Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), leading British educational institution for the acting profession, based in London. RADA was founded in 1904 by the actor-manager Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and soon occupied its current address in Gower Street. RADA's principles and approach changed little in its first 50 years. A combination of received pronunciation, charm, and graceful movement was promoted, and the atmosphere has been described as that of “a finishing school for gentlefolk” by playwright and former student Ronald Harwood. That attitude changed radically in the 1950s, and now the school offers a rigorous training for the modern professional theatre. It also grounds much of its training in contemporary writing for the stage.

RADA's facilities include three fully equipped theatres: for proscenium stage, open stage, and in-the-round productions. The core acting course accepts about 30 students each year, and lasts for nine terms of 11 to 13 weeks each. The curriculum includes the development of voice, movement, and physical skills such as tumbling, dance, and fights. Rudiments of music and singing are also taught as well as radio, television, and film techniques. The other major course is in stage management and theatre production, and lasts for six terms. It covers all production disciplines and related topics. The academy also teaches five specialist four-term diploma courses in property-making, scene painting, scenic construction, stage electrics, and wardrobe. There are a number of short summer courses as well as a masters degree in text and performance studies in collaboration with King's College, University of London.

RADA receives one third of the royalties on the works of George Bernard Shaw, until copyright runs out. Its many distinguished former students include Sir John Gielgud, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Glenda Jackson, Juliet Stevenson, Kenneth Branagh, Ralph Fiennes, and directors Terry Hands and Mike Leigh.