MFA Professional Acting

In your first year, you’ll cover the core disciplines of Acting, Voice, Movement and Music in intensive classes. 

You’ll take part in workshop projects which may include contemporary texts, classical plays, and late 19th/early 20th century European naturalism. These workshops will give you an opportunity to apply the skills you’ve learnt in class. 

You’ll also begin to explore how to deliver convincing screen and audio performances. and take part in a new writing project with exciting, pioneering writers, exploring the role of the actor as a collaborative artist.  

The final year will prepare you to become an independent and stand-out professional within the industry.

You’ll be immersed in a series of performances on stage, screen and in audio drama, including a professionally written, directed, crewed and post-produced short film. Recent LAMDA graduation films have been selected for national and international film festivals.

The final element of your training will be centred on the collaborative development and performance of a small group piece of original, self-created, theatre. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to share your artistry, skills and experience with younger audiences and future theatre-makers. The annual Shakespeare in Schools programme is an opportunity for graduating MFA actors to perform at secondary schools and colleges, culminating in fast-paced adaptations of Shakespeare’s popular that will engage and inspire children and teens.

In your training, LAMDA will offer you some opportunities for specialised workshops that sit alongside and enhance your training.

You must have already have a BA or BFA degree, or comparable professional experience.

You must be a fluent English speaker. Non-native speakers do not need to provide an English language test report when they apply as we assess English at the auditions and interviews. However, if offered a place, you must provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a test provider approved by UKVI with a score CEFR Level B2 or higher. You must take a UKVI-approved SELT. If you have recently studied successfully for a degree taught in English, you are not required to provide a SELT.

Tuition fees

Are reviewed each year. For students starting in 2026/27, fees were:

• UK students: £16,098 per year
• International students: £24,815 per year

Application fees

US Applicants:

• £88 for in-person first round audition in the US.
• Recall audition, if successful.

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.

Application form

• To apply for the MA Directing course, applicants must click ‘Apply Now’ on the course page and fill out the application form. The application form requires a CV and Personal Statement.
• After we have received and processed your application, our Admissions team will email you to invite you to the next stage.

First round

• Applicants will be offered a first round interview online, via Zoom, with two LAMDA practitioners. The interview will last 40 minutes and will refer to the applicant’s Personal Statement and CV in the application form. A portfolio or website or links to work online is not compulsory, but advised.

Results of the first round

• The applicant will then be notified whether their first round interview has been successful or unsuccessful.

Second round

• If successful, the applicant will progress to the second round, which consists of a practical session followed by a second interview.
• Second round interviews will take place between May-July, (dates may be subject to change).
• Applicants will be contacted by the Admissions team with more specific information ahead of their recall. Requests for further information can be put in writing to [email protected]

Notification of final result

Our Admissions team will do their best to share the result within two-three weeks. They will let you know if; 

• You’ve not been successful this time

• You’ve been offered a place on the course

Each day will be different, but you can expect the teaching to take shape in any of the following formats:

• Tutor-led class work
• Tutor-led tutorials
• Guest lectures, workshops and seminars
• Research projects
• Collaborative learning, including scene studies, workshops, rehearsals and performances
• Non-mediated student learning to encourage self-reflective practice
• Peer evaluations – a central part of actor training in an ensemble situation

Assessment on this course is integrated into your everyday learning. Rather than being limited to traditional exams or set pieces, your progress will often be evaluated through your involvement in regular classes, rehearsals, and creative projects—making assessment feel like a natural part of your training journey.  

Each module has its own set of expectations, which will be clearly outlined as you go. Your growth will be measured by how you approach your work, how you develop over time, and how you apply yourself in practical and collaborative settings.  

Feedback is a continuous conversation. The advice and insights you receive during sessions, rehearsals, and productions are key to your development—not just academically, but also in preparing you for professional life in the industry.  

In addition to this day-to-day support, you’ll receive structured feedback—both written and verbal—after major projects and most technical or skills-based classes, helping you track your progress and refine your practice over time.

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.

Our specialist careers support covers guidance on working as an actor and on broader, more entrepreneurial routes into the industry.

When you graduate, you’ll leave with a professionally-shot show reel and a voice reel. Agents and casting directors are invited to attend selected productions and film screenings. You’ll also take part in a duologue showcase and a digital showcase shared with key industry professionals.

Eligible to work in the 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.