London is a global hub for the performing arts, attracting people from all over the world to take acting classes and try to break into the industry. Many aspiring actors combine short acting courses or drama classes in London with working on student films or fringe theatre shows to build skills, gain experience, and boost their chances of finding an agent and launching their careers.
Acting classes aren’t only for those starting out, though. Many experienced actors find acting classes useful as a way to broaden their knowledge and improve their craft while keeping their skills sharp in periods when they are not working. We’ve rounded up some of the best acting courses in London, covering a spread of styles and techniques. Whether you’re looking for an introduction to screen acting or an intensive musical theatre course, you’re sure to find something on our list.
Specialisms: Beginners classes; one-day intensives
City Lit is London’s largest adult-education college, offering classes in all sorts of subjects, from philosophy to flamenco. It has a range of affordable acting courses that are highly rated by past students in online reviews. The classes are taught by industry professionals and cater to actors of all levels, from beginners to advanced performers. Most of the courses follow the term structure of the academic year and run for 11 or 12 weeks, with start dates in September, January, and April. The popular Acting for Beginners course starts with theatre warm-up games and improvisation to build your confidence and ends with text analysis and the performance of short scenes. This is a great course to start with if you are entirely new to acting and want to meet other people to share your journey with. Among the other term-long classes are Stanislavski for beginners and an improver’s acting course. There are also day-long courses in stage combat and mask technique.
How to apply: Enrol through the website by adding the classes you want to your basket and checking out. Direct any questions to drama@citylit.ac.uk. Concessions are available for those claiming government benefits.
Specialisms: Meisner technique
The Meisner technique emphasises truthful, spontaneous acting. It was developed by Sanford Meisner in New York in the middle of the 20th century, and it is often recommended to actors. The London Meisner Company offers a six-week intensive course in Meisner technique taught by a graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York (where Meisner taught until the late 1980s). The school also offers ongoing training and drop-in sessions.
How to apply: To join the ongoing training, you first need to book an interview slot to find out if the course is right for you. You can also book drop-in classes on its Setmore booking portal.
Specialisms: Summer intensives; Shakespearean acting
Though known primarily as a prestigious drama school, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama also offers short courses and evening classes. The intensive summer schools are a good way to fast-track your learning, and you can choose from courses such as the two-week Musical Theatre Summer Intensive and the three-week Summer Theatre Company, in which you rehearse a final performance to present to friends and family. Alternatively, you can opt for evening classes, which include an Introduction to Acting course that will teach you the basics. The school also offers a more specialised course in Shakespearean acting.
How to apply: Short courses and workshops can be booked through the website and take place at the Swiss Cottage campus of the school.
Specialisms: Advanced classes in screen acting; casting workshops
Run At It Shouting offers practical, hands-on training with a strong focus on screen acting and a range of workshops with casting directors who work across film, television, and theatre. All its classes are run by industry professionals and include opportunities for actors to work with big-name directors and casting directors. Classes change regularly, with past options including a one-day screen acting workshop; a three-hour musical theatre casting workshop; a self-tape workshop with the casting director of Casualty; and a three-hour theatre casting workshop with a casting associate from the National Theatre. These classes offer new and experienced actors alike the chance to boost their skills and give themselves an edge in the industry.
How to apply: All classes can be booked online (and cancelled for a credit note if given at least five days’ notice). Become a member and you’ll get a discount on classes, plus the chance to join the company’s online chat forum.
Specialisms: Weekend training; industry exposure
Since 2016, The Unseen's acting school has been trying to diversify the industry by offering affordable training in its central Soho theatre. Classes are taught by a revolving team of tutors from various drama schools alongside internal Unseen experts. The weekend training is complemented by a monthly showcase in front of invited industry professionals, with feedback incorporating insights from a team of three: an agent, a manager, and a casting director. The school also has a talent-management arm that works with emerging actors. Every student experiences two individualised sessions per training day, with each session taught by a different tutor. Past master classes have been led by actors including Daniel Kaluuya, Ben Barnes, Natalie Dormer, Ed Skrein, Robert Sheehan, and Sofia Boutella, as well as directors Antony Byrne and Wayne Yip. Classes are offered in six-week blocks.
How to apply: Applications are accepted online, with courses available throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking for in-depth training or flexible classes to fit around your schedule, these acting classes offer something for everyone. However, if you're considering formal training, check out our guide to the top drama schools in the UK.
