The Working Actor: Semester-length Programme
Course overview
This immersive 12-week, semester length course is designed to revitalise your creative practice and update your professional skillset as a working actor. Rigorous and comprehensive, it focuses on expanding your craft while supporting you to sustain creative work in an ever-evolving industry. Classes will balance acting technique with practical preparation, enabling you to build confidence and a robust artistic toolkit.
Drawing on key cornerstones of RADA training, you will develop an embodied approach to character and text through classes in acting, movement, and voice. You’ll focus on releasing unhelpful habits and connect with movement without tension. You’ll use breath, articulation, and vocal versatility to learn techniques for voiceover work.
Sessions in scene study, monologues, sight reading, and line learning prepare you for the demands of theatre, film, and TV, with additional feedback in self-taping and audition practice. Rehearsal projects will focus on taking texts from page to stage, culminating in a sharing at the end of the course.
A core element of the programme is nurturing your autonomy as an artist. You’ll explore the development of original creative work, engaging with writing and directing techniques for both film and theatre. Collaborative sessions will guide you through creating a short-film treatment and workshopping ideas as a group, equipping you to generate new work and enhance your CV as a multifaceted, independent practitioner.
Taught by RADA’s expert tutors, the course requires commitment, discipline, and full preparation from all participants. It is particularly well-suited to actors returning after a career break or those seeking a bridge between formal training and professional practice.
Entry requirements
- Selection by application. You must have either 3 professional acting credits; OR the equivalent of at least one year of acting training. Please see the application form for more information.
- Participants must be over 18 and have fluent, confident use and knowledge of the English language.
Who is this course suitable for?
- Actors those looking to bridge actor training and working practice
- Professional actors looking to contemporise their skillset
- Actors interested in developing their own work.
What will I learn on this course?
- Upskill your acting practice and integrate techniques into practical work
- Embed new tools and refine existing strengths
- Develop confidence and autonomy in creating your own work
- Connect with a creative community
Applying
Applications will be accepted and auditions offered on a rolling basis until 5 April 2026. We therefore strongly suggest that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Applying for this course is a two-stage process:
- Preliminary audition: self-tape submission
- Online interview with Course Director
Do note that, due to the volume of Applicants we audition, we do not provide feedback after either stage.
There is an application fee of £39, which you will need to pay at the end of the form before you submit it – so please make sure you have a payment method ready.
Preliminary audition: self-tape
Applicants are invited to submit a video self-tape audition via the application form. The preliminary audition will consist of two contrasting monologues (one classical, one contemporary) filmed in one continuous take. Each speech should last a maximum of two minutes. Please introduce your speeches at the beginning of the tape, and tell us why you have chosen them. We will also ask you to give us some information about yourself, your work and your interests on the application form.
Read our self-tape guide here.
RADA cannot provide advice on the suitability of your speech choices before you submit your video audition.
Online interview
If your self-tape audition is successful you will be invited to attend an online meeting with the course director and a senior tutor. This will consist of a short interview and redirection of your submitted monologues.
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Course information
What are the Terms and Conditions of my booking?
You can read the full Terms and Conditions here.
Will there be anything I need to prepare before the course starts?
You will be advised of any preparation work prior to the course starting.
Is there any work to do outside of class time?
Participants will be encouraged to undertake further personal preparation work including line-learning, reading, research and reflective practice after classes and outside of RADA.
What’s included in the fee?
The fee covers the cost of your tuition for the times advertised above and any materials essential to the course (and not specified here as materials you need to provide yourself). The fee does not include any meals or accommodation.
RADA cannot provide written references for Short Course participants.
What materials or equipment do I need?
You need to wear loose clothing that you can move in freely.
I have a disability or access requirement – can reasonable adjustments be made?
We are able to make reasonable adjustments to our training where possible. Many of our courses are highly practical. Most involve movement and some may include work on the floor. You may also be asked to read from various texts. If you have access requirements and/or require more information on access and facilities in our RADA buildings, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk.
Are there any funding or payment plans available?
There are no RADA Scholarships available for Short Courses. We cannot offer payment plans, and full payment is required to secure your place on a course.
Can RADA provide accommodation?
We are unable to provide accommodation for RADA Short Courses.
Please note that in the event of cancellation, RADA can accept no liability for any costs you may already have incurred; and we strongly recommend you purchase insurance cover for any travel or accommodation booked before the start of the course.
Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. A Certificate of Completion is available for this course. Certificates are awarded to students who had no unexcused absences or lateness and operated within the obligations laid out in the Terms and Conditions.
Does the course count towards University credits?
There are no University Credits associated with this course.
What is the attendance policy?
Our attendance policy can be read within our Terms and Conditions. 100% attendance and punctuality are expected for all classes.
How do I register for an in-person course?
You will be providing most of the information we need when you fill in your application form.
On the first day of your course, you will be asked to arrive at RADA up to 30 minutes before the start of your first session, and you need to bring a copy of your passport, and, if applicable, evidence of your right to join a short course in the UK.