Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person Only
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
No University App
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•One of the world's leading technical theatre training programs
•Validated by King's College London
•Accepts 30–36 students per year, taught in groups of 6
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•2-year intensive vocational FdA with optional 1-year BA (Hons) progression year
•Year 1: Rotational learning across all areas — stage management, lighting, sound, props, scenic art, construction, costume, design
•Year 2: Specialise in your chosen area (stage management, lighting, scenic construction, technical management, sound, property making, production management, scenic art, or costume)
•35+ contact hours per week; no academic essays — entirely practical assessment
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
•Work on public productions alongside BA Acting students throughout training
•Up to 6-week professional placement with a theatre company or practitioner in Year 2
•Guest speakers from politics, arts, science, and social justice
CAREER SUPPORT
•RADA Buddy mentoring scheme connecting graduates with industry professionals
•Personalised career guidance and professional development throughout
•FdA graduates automatically considered for BA (Hons) progression year
Good to Know
HOW TO APPLY
•Apply via RADA's online application form at rada.ac.uk (not through UCAS)
•No application fee for the FdA in Technical Theatre & Stage Management
•Eligible applicants are invited to a workshop and interview
•Interviews typically start in December
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
•No specific A-levels or qualifications required
•Must be 18 by the first day of induction week
•Some practical experience in theatre production preferred
DISABLED APPLICANTS
•RADA welcomes applications from disabled applicants
•Contact admissions@rada.ac.uk for additional support
What's The Process
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
•In-person practical workshop and interview scheduled on the same day at RADA in London
•If successful, you may be offered a place immediately after the workshop day
•No performance audition — admission is by interview and practical assessment
•If you live outside the UK and cannot attend in person, contact admissions@rada.ac.uk
WHAT THE PANEL LOOKS FOR
•Practical experience in theatre production disciplines or related activity
•Intellectual, creative, and practical ability to undertake foundation degree training
•Enthusiasm and passion for the subject
•Understanding of the nature of technical theatre work
•Complete fluency in spoken and written English
Scholarship Info
AUTOMATIC AWARDS
•All eligible students with household income under £45,000/year receive £3,000/year automatically
•Around 50% of undergraduate students receive some financial support from RADA
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
•Care-experienced students receive an additional £1,000/year
•Hardship fund available
•External scholarships: D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Boris Karloff Foundation, Clothworkers' Foundation
UK STUDENTS
•Eligible for Student Loans Company tuition fee and maintenance loans
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
•Must pay full fees and living costs
•£3,000 deposit required when accepting a place offer
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