Our Reporter can disclose that one of the top theater schools in the UK plans to remove a major barrier from the way of less fortunate aspiring performers. In an attempt to increase the number of applicants, the Royal Central School of Speech and theater, one of the best theater schools in the nation and the place where actors like Dame Judi Dench, Andrew Garfield, Riz Ahmed, Jason Isaacs, Cush Jumbo, and Martin Freeman all had their training, is doing away with the audition costs.
“Not one of us desires drama schools to be exclusive to the wealthy. According to Freeman, who graduated from Central and is well-known for his roles in Sherlock, The Office, and The Responder, these are ideally spaces where individuals from various walks of life can come together and share knowledge. “Without my funding from I would never have been able to enjoy my three years at Central if Richmond council had existed years earlier. That appears to be getting tougher and harder these days; we have no idea how many young performers we lose because we can’t afford to support them. I hope that this encourages others to try to level the playing field for everyone who wants to attend acting school.
The decision by Central to eliminate all fees comes after a number of actors, including Dench, have voiced their displeasure with the high expense of attending numerous auditions and the dearth of assistance available to aspiring working-class actors. Thousands of people apply every year for the 50 spots available in the acting training. There was a £40 single audition cost, though there were discounts.
Josette Bushell-Mingo, the school’s principal, stated this past weekend that she wants to “send a clear message” that applications from people of various backgrounds are encouraged. “We have to counter the encroaching notion that the arts are exclusive to a small group of people and are elitist.
Never before has it been more crucial to unify, proclaiming that the arts are essential and belong to all of us, and that everyone is welcome in our institutions and industry.
The school’s vice-president, actor Zoë Wanamaker CBE, continues, “In these difficult times we must all unite to support and empower the next generation of theatre-makers and artists.” She feels it will open the door for a more diversified business.
To encourage potential applicants to attend open days, the drama school has also established a £20,000 travel award. Additionally, two additional grants totaling £30,000 have been established to help with travel expenses for attending the final round of undergraduate acting auditions and other campus events. According to Central, its goal is to “turn the dial” and “transform the environment of arts accessibility.”
