Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Courses

The school offers undergraduate, postgraduate, research degrees and short courses in acting, actor training, applied theatre, theatre crafts and making, design, drama therapy, movement, musical theatre, performance, producing, research, scenography, stage management, teacher training, technical arts, voice and writing.

History

In 2006, the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art was absorbed into Central.

On 29 November 2012, the 'Royal' title was bestowed on the school by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of its reputation as a "world-class institution for exceptional professional training in theatre and performance studies". It is entitled to use it in official documentation, although it continues to be colloquially referred to as "Central". The school's Patron, Princess Alexandra of Kent, played a role in recommending the institution for the title.

Buildings

The school is located at Swiss Cottage in north London, an area which is being redeveloped as a "civic and cultural quarter" which includes a new extension building for the school, replacing 1960s accommodation. The school's theatre is located inside the new building, which was awarded a BREEAM rating of "very good".

Administration

Past presidents of the school include Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft and Judi Dench. He was to receive an honorary fellowship in December 2008, but had to receive it in absentia because of ill health; he died two weeks later. Michael Grandage was president from 2009 to 2022. Theatre producer and Central graduate Sonia Friedman was appointed after Grandage stepped down from the role.

Former presidents

• Laurence Olivier (1983 to 1989)
• Peggy Ashcroft (1989 to 1992)
• Judi Dench (1992 to 1997)
• Peter Mandelson (2001 to 2008)
• Harold Pinter (2008)
• Michael Grandage (2009 to 2022)

Research

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise the majority of Central's submission was judged "world leading" or "internationally excellent". The school has been ranked sixth in its league of specialist institutions by The Guardian, and ninth for drama and dance.

The school has over 20 doctoral candidates. The first PhD was awarded in 2010.

Alumni

References

References

1. (January 2025). "Where Our Money Comes From". Royal Central School of Speech and Drama ([[University of London]]).
2. {{HESA citation
3. "Rapid Scoping Study on Leicester Drama School". De Montfort University Leicester.
4. "Courses".
5. "Central School of Speech and Drama celebrates new Royal Title". Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London).
6. "Page on Central School building". Ellis and Moore Consulting Engineers.
7. Alistair Smith. (14 October 2008). "Pinter Replaces Mandelson as Central President". [[The Stage]].
8. (9 October 2008). "Central Announces New President". Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London).
9. (11 December 2008). "Degree Honour for Playwright Pinter". [[Press Association]] (Hosted by Google).
10. (12 December 2008). "Central's 2008 Graduation Ceremony". Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London).
11. Mark Taylor-Batty, comp. "In Memoriam". The Harold Pinter Society and the [[University of Leeds]].
12. Fisk, Hattie. (13 October 2022). "Michael Grandage CBE to step down as Central's president". Drama and Theatre.
13. "Sonia Friedman appointed president of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama".
14. (17 November 2022). "Sonia Friedman OBE Announced as the new President of Central".
15. (8 June 2010). "University guide 2011: Specialist institutions league table". [[The Guardian]].
16. (8 June 2010). "University guide 2011: Drama and dance". The Guardian.
17. "Student profiles.". Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London).
18. (12 January 2011). "Central awards its first PhD". Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London).