Theatre courses in London
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Theatre is about more than just the actors. We talk to the students working behind the scenes.
London has a long history of dramatic productions dating back to Shakespeare's Globe theatre, originally built alongside the River Thames at Bankside in 1597.
Today, not only are West End theatres booming with an estimated 13 million people attending a production each year, London is also home to a number of specialist colleges and universities with links to theatres, providing the stars of the future with essential acting and stage production skills.
Marie-Laure Noguier, a French student who studied Costume Production at Rose Bruford College, chose to study in London because of its reputation.
“I was attracted by the variety and quality of the theatre scene in London and also by the reputation of England in the field of theatre costumes,” she said.
London also has hundreds of theatres where students can undertake work experience. Marie- Laure completed two placements at the Royal Opera House, making costumes for a variety of opera productions.
“What I like is that you can find everything in London: a great range of smaller theatres, international theatres, contemporary theatres but also big popular musicals,” explained Marie-Laure. “It's great for us technicians because it means there's a lot to learn from a lot of different places and people.”
Internationalism is the key to the London experience and at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, students come from over 40 countries. Guildhall has the added benefit of having the Barbican arts complex on its doorstep.
Beth Crock, a US student in Stage Management and Technical Theatre, chose Guildhall to be surrounded by the best theatre culture in the world. “I really like that there is such a wide variety of different productions on offer in London and that they are always changing,” Beth explained.
At the Central School of Speech and Drama (CSSD), its in-house theatre gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience.
Founded over 100 years ago and based at the Embassy Theatre, CSSD students produce professional theatrical productions throughout the year and alumni include Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench.
Students who would like to sample theatre life before committing to a longer course can study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
The Academy is a school of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama and offers a range of short courses in stage management, physical theatre and drama.
With such a large range of courses on offer at world-class stage schools, now is the perfect time to tread the boards in a city where the world is your stage.
Posted: Tuesday 9 February 2010