Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

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RADA's theatre in London

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in Bloomsbury, London, is generally regarded as one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world.

1 History
2 Current leadership
3 Admissions
4 See also
5 External link

[edit] History

It was established in 1904 bySir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, a leading Shakespeare producer. The managing council included Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson, Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, Sir James Barrie, W. S. Gilbert, Irene Vanbrugh and George Bernard Shaw.

In 1950 Shaw left a third of his royalties to RADA, and as a result the Academy has benefited from profits of the film My Fair Lady (1964) and subsequent stage versions of the show.

Founded in the 1970s by Marymount College of Fordham University in the United States, and a select group of tutors from the RADA, London Drama Academy (LDA) at Fordham's London Center provides a lively, intensive, high-quality introduction to the principles of British acting and allows students to perfect their craft using practical rather than strictly theoretical approaches.

Those who attend LDA receive focused training that further develops their skills. Through semester-and year-long sessions at the London Centre LDA students take classes taught by RADA-trained, working theatre professionals—many of whom are experienced performers with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

[edit] Current leadership

As of 2004, Lord Attenborough is President of the school, John Whitney is Chairman, and Alan Rickman and Michael Attenborough are the vice-chairmen of the school. The principal is Nicholas Barter.

[edit] Admissions

RADA accepts 32 new students each year onto its BA in Acting course. However, no educational requirements need to be met and admission is based purely on suitability and successful audition. RADA also teaches technical theatre arts through a 2 year graduate diploma course and specialist technical subjects through 4 term graduate certificate courses. Approximately 35 students are chosen each year for these courses.

RADA is administered through King's College London.