MFA Classical Acting: Performance & Practice

In the first 12 months, you will work on plays from the Shakespearean, Jacobean, Spanish Golden Age, French classical and Restoration periods. You will undertake the rigorous technical and imaginative work required to tackle these heightened texts. You will also discover how classical theatre translates across centuries, cultures and languages whilst building an awareness of its historical, political and social context, and its impact on modern theatre. 

You will take skills classes to develop and strengthen your existing abilities and prepare you for the rehearsal process. Delivered throughout the year, these will include acting classes,  voice and speech classes, movement, singing and dance. 

And you will also flex your own creative muscles with the creation of a practical thesis presentation reflecting on the relationship between your classical training and contemporary theatre practice. 

You will progress and apply your acquired knowledge of both theory and practice as it relates to the intelligent exploration and development of original characters. 

Your intensive year will culminate in the staging of a Shakespeare production to which agents and casting directors are invited.

In the second 6 months, through tutor-led seminars, workshops, observation classes and lectures, as well as self-directed study, you will be able to further your knowledge and understanding of drama pedagogies as well as imagine and create a portfolio assignment: an adaptation of a Classical text which relates to your interests of the world and its modern context.  

The MFA course provides an opportunity for you to explore a range of teaching approaches and strategies which complement your practical training. Through exploring key concepts, skills, techniques and their applications, you will develop your own approaches to teaching and facilitation for diverse groups. You will enhance your knowledge of theatre-making through the creative processes of developing your own ‘new classics’ project. 

There are two ways for students to take this course. The course can be taken in-person here at LAMDA in West London. Or students can take the course online, which offers flexibility and time for self-led exploration and study as well as tutor support. Whilst the content addresses similar topics, the mode of delivery will be tailored to suit the online and in-person options. 

As part of this course, you will also undertake the LAMDA Syllabus in Practice course, a 4-5 day CPD online or in person accredited course giving you a foundation in the LAMDA Exams Syllabi, which will enable you to prepare students around the world for LAMDA accredited examinations. 

The second 6 months comprises 2 modules which are normally taught across the Autumn and Spring terms. Each term will last for 10 weeks.

This challenging and rewarding MFA acting postgraduate course will enhance and develop your craft through experiencing world-class conservatoire training. 

LAMDA has a long history of exemplary training for the classical theatre. This course is principally aimed at graduates who may have some professional acting experience.

Applicants should have a knowledge and interest in classical texts and the speaking of verse and prose, and a commitment to a career as a professional actor.

The MFA certification is particularly useful for prospective applicants from the United States (among others), for whom it may serve as an entry-level qualification for college teaching in Arts subjects.

On this course you'll benefit from working collaboratively as well as independently to carry out an independent project. We build upon this tradition and take it further by exploring emerging new techniques and possibilities in contemporary theatre.

This immersive MFA will advance your knowledge and give you a fuller skillset to draw on in your work. We teach each student as an individual, which means that you’ll be able to build on your prior experience whilst encouraging your growth as a professional actor.

This course is only suitable if you have previous experience in the industry or a qualification in drama or acting.

For the first 12 months (180 credits) of the course, learning and teaching take place in the following ways:

• Tutor-led classes and director-led practical workshops
• Experiential learning including discipline-based classes and workshop productions.

All classes are considered ‘calls’ and attendance is compulsory as reflected in current practice within the industry. There is an emphasis on skills development and research-based practice, led by experienced practitioners in a realistic theatre environment.

In the final six months (60 credits) of the course:

• Learning is designed to be significantly more independent.
• Teaching is carried out through weekly lecture/seminar sessions which may be attended remotely online, while the rest of the week is dedicated to independent study.
• Students also benefit from study skill support sessions and 1-2-1 supervision sessions.

Assessment on this course is integrated into your everyday learning. Rather than being limited to traditional exams or set pieces, your progress will often be evaluated through your involvement in regular classes, rehearsals, and creative projects—making assessment feel like a natural part of your training journey. 

Each module has its own set of expectations, which will be clearly outlined as you go. Your growth will be measured by how you approach your work, how you develop over time, and how you apply yourself in both practical and collaborative settings. 

Feedback is a continuous conversation. The advice and insights you receive during sessions, rehearsals, and productions are key to your development—not just academically, but also in preparing you for professional life in the industry. 

In addition to this day-to-day support, you’ll receive structured feedback—both written and verbal—after major projects and most technical or skills-based classes, helping you track your progress and refine your practice over time.

Both the MA and MFA Classical Acting courses are available for funding via UK student loans and US federal loans.

None of the scholarships available to postgraduate students are able to cover both tuition fees and living costs entirely, and applicants for these courses are encouraged to consider other funding sources. 

Leverhulme Arts Scholarships created to support incoming students on any of LAMDA’s degree courses, full and partial scholarships are available for incoming students on any of LAMDA's degree courses, undergraduate and postgraduate.

Find out more

Applicants should have a Visa in place to cover their study in the UK for the entire duration of the course. The second year of the course allows time for independent study.

It might be possible to study abroad for the final part of the course, but there are Visa implications and funding implications for students which would make it unviable in many cases. If this is your intention, discuss your plans in detail with our Admissions team before accepting an offer.

Acting Courses Equipment List

A lot of the work at LAMDA is physical/movement based you should always be dressed comfortably in clothes that do not prohibit movement.

Essential

• Basic black sweatshirt
• Basic black T-shirt
• Black sweatpants/jogging bottoms
• Yoga mat – For reasons of hygiene we recommend that students purchase their own.

Highly recommended

For rehearsal/character work

• Black trousers and/or skirt. Skirt should be floor length and loose. Skirts may also be needed for certain dance lessons.
• White shirt.
• Black shoes with a solid heel (not trainers) or character shoes
• Laptop/tablet.
• Wi-Fi

Recommended

• Black footless tights
• Trainers

Books

Your recommended reading lists will be sent out separately. Most of these books can be found in the LAMDA library therefore there is no need to purchase. These books are for reference and additional learning.

Other

It can be useful to have a recording device so that you can record accents, music etc. It is sufficient to have a phone with the facility to record sound.

You should have a knowledge and interest in classical texts and the speaking of verse and prose and a commitment to a career as a professional actor. The MFA certification is particularly useful for US students (among others), for whom it will serve as an entry-level qualification for college teaching in Arts subjects.

You should be a fluent English speaker. Non-native speakers do not need to provide an English language test report when they apply, as we assess this at the auditions. However, you’ll need to provide a valid IELTS test report with an overall score of seven if you’re offered a place. We can only accept IELTS for UKVI.

Tuition fees
Fees are reviewed annually.

2026/27 entry:
UK students: £37,636
International students: £38,765

Application fees

• £88 for US-based applicants for in-person auditions. 
• ​​​​​£15 first-round audition fee. Recall fees to be confirmed.  

If you’re interested in applying to two or more LAMDA courses, please let the Admissions team know by emailing [email protected]. There is no need to apply to more than one LAMDA course in your UCAS application choices.

Find out if you qualify for audition fee waivers here.

Course fees confirmed in an offer letter may be increased in further years of study by an inflationary amount determined in accordance with measures set by government.

Agents and casting directors are invited to attend the production at the end of the course. Towards the end of your degree, you’ll gain professional insight through masterclasses with industry professionals.

You'll be eligible to join our Alumni community upon graduation. Find out more about how LAMDA support yous beyond your training here.

Eligible to work in USA?

LAMDA's training will culminate in a series of professional development and industry events to support your growth as a professional artist and the start/continuation of your career in North America. This may include digital or in-person events to help graduates gain exposure and will be tailored to best suit the current industry.