Breaking into the competitive entertainment industry requires serious preparation and the right foundational skills.
Booking a session with talented photographers gets you a great headshot, but securing an actual role requires sharp audition techniques. Truly mastering your craft takes consistent feedback from seasoned industry professionals.
To help aspiring actors navigate their options, our team investigated the top local programs.
We sat in on specialised screen acting classes and chatted with working directors to uncover the best acting schools in London. Discover your ideal training ground below.
How much does acting school cost in London?
Acting school tuition in London ranges from £125 for short introductory workshops to over £27,330 per year for specialised, full-time accredited degree programs.
| Program Type | Estimated Cost |
| Short Courses & Workshops | £125 – £1,200 total |
| Part-Time & Evening Diplomas | £875 – £4,150 total |
| Foundation Diplomas (1 Year) | £7,495 – £10,050 per year |
| Undergraduate Degrees (3 Years) | £9,525 – £10,050+ per year (UK students) |
| Musical Theatre Specialist Programs | £15,990 – £17,500+ per year |
| Private & Specialist Sixth Form | £24,780 – £27,330+ per year |
How We Reviewed
- Curriculum Quality: We examine the specific acting techniques and methodologies taught at each institution. A diverse and rigorous curriculum ensures students receive well-rounded preparation for the industry.
- Instructor Expertise: We look closely at the professional background of the teaching staff. Learning from active industry professionals, like casting directors and working actors, provides invaluable real-world insights.
- Scheduling Flexibility: We evaluate how well the school accommodates different lifestyles and commitments. Having weekend or evening options is crucial for adults balancing work with their creative pursuits.
- Industry Connections: We assess the opportunities provided for networking and professional exposure. Programs that offer showcase events or direct links to talent agencies give graduates a significant head start.
1. Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Website: https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/
Address: Silk Street, Barbican
Contact: +44 (0)20 7628 2571
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 AM-10 PM, Saturday, 8 AM-9 PM, Sunday, 9 AM-9 PM
If you want world-class professional training in state-of-the-art facilities right in the heart of the city, Guildhall is hard to beat. Their main draw is their prestigious reputation, consistently ranking in the top globally for performing arts.
Their classes, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Acting, encourage students to develop authentic and believable performances. You can further strengthen your stage skills through singing lessons to help you prepare for musicals.
We recently spoke with a former student who emphasised how the intensive on-screen acting techniques taught there completely transformed their audition process.
However, their BA Acting program is entirely full-time, making it tough if you need a flexible schedule. Admission is also highly competitive and strictly audition-based, so you really have to bring your absolute best.
A positively wonderful school
A positively wonderful school which turns out the likes of A+ talent such as actor Orlando Bloom. I would love to attend the school but alas I am 46 (too old I’m sure) and live in the USA.
- Sarra Rohr (Kaedynn) | Google Review
2. The Unseen Acting School
Website: https://theunseen.co.uk/
Address: Spotlight Building, 16 Garrick Street
Contact: 020 3089 8536
Hours: Saturday or Sunday classes, 9:30 AM-2:30 PM (Advanced Sessions: 3:30 PM-8:30 PM)
The Unseen stands out as a cutting-edge acting school specifically tailored for aspiring adults over 18. Their core strength is bringing together expert faculty and guest tutors to deliver dynamic, feedback-driven training.
You’ll dive deep into established methodologies like Stanislavski, Meisner, and Adler to hone your skills.
At the end of each cycle, you submit a taped piece that gets assessed by industry professionals alongside external agents.
We love that their rolling courses ensure you’re always placed at a level that challenges you just enough without feeling overwhelmed.
Keep in mind, they don’t offer weekday schedules, so your weekends will be booked solid. Plus, this particular setup might not work well if you’re looking for fully remote instruction.
I’ve enjoyed every second of it
I’ve been attending the Unseen acting school for a few months now and I’ve enjoyed every second of it! The tutors are amazing, everyone has their own unique way of teaching which has definitely helped me understand myself better as an actor. Meeting other actors and working with them over the weeks has also been a pleasure. Def recommend for people who want to keep practicing the craft, get better and actively pursue their dreams 🙂
- Gratsiela Petrova | Google Review
It has genuinely been one of the best decisions I’ve made
Starting at this acting school was my first experience of acting, and it has genuinely been one of the best decisions I’ve made. From my very first class, I knew I’d found something I truly loved and wanted to pursue.
What makes this school so special is the environment it creates. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and generous with their experience, and each one brings a unique perspective that helps you grow both as an actor and as a person.
- Leyla Sitki | Google Review
3. The Reel Scene
Website: https://reelscene.co.uk/
Address: St Gabriel’s Church Hall, Churchill Gardens, Pimlico
Contact: 0203 633 5937
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM-6 PM
The Reel Scene combines professional screen acting training with real film production experience and representation. You get to learn directly from working producers, television directors, and recognisable actors.
Their flagship one-year course gives you incredible industry access, and they actively produce short and feature films featuring their own students. It’s a fantastic environment for both beginners and working actors who want practical experience.
We actually took a short weekend workshop here last year, and the hands-on camera experience immediately made us feel more comfortable on set.
On the downside, some of the courses do require a strict audition to get in.
I had a really positive experience with The Reel Scene’s online course
I had a really positive experience with The Reel Scene’s online course. The sessions were engaging and well-structured, and I found the feedback particularly helpful in understanding what I need to improve, especially in terms of clarity and delivery.
It was a great introduction to screen acting, and I appreciated the supportive environment throughout the course.
- Lia Pereira | Google Review
Perfect training ground for actors ready to take their careers seriously
The Reel Scene is the perfect training ground for actors ready to take their careers seriously. Coming from a theatre background in Venezuela, I wanted to transition into screen acting, and this school gave me exactly what I needed. At The Reel Scene, I found more than training — I found support, encouragement, and the confidence to grow.
- Stephanie Villabona | Google Review
4. MX Masterclass | Musical Theatre & Screen Acting Training
Website: https://mxmasterclass.com/
Address: Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Sundays, time depends on the course
MX Masterclass excels at providing elite musical theatre and screen acting training. The school is led by a two-time Olivier Award nominee, bringing decades of highly relevant industry know-how directly to the classroom.
Moreover, their classes are consistently taught by active television, film, and theatre professionals. This gives students the opportunity to learn practical acting techniques from instructors with firsthand experience in entertainment.
It’s also a bonus that they offer incredibly accessible pricing with interest-free instalment options and free taster days, which makes top-tier training attainable.
The main catch is that training strictly happens on Sundays, which easily conflicts with other weekend plans. They also don’t take responsibility for personal items damaged during energetic activities.
All the teachers are very positive and give insightful feedback.
My daughter Maia has been at MX since September 2023. She has done both the screen acting and MT courses. She is initially naturally quite reserved in big groups so loves the fact that everyone is supportive and the kids aren’t ‘show offs’. All the teachers are very positive and give insightful feedback.
- Joanne White | Google Review
Had an incredible time during the screen acting course
Had an incredible time during the screen acting course and learnt several tips from Victoria and other actors! Was always looking forward to every weekly session – I was pushed out of my comfort zone and learnt techniques that I still keep in mind when filming self tapes. Each session felt equally actor-led and guided by Victoria which was something I had never experienced before in an acting class.
- Ellie Chung | Google Review
5. Drama Classes London
Website: https://dramaclasseslondon.com/
Address: 107 Leadenhall St
Contact: 07515 017485
Hours: Evening classes, one evening per week [Exact days and times depend on the course and term]
Drama Classes London focuses on providing structured, progressive evening actor training for adults at all skill levels. Their primary goal is to deliver exceptional physical, vocal, and imaginative instruction that stimulates a genuine spirit of discovery.
You can easily work your way up from the Beginners Group all the way to the Drama Classes London (DCL) Ensemble. The courses cover essential foundations like improvisation, character work, and dynamic stage presence.
Additionally, the ensemble option is especially great for advanced students who want to continually create and perform theatre together.
That said, classes only happen once a week, which might feel too slow if you want an intensive daily regimen.
I had the pleasure of participating in these classes
I had the pleasure of participating in these classes(year 1) and I must say, the experience has been truly transformative. Not only did we learn about the art of acting, but the collaborative nature of the activities allowed us to bond and connect on a deeper level. Through improvisations, group exercises, and rehearsals, we shared moments of vulnerability and support, forging friendships that extended beyond the class itself.
- Anna Maria Galani | Google Review
I learned a lot about acting, expressing emotions, and working as a team
Joining Drama Classes London turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made! Instructors made each session exciting and welcoming. The activities were fun, engaging, and helped me step out of my comfort zone and learn to express myself. I learned a lot about acting, expressing emotions, and working as a team. It is also a great way to meet amazing people. I highly recommend these classes to anyone looking to try something new and boost their confidence!
- Lala Mustafayeva | Google Review
