Shakespeare for Performance
About the exam
LAMDA’s Shakespeare qualification is designed for learners who wish to explore the work of the world’s most famous writer in the English language.
With a syllabus based around the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare, these exams encourage a deep immersion into Shakespeare’s words and the development of the technical skills required to perform them confidently and creatively.
Read more about the updated Shakespeare for Performance syllabus.
LAMDA is recognised to award qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), in Wales by Qualifications Wales (QiW), and in Northern Ireland by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).
All Solo Shakespeare exams are available online.
What does the exam involve?
Type of exam: Solo
Time allowance: 15 minutes
- Perform one speech from memory, taken from a play by William Shakespeare
- Answer knowledge questions
Please see the syllabus for full details.
Type of exam: Solo
Time allowance: 20 minutes
- Perform one set sonnet and one set speech from memory, taken from different plays by William Shakespeare, as detailed in the syllabus
- Answer knowledge questions
Please see the syllabus for full details.
Type of exam: Solo
Time allowance: 35 minutes
- Perform one set speech
- Sight-read a text provided by the Examiner
- Take part in a conversation in character with the Examiner
- Answer knowledge questions
Please see the syllabus for full details.
Requirements
Full details of the requirements, assessment criteria and regulations can be found in the LAMDA Shakespeare for Performance Examinations syllabi.
Syllabi valid for examinations taken from 1 January 2024:
Resources & Teaching Materials
Explore our FAQs to find out more about our syllabi and qualifications.
The list of set pieces for each Exam can be found in the corresponding syllabi for each exam. You can download the syllabi as a free pdf via our Download Centre or visit our online shop.
We are unable to verify the suitability of own choice pieces, please refer to the Exam Content and Assessment and Grading Criteria detailed for the exam subject and grade entered.
All our syllabi listed below are available for free via download, or you can purchase our full range of publications from our online shop.
You will need:
- Shakespeare Examinations Syllabus
These might also be useful:
- Teacher support material graded examinations in Shakespeare, available via our Download Centre.
- Knowledge Matters Volume 3
