LAMDA slashes first round audition fees

We are proud to announce our new audition process and audition fee structure, which will see the cost of first round auditions slashed for all applicants. This is the first initiative under the leadership of acclaimed theatre director Sarah Frankcom as she today takes up the helm as Director of LAMDA. Applications open at 10.30am.

A new simplified process comes into immediate effect for UK and EU applicants for our acting courses. A £12 administration fee will drastically cut the upfront cost of auditioning by 75%. A remaining fee, would then only be payable by candidates invited back for a full-day recall audition, ensuring that those who benefit the most from the process pay a more proportionate amount.  

Sarah Frankcom, Director of LAMDA said: “My first initiative is a significant step towards improving representation within our student body and broadening access to our world-class training. Drama schools play a vital role in feeding the talent pipeline for the creative skills sector and it is essential that people from all backgrounds feel that our training is a viable option for them.

Although funding is often available once enrolled in drama school, the high cost of multiple audition fees, travel and accommodation costs can be a huge deterrent for young people meaning we are losing talented creatives at the first hurdle. I believe that creating a fairer and more equitable audition experience for everybody who applies to LAMDA is the right thing for us to do at this point in our development and as we move towards awarding our own degrees.”

Benedict Cumberbatch CBE, President of LAMDA said: “I am so excited to see that Sarah’s first step as the new Director of LAMDA has been to open up the doors to greater opportunity for students from the toughest backgrounds. We need to make sure that training for the stage, film and television is opened up and that we take down barriers to young people with enormous talent and potential who might have been put off by a first audition fee that was unaffordable.”

The Rt Hon. Shaun Woodward, Chair of LAMDA Trustees, and the former Labour Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said: “This is all about giving real opportunity to students across the UK. We were set the challenge of how to respond to concerns that “the cost of having a go” was “discouraging to would be actors from poorer backgrounds.” So today we meet that challenge.  We want to play our part in removing barriers to young people getting the chance to have their first audition. This decision by Sarah and our Board is a vital next step and hopefully LAMDA’s lead will encourage more of the industry to act accordingly.

Imogen Mackie Walker LAMDA Student Co-President said: “I am so excited about this great step forward LAMDA is taking in making the audition process more accessible, affordable and constructive. I really hope that this encourages anyone out there, who might think a conservatoire training is not for them, to give it a go! LAMDA truly does want the most talented people, no matter their financial situation. Best wishes to all applying!”

We will continue to hold first auditions regionally, visiting 11 cities across the UK, Ireland and France, with regular dates in London. Audition places will be capped at 4,200 and will be offered on a first come first served basis.

We will maintain our system of UK audition fee waivers and travel bursaries. Financial support will continue to be available at both stages for candidates applying via our Access and Widening Participation programme.