Musical Theatre: Acting and Performance
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA | On-Campus | Full-time | - 1 years | October | £19000 per year | £24000 per year |
Current fees for The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama can be found here: https://www.cssd.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees-and-additional-costs
About Musical Theatre: Acting and Performance, MA - at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Our MA Musical Theatre: Acting and Performance course is an intensive, one-year training programme designed around the key musical theatre skills of acting, singing, and dance/movement. At the heart of the course is a focus on acting skills for musical theatre both in sung and spoken text. This program is designed for performers who possess a solid background in musical theatre and are eager to move into professional careers. Whether your aspirations lie in musical theatre, contemporary theatre, other forms of acting and performance, new media, or other creative sectors, our course empowers you to navigate diverse opportunities with confidence.
- Learn through practical group classes in acting, acting through song, dance (ballet, jazz/contemporary and tap), voice, movement; individual singing tuition throughout the course; ensemble and choral singing; and seminars on theatre history, dramatic theory and research skills.
- Perform in one large-scale musical theatre public production, an in-house studio show, and an industry showcase.
- Learn in the supportive environment of a small and diverse ensemble of creative musical theatre actors (typically 20-22 students per year group).
Our approach
The MA Musical Theatre: Acting and Performance course is a rigorously-designed actor training programme specialised for musical theatre performance. Our approach blends rigorous training, creative exploration, and professional development, all guided by our distinguished faculty and industry experts. We believe training in musical theatre produces well-rounded actor-singers who are able to deploy their talents in musical theatre and beyond. The course integrates the following thematic elements:
- You will engage in an embodied psycho-physical training for your expressive instrument: spoken and sung voice, movement, and dance;
- You will develop a tool-kit approach to your performance process, allowing you to select from different approaches to best serve your rehearsal and performance needs;
- Ensemble-building and collaboration;
- Professional rehearsal practice and developing a life-long career;
- Research skills and dramatic theory.
You will be taught by faculty and visiting artists who draw inspiration from a wide spectrum of theatre practitioners, makers, directors, composers, and theorists. The course places a special emphasis on your individual growth, ensuring that you collaborate closely with the teaching team. Together, you’ll select culturally inclusive repertoire and materials that not only challenge your skills but also resonate with your unique artistic journey. This personalized approach guarantees a transformative learning experience that is both enriching and relevant to every student.
Entry requirements
Contact Royal Central School of Speech and Drama to find course entry requirements.
Why study at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Specialist conservatoire training
The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Central) is a member of the University of London and one of the UK’s leading drama schools. Based in Swiss Cottage, London, Central offers specialist conservatoire-style training across performance, practice and production, preparing students for careers in theatre, film, TV and live events.
A focused learning environment
Central is a small, specialist institution, which means students benefit from small class sizes, close contact with tutors, and intensive practical training. Teaching is led by experienced practitioners and academics, with learning shaped around professional practice and real-world creative processes.
Career-focused education
At Central, future careers are built into the curriculum. Students graduate as specialists in their chosen field, with strong professional insight, industry experience and a clear understanding of how the creative industries work. Central’s long history and strong industry links help students build connections and develop sustainable careers across the performing arts.
Professional facilities and London location
Students train in specialist studios, rehearsal spaces and production facilities, including performance venues and technical workshops. Central’s London location places students close to the heart of the UK’s creative industries, offering access to theatres, production companies and professional opportunities throughout their studies.