Foundation Drama: professional training for theatre and film

We are acknowledged to be one of the best drama schools offering Foundation Drama in the UK. Our association with RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) is testament to the skills and experience of our tutors, themselves professional practitioners.

The ONLY drama school associated with RADA

We are the only provider of a Drama Foundation course in association with RADA. Our course has been developed under RADA's direction and is monitored and assessed by its expert staff. Students may therefore expect the highest standards of training and assessment during their Foundation year at CSVPA. Find out more about acting disciplines.

Breaking into a competitive industry

Acting is a highly competitive industry, and making the right connections can mean all the difference if you want to succeed. RADA alone receives hundreds of applications a year and accepts only 32 (16 male, 16 female). In 2006, two of those 16 women came from our course. Completing our Foundation - and having sound talent - will put you in a very strong position to secure your place, wherever you want to train.

How do we do it?

• A one-year programme, run over three academic terms, starting in September.
• Professional preparation for applying to drama school or university.
• Opportunities to develop a range of skills through presentation of monologues, scenes and at least one fully staged production.
• Workshops and rehearsals in our brand new dance and drama studios.
• Visits to RADA and other professional London productions.
• Opportunities to take RADA Shakespeare Certificate examinations.

Acting disciplines

The Drama Foundation course covers all the core acting disciplines as well as specialist workshops and classes:

• Acting
• Voice & Text
• Movement
• Dance
• Singing
• RADA Certificate
• Theatre in Context
• World Theatre
• Specialist master classes and workshops e.g. Alexander and Feldenkrais techniques; directing; Physical Theatre
• Talks and lectures by professional theatre practitioners

The School's main production takes place at the end of the third term.

What are RADA Certificates?
The RADA Shakespeare Certificates, at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, provide a benchmark for students wishing to improve their techniques and their confidence in delivering complex language.

Each term there will be opportunities to prepare for, and take, these highly regarded qualifications.

The Certificates are awarded following a successful presentation before RADA examiners at specially arranged examinations in Cambridge.

RADA
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) is the UK’s leading school for the Dramatic Arts. Courses at RADA include a BA in Acting, validated by King’s College, London, and Graduate Diplomas in Theatre Technical Arts. RADA Alumni include: Sophie Okonedo, Matthew Macfadyen, Clive Owen, Maggie Gyllenhall, Ioan Gruffudd, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Caine, Gemma Arterton, Sean Bean, Kenneth Branagh and many more...

Back to top