London Drama School Ends Audition Fees

London’s leading drama institutions have high hopes to ‘shift the dial’ as they implore a more diverse range of students to apply to the prestigious school. As the institution ends audition fees, this removes a great obstacle in the early beginnings of many aspiring actors and actresses who previously could not afford the high price to enter stage left.

The UK’s leading drama school, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where notorious names such as Dame Judi Dench, Andrew Garfield, Jason Isaacs, and Martin Freeman all learned their craft, has stated they intend to end audition fees for prospective students in a strong effort to broaden and diversify their intake of students from across the world. This follows the footsteps of other institutions in the United States of America. Could the arts industry finally be seeing steps in the right direction for higher education?

“None of us want drama schools to be the preserve of the well off. Ideally, they are places where people from all backgrounds can come together and learn from each other,” said Freeman, a Central graduate and star ofThe Responder,Sherlock andThe Office. “Without my grant from Richmond council many years ago, I would never have been able to enjoy my three years at Central. That seems to have become harder and harder in recent years; who knows how many young actors are lost to us, due to lack of funds. I hope this inspires others to follow suit in trying to make attending drama school fairer for all.”

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama made the decision to end all charges after many actors have criticised the prohibitive costs of higher education including: attending multiple auditions, the lack of support for actors from working-class backgrounds, and reductions in courses. Thousands of people apply for around 50 places on the acting course at the influential school in the hopes of becoming successful. Single audition fees were at an all time high of £40.

The principal of the school, Josette Bushell-Mingo, wanted to “send a message” that applicants from all backgrounds are welcome.

“We must push back against a creeping narrative that says the arts are elitist, that they are only for a select few. It has never been more important to stand together, united, and say that everyone is welcome in our sector and in our institutions – that the arts are vital and that they are for all of us.”

The notorious school has also established a £20,000 travel grant to help encourage prospective applicants to come to open days. Two other grants were also established by the school to help towards travel costs for attending the final round of undergraduate acting auditions and other events held at the campus. Royal Central School of Speech and Drama claims it wants to help “shift the dial” and “change the landscape of arts accessibility”.

Actor Zoë Wanamaker CBE, vice-president at the school, adds that she believes it will pave the way for a more diverse industry: “In these difficult times we must all unite to support and empower the next generation of theatre-makers and artists.”

Other schools in the United Kingdom that currently offer no audition fees are: Liverpool Theatre School, Bristol Old Vic and Rada. In 2018, the Labour party in the UK challenged all drama schools to end high audition fees. Could more esteemed schools soon follow suit?

Photo Source: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama’s Instagram

Drew Janine

Live Sound Engineer -EUROPE

Janine has always been a part of music and performing. The first show that inspired her to go into theatre was the Velveteen Rabbit which she saw as a child, and Drew works to keep that magic alive as working behind the scenes in theatre as a live sound engineer. When Drew was accepted into an internship program for audio engineering at a recording studio, she jumped at the opportunity. That was at the start of 2020 and so much has happened since then, both in her career and in the world. Since then, Drew has taken several opportunities to work at recording studios, concerts, festivals, and even large theatres while spending time on tour across the North American continent and Europe. Drew’s favourite by far though has been the chance to work on Broadway and West End shows, as this was a dream come true. Drew is honoured to get to share these experiences from being inside the entertainment industry and hopes to inspire others to continue working in theatre.

Back to Home