beyond your training here.

Eligible to work in USA?

LAMDA's training will culminate in a series of professional development and industry events to support your growth as a professional artist and the start/continuation of your career in North America. This may include digital or in-person events to help graduates gain exposure and will be tailored to best suit the current industry.