Shakespeare Summer School (8 Weeks)
Summer School (8 Weeks)
This course runs for 8 weeks from June - August 2026.
Our Shakespeare Summer Schools provide specialist training in the foundations of classical acting.
This course is ideal for anyone wanting to experience LAMDA's world-leading approach to classical actor training.
Highlights
Experience eight weeks of classical actor training at LAMDA.
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Worth 8 credits for US students.
Is this course for me?
Course Level: Intermediate
Age Requirement: 18+
This course is most suitable for: university and conservatoire theatre students, experienced and professional actors looking to explore Shakespeare and the Jacobean writers in detail, and those with significant experience of workshop or rehearsal settings (though this does not need to be professional experience).
Overview
Location
In-person at LAMDA
Accreditation
8 credits (US) or two modules at HE level 4, totalling 30 credits
Course Fees
UK Applicants:
£3,500 (+£21 Application Fee)
International Applicants:
£6,010 (+£21 Application Fee)
Entry Requirements
See requirements below
Course Dates
Monday 15 June - Friday 6 August 2026
From 9am or 10am - 5:30pm each day
Excluding weekends. Please note that there will be occasional variations to the daily schedule.
Course Length
8 Weeks
Application Deadline
Monday 8 June 2026 at 10am (BST)
About the course
Spend the summer studying Shakespeare and the Jacobean playwrights with this accredited programme, designed for intermediate-level students and beyond.
Over the course of 8 weeks, you will rehearse and perform two abridged plays; one by Shakespeare and one by a Jacobean playwright. Directed by expert LAMDA directors, you will be challenged to approach classical text with clarity, detail and precision. The rehearsal process will culminate in an informal sharing of your work.
Alongside your rehearsals, you will take part in a range of skills classes, including acting, voice, singing, movement, dance and combat; designed to help you develop the tools needed to perform classical text.
In addition to your regular timetable, students will have the opportunity to go on field trips to Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Globe Theatre in London. You'll also take part in at least one masterclasses with a distinguished guest practitioner.
The LAMDA Shakespeare & Jacobean Summer School was first launched over 25 years ago, and is one of our best-loved and longest running short courses.
“This course’s deep dive into classical theatre has exponentially increased my confidence in my own capacity and stage craft.”
What will I learn?
- Explore techniques for deep classical text interrogation.
- Gain skills in acting, movement and voice which can be integrated into your approach to classical acting.
- Understand the historical context of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, as well as their relevance now.
- Come away from the course with the tools to inform into your classical acting process.
Is this course for me?
This course is designed for actors with some experience. Your previous experience does not need to be professional, but the intensity and rigour of the training we provide requires commitment and a willingness to be challenged.
This course is particularly suited to those who are studying drama, acting or theatre at a conservatoire, university or college, experienced and professional actors looking to explore Shakespeare and the Jacobean writers in detail, and those with significant experience of workshop or rehearsal settings (though this does not need to be professional experience).
- Interested in the classics, but looking to focus on Shakespeare only? Try our Shakespeare Summer School (4 Weeks)
- Brand new to Shakespeare? Try our Introduction to Shakespeare Summer School (2 Weeks)
This is an intermediate level course, and is designed for participants with some acting experience.
View all entry requirements, including age and experience level, below.
Key Information
Need to ask a question? View our FAQs or contact our Short Courses Team.
Throughout the programme, you'll explore Shakespeare's Birthplace and Anne Hathaway's Cottage in Stratford-Upon-Avon, and will watch a selection of iconic theatre productions at the Globe Theatre in London and in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Please note that this course includes an overnight trip, and you will share a twin room with another member of the course.
More details about the trips in our 2026 Summer School will be announced soon.
This course is for participants aged 18+.
Acting experience is required, but it does not have to be professional, nor does it have to be with classical text. Students must have familiarity with a rehearsal room setting, and to be prepared to work with rigour. We reserve the right to verify any qualifications you have highlighted in your application form.
In order to train on this course, you should have a level of English that is approximately IELTS 7.0 or equivalent English Language experience.
You can test your level using the Cambridge English Language Assessment or the CEFR’s Self-Assessment Table. B3 Proficiency is roughly equivalent to IELTS 7.0.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Apply for this course through LAMDA directly using the application link above. We advise you to apply early as places are limited.
UK Applicants: £3,500
International Applicants: £6,010
Application Fee: £21
Payment:
If you meet the eligibility criteria and if spaces remain available, you will be offered a place on the course. If you're not eligible for this course, you'll be contacted by our Admissions Team and will be offered a place on another relevant course or refunded the course fee.
If you are offered a place on this course you will need to pay a deposit of 10% within 5 days of the date of your offer email to secure your place. You will then need to pay the remainder of the course fee within 28 days at the latest.
Places on this course are offered on a first come, first served basis, and we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to ensure a space on the course.
If you'd like to discuss the course and eligibility criteria with our Admissions Team, please get in touch.
Accommodation:
The accommodation fees on this course are in addition to the tuition fees mentioned on this page.
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
Please see below for information about our cancellation / refund policy.
Updated in March 2025:
An external student housing provider is available in London for those booked on the 8-Week Shakespeare Summer School as LAMDA does not have its own on-campus accommodation.
Rooms are on a first-come, first served basis and you must be over 18 – please contact [email protected] for further information once you have a confirmed place on the course.
The accommodation fees for this course are in addition to the tuition fees mentioned on this page.
