My S just received his acceptance into LAMDA BA Hons Acting. Trying to wrap my head around this opportunity. Just how well thought of is LAMDA? How selective? How strong is its reputation in the US? What US schools/conservatories compare? Is he crazy if he turns it down?
It’s one of the big three in the UK. Congratulations.
LAMDA faculty have told several kids we know during their auditions that UNCSA is the most similar training to what is offered there.
Congratulations! LAMDA is an exceptional school, extremely selective and very prestigious. Why does your son have doubts about the program?
@threeboys I sent you a PM!
@bfahopeful - Thanks, visited UNCSA and understand their program pretty well so good context.
@elsacc - Got it PM back
@Jkellynh17 - Thanks for the POV. To be clear what do you view as the Big 3? RADA, LAMDA and X?
Central I think. I did the research last year when the boy got into their one-year MA in classical acting. (too much $$$ for us, sadly). Benedict Cumberbatch just took over the program, too, which will likely raise visibility even more.
@ThespDad17 and @connections have/had kids who attended LAMDA. Maybe they can join in the conversation?
I think the Hollywood Reporter rankings of theatre programs are the best because they actually poll producers and casting directors. They regularly have LAMDA and RADA ranked 4th and 5th or so. So for the UK they have RADA, LAMDA, and Royal Central in the top ten. After that Bristol Old Vic and Drama Centre London. Guildhall is also regularly ranked. LAMDA has a US subsidiary and showcases American students in New York and London every year. We regularly see LAMDA grads in productions. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago we were floored by the live production of Jesus Christ Superstar on TV. Ben Daniels who played Pontius Pilate is a LAMDA grad. LAMDA also regularly places its grads in US TV pilots out of LA every year. And in the UK, LAMDA’s reputation is at the very top. In London, we saw a LAMDA grad play Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing at the Globe Theatre. We saw a LAMDA grad play Ariel in the Tempest at the Barbican, and LAMDA grads were virtually in all of the lead roles in Julius Caesar at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre in Stratford upon Avon. Aside from all that, my D reports that the program is challenging and stimulating. The very top acting teachers are working with students from Day 1. My D has classes in acting (several) at a 7:1 ratio of student to faculty, a couple of movement classes, three classes related to voice, a stage combat class, a historical dance class, and in the fall a history of theatre class and in the spring, a text analysis class. Before her spring break she had an extraordinary series of classes with Rodney Cottier in which they learned the history of english royalty and how they show up in Shakespeare’s and other English plays. Most importantly, D is very happy and feels she is blessed to be there and learns much every day.
@ThespDad17 thanks so much for your reply and perspective. I think my S is just coming to realize he won the Drama Lotto.
As folks consider LAMDA, there are some challenges regarding it being in London. The primary challenge is managing exchange rate fluctuation between the dollar and the pound. I have suggestions about that. If you want to know more, please pm me.