Reconnecting to Acting with LAMDA's Summer School
Our Shakespeare Summer Schools welcome participants of all different ages and creative backgrounds – bringing together actors looking to strengthen their craft, build new skills, and collaborate with creatives from across the world.
The chance to reconnect to acting and develop confidence in classical texts is what drew Sara Al Ghanem to our 8-Week Shakespeare Summer School in 2025. Here, Sara tells us how twenty years in the performing arts led to a transformative summer at LAMDA.
“I began as a child actor before moving to London to complete a BA in Drama. Because I had already received substantial acting training in my youth, I chose not to audition for drama school at eighteen. Instead, I wanted to learn how to create my own work and develop my practice. Looking back, I’m so glad I made that decision. I loved my degree, and the connections I made during that time have been invaluable throughout the seven years I’ve been building my freelance career.
As I focused more on theatremaking, I stepped away from acting for a while. During that period, I lost a lot of confidence in myself, and life simply got in the way. A couple of years ago, I finally decided to bite the bullet and return properly to performing – and that’s what led me to LAMDA’s Shakespeare Summer School.
One of the main reasons I applied was that I didn’t know how to approach classical material as an actor. I thought the course would be a good first step. What I didn’t expect was just how transformative this experience would be.
For eight weeks, we followed a full-time schedule, Monday to Friday. Each morning, we had three skills-based lessons – voice, text, acting, movement, combat and singing – followed by project work in the afternoon, where we could immediately apply what we’d learned. The first four weeks focused on Shakespeare, and the second on a Jacobean play. We were divided into companies of ten, which meant we received a great deal of individual attention from our tutors.”
“As someone for whom English is a second language, I used to find classical texts intimidating. I now feel equipped with the tools and, more importantly, the confidence to approach Shakespeare and his contemporaries with both courage and joy.”
“Every teacher at LAMDA was extraordinary: welcoming, inspiring, and always encouraging us to push beyond our comfort zones. We were told that what we experienced was essentially a condensed version of the BA and MA training, and it certainly felt like full-on drama school. This wasn’t an easy ride: you need to commit fully, stay focused, and be prepared to work hard. There were long days, homework, and plenty of tired evenings, but it was absolutely worth it.
I was also lucky to be part of an incredible cohort. Over just two months, we went from strangers to close friends. Because of the vulnerability the work requires, you bond quickly. We supported each other, went on nights out and saw plenty of shows in London.
One of my favourite memories was a field trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, where we saw an RSC production. With our Shakespeare sharing just around the corner, we spent the afternoon rehearsing in the hotel gardens – right in Shakespeare’s hometown. It felt surreal and very special.
Another highlight was overlapping with LAMDA’s BA and MA students. We were welcomed into the wider student community, attending their performances, making new friends, and getting a real sense of student life at the school.”
“Overall, I cannot recommend this course enough – especially the eight-week option. Even two months didn’t feel long enough! I loved being back in school, and returning to training as an older student made me more present, engaged, and eager to soak up every lesson and every piece of feedback.
My biggest takeaway is that I can perform Shakespeare – and truly, anyone can. As someone for whom English is a second language, I used to find classical texts intimidating. But now, thanks to this course, I feel equipped with the tools and, more importantly, the confidence to approach Shakespeare and his contemporaries with both courage and joy.
I loved the experience so much that I’m now seriously considering postgraduate training at drama school! So, if you’re on the fence about this course, my advice is simple: do it. There’s no greater gift you can give yourself than the chance to play.”
