MA Classical Acting for the Professional Theatre
Applications are open via UCAS for UK & International applicants, excluding US-based applicants. US applications are open via our website from September 2023.
1 year course
The course runs for one year from September 2024. At the end of the year, you will gain a masters degree awarded by LAMDA.
Highlights
A deep dive into conservatoire actor training. Learn through year-long modules in: acting, voice, textual analysis contextual studies, movement, music and singing. Those on the course have digital profiles that can be shared with Industry and three masterclasses with industry professionals. A classical, public facing production is also staged in the final term of the course.
Who's the course for?
Minimum age 18, however most students are 21 and over on this course.
This course is designed for students with a BA or BFA degree or equivalent, or comparable professional or vocational experience.
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 classes in craft skills to develop and strengthen your existing abilities and prepare you for the rehearsal process. Delivered throughout the year in long modules, these will include acting (voice, textual analysis and contextual studies), movement, music and singing.
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. And you will also complete a thesis presentation reflecting on the relationship between your classical training and contemporary theatre practice.
Your intensive year will culminate in the staging of a Shakespeare production to which agents and casting directors are invited.
Application & Audition Process:
- Applications are made via UCAS from 12 July 2023 for UK & International applicants, excluding the US.
- US Applicants should apply direct to LAMDA from September 2023.
- If your application is successful you'll be invited to audition, read the process below.
How to apply
Application deadlines:
- Applications close on UCAS, 31 January 2024.
- Applications close for US-based applicants in March 2024.
Audition process for MA Classical Acting for the Professional Theatre
What to prepare for the in-person audition
You’ll need to prepare three monologues.
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These can be from any three different plays, although at least two must be from an Elizabethan or Jacobean text.
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They can be written for any gender and each one must last no longer than three minutes.*
Your monologues can be any pieces, but if you need some ideas, take a look here for a selection of classical monologues, as well as links to some more contemporary pieces.
*If you also wish to wish to be considered for the MA/MFA Musical Theatre course in this audition please also prepare an unaccompanied excerpt (16 bars) from a musical theatre song of your choice.
Applicants for the MA Classical Acting will not be required to attend a recall audition. Unless they are applying for multiple courses.
Key information
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.
On this one year course, you'll have three compulsory year-long modules in:
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
For academic year 2024/25:
£27,232 per year for UK & International applicants.
Application fees
US Applicants:
- £88 for in-person first round audition in the US, January/February 2024.
- Recall audition, if successful, January/February 2024.
UK & International applicants:
- £15 first round self-tape audition for UK and International applicants.
- £36 in-person recall audition, if successful, at LAMDA in April/June 2024
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.
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 Classical Text
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.
Your future career
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 or Canada?
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.
