On course: Federation of Drama Schools

The Federation of Drama Schools (FDS) brings together 17 of the UK's longest established and most recognised training institutions for the performing arts. Our partner schools provide professional training for performers and those who make performance possible- on stage, off stage, backstage and increasingly on screen and online. FDS schools offer a quality training that is recognised internationally and contributes to the global reputation of British theatre and film production.

Training at an FDS school you can expect practical, intensive and skills focused courses that will equip you for a sustainable career. FDS schools all share key principles and practices in training; emphasising creative learning through doing experiences; developing meaningful and employable practical skills and working in as professional environments and projects – meaning a lot of active contact hours in studio classes, practical workshops, rehearsals and performances, rather than seminars, lectures and exams.

Typically, you could expect around 30 hours of in person training during the term time weeks which are often around 30 weeks in the year, which is usually more face-to-face time than a conventional university degree. This will vary across the range of courses and schools. Many schools offer postgraduate training options as well, and it's certainly not unusual for students to do a first degree in something different or get experience in the workplace before coming back to training.

The majority of FDS schools offer courses which are recognised as higher education qualifications (degree level from Cert HE/level 4 and above) and so often the cost of training is the same as a university degree, and student loan finance is available in exactly the same way to support your training. Some schools are funded differently, via the DaDA scheme, or have different fee structures so the HE student loan may not cover all the fees. These schools also offer a range of bursaries and scholarships to support talented students who have financial obstacles. Every school has different options available – find out more via the schools’ individual websites.

Courses offered

FDS schools offer a range of courses, providing focused performance training in specific disciplines such as acting, musical theatre, screen acting, or actor-musicianship, with a diverse range of devised and collaborative theatre making, production arts, management, technical and design courses. Final year public performances offer graduating students a meaningful opportunity to really practice and demonstrate professional level skills, not just as creative and technical artists, but as collaborators, problem solvers and emerging innovators.

Audition process

Competition for places on FDS courses can be intense, and the audition/selection process can be lengthy; FDS schools commit a great deal of time and attention to uncovering talent, drive and creativity wherever they can find it- and selecting students through considering their practice and performance skills, not just via previous study, exam results and written statements.

You can expect the audition process to have several stages: this may start with an online self tape recording as this allows a wider range of applicants to be seen, without incurring hefty travel costs, or an in person audition. Most schools will run their second rounds or recalls in person, which allows prospective students to come and get a feel for the physical training environments and practical ethos. FDS schools vary quite a lot in terms of location, size and range of training options, and so it's a key part of the decision making process to find the school that feels like a good fit for you.

Fees, bursaries and other finance information

There is strong commitment across all partner schools to tackling financial obstacles that may get in the way of potential students applying, from reducing/removing audition fees, to travel and training bursaries. If you are encountering a financial obstacle that's making you reluctant to apply, you are strongly encouraged to check out the individual schools’ websites for support options.

In the twenty-first century, the performance industries are challenged to really reflect and celebrate our rich and increasingly diverse context, and FDS schools continue to adapt and evolve accordingly, working to make sure we are listening and acting in response, to implement change where it's needed and to meet the needs and talents of a truly representative next generation of artists. FDS schools strive to send out graduates who are supported and enabled to shape and reimagine with confidence not just their own sustainable careers, but to inform and contribute to the industry itself as it evolves.

Individual schools via their websites provide a wealth of advice and support for prospective students looking to navigate their next steps towards becoming a professional performer or performance maker. It's always worth checking these out, and attending open days before applying where you can, to get a good sense of where and how you want to train.

FDS works with various partner organisations to run careers events, develop resources and to share information both to prospective students and for those teachers, youth theatre leaders and parents who support them. Please sign up to the mailing list on the website to be notified about these aspects. The FDS website provides links and information across all our partner schools to support the next generation of creative talent in finding the right place for them to develop and thrive.

FDS partner schools

ArtsEd, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Drama Studio London, East 15, Guildford School of Acting, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Italia Conti, LAMDA, LIPA, Manchester School of Theatre, Mountview, Oxford School of Drama, RADA, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

www.federationofdramaschools.co.uk