Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected from RADA)

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in Bloomsbury, London, is generally regarded as on of the most prestigious drama schools in the world.

1 History
2 Current leadership
3 Admissions
4 See also
5 External link

[edit] History

It was established in 1904 by Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, a leading Shakespeare producer. The managing council included Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson, Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, Sir James Barrie, W. S. Gilbert, Irene Vanbrugh and George Bernard Shaw.

In 1950 Shaw left a third of his royalties to RADA, and as a result the Academy has benefited from profits of the film My Fair Lady (1964) and subsequent stage versions of the show.

[edit] Current leadership

As of 2004, Lord Attenborough is President of the school, John Whitney is Chairman, and Alan Rickman and Michael Attenborough are the vice-chairmen of the school. The principal is Nicholas Barter.

[edit] Admissions

RADA accepts 32 new students each year onto its BA in Acting course. However, no educational requirements need to be met and admission is based purely on suitability and successful audition, now thankfully significantly less selective in its approach than during its heyday. RADA also teaches technical theatre arts through a 2 year graduate diploma course and specialist technical subjects through 4 term graduate certificate courses. Approximately 35 students are chosen each year for these courses.

RADA is administered through King's College London.