MA Classical Acting for the Professional Theatre
One year course
One year from September 2026.
At the end of the course, you will gain a masters degree awarded by LAMDA.
Experience a deep dive into conservatoire actor training.
Highlights
Experience rigorous Conservatoire training through classes in acting, classical text analysis, voice & speech, movement & physicality and artist development.
You'll have a digital profile that can be shared with industry and three masterclasses with industry professionals.
A classical, public-facing production is staged in the final term.
Is this course for me?
Minimum age: Applicants must be 21+ to apply for this course.
Aimed at graduates with a BA/BFA degree, or those who have equivalent vocational experience.
Overview
Applications for September 2026 entry open on 1 September 2025.
Tuition fees
2025/26 entry:
UK students: £28,050 per year
International students: £28,892 per year
Previous 2024/25 entry:
UK students: £28,050 per year
International students: £28,050 per year
Application fees
- £88 for US-based applicants for in-person auditions.
- £15 first-round audition fee. Recall fees to be confirmed.
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About the course
This intensive masters degree in acting 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.
And 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 through the application of 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.
Key Information & FAQs
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.
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.
On this one-year course, you'll have three compulsory year-long modules in:
- Acting in Classical Theatre
- Movement and Physicality in Theatre
- Voice, Speech, Song and the Classical Text
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.
LAMDA does not make conditional offers, or adjust entry requirements according to non-academic criteria.
This course is only suitable if you have previous experience in the industry or a qualification in drama or acting.
Find out if you qualify for audition fee waivers here.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are reviewed annually.
2025/26 entry:
UK students: £28,050 per year
International students: £28,892 per year
Previous 2024/25 entry:
UK students: £28,050 per year
International students: £28,050 per year
Application fees
US Applicants:
- £88 for in-person first round audition in the US, January/February 2025.
- Recall audition, if successful, in February or March 2025. Please note these dates are provisional.
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, which industry professionals can engage with. 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 each year to best suit the current industry.
Further Resources
Find out more information about the application process, training at LAMDA and funding on our website. Sign up to our emails to keep up to date with the latest news and events.
