Course summary

This challenging and rewarding MFA acting postgraduate course will enhance and develop your craft through experiencing world-class conservatoire training. LAMDA has a long history of exemplary training for the classical theatre. This course is principally aimed at graduates who may have some professional acting experience. Applicants should have a knowledge and interest in classical texts and the speaking of verse and prose, and a commitment to a career as a professional actor. The MFA certification is particularly useful for prospective applicants from the United States (among others), for whom it will serve as an entry-level qualification for college teaching in Arts subjects. On this course you'll benefit from working collaboratively as an ensemble as well as independently to carry out an independent project. We build upon this tradition and take it further by exploring emerging new techniques and possibilities in contemporary theatre. This immersive MFA will advance your knowledge and give you a fuller skillset to draw on in your work. We teach each student as an individual, which means that you’ll be able to build on your prior experience whilst encouraging your growth as a professional actor. This course is only suitable if you have previous experience in the industry or a qualification in drama or acting. This intensive masters degree in classical acting is delivered through an inspiring and exhilarating programme of classwork, scene study and workshop performances, including public-facing performances in our largest space, The Sainsbury Theatre. Working on plays from the Shakespearean, Jacobean, Spanish Golden Age, French classical and Restoration periods you will discover how classical theatre translates across centuries, cultures and languages, and build an awareness of their historical, political and social context, and their impact on modern theatre. You will take classes in craft skills to develop and strengthen your existing abilities and prepare you for the rehearsal process. Delivered throughout the year in long modules, these will include acting (voice, textual analysis and contextual studies), movement, music and singing. You will progress through the application of your acquired knowledge of both theory and practice as it relates to the intelligent exploration and development of original characters. And you will also complete a thesis presentation reflecting on the relationship between your classical training and contemporary theatre practice. Your first year will culminate in the staging of a Shakespeare production to which agents and casting directors are invited. Year two will include two modules: Pedagogies of Classical Acting and New Classics Project.