Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
The
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (
RADA) in
Bloomsbury,
London, is generally regarded as the most prestigious
drama school in the
United Kingdom.
It was established in
1904 by
Sir 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.
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.
RADA is possibly the most selective of all the British drama schools, accepting only 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 stage management 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.
*
List of RADA alumni*
RADA web site
