Owing to the distinct and specialist nature of Conservatoire schools’ vocational training and the need for an audition process, you should apply directly to the school where you wish to study. You cannot apply to any of the Conservatoire schools through the UCAS system.
All applicants who wish to train as an actor, dancer or circus artist in any of the Conservatoire schools and meet that school’s criteria will be offered an audition. Those who wish to train in stage management and technical theatre will be invited to attend an interview.
Each of the schools offers formal audition dates every year. It is not unusual for there to be a round of auditions, followed by call-backs and interviews for the successful applicant. In very exceptional instances the school may make you an immediate offer of a place.
The dance schools in particular tend to have fixed dates for auditions whereas the drama schools are often more flexible. You may be given an audition slot at short notice, sometimes as little as two weeks, so you need to be ready to audition as soon as you make your application.
Almost all of the schools (including Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Central School of Ballet, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, London Contemporary Dance School and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) have alternative venues in the UK and overseas where you can arrange to have your audition.
If you have any special needs, you should inform the school directly so that they will be able to assist you in your application.
The following links will take you to the relevant application web pages of each of the Conservatoire schools:
- Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
- Central School of Ballet
- The Circus Space
- London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts
- London Contemporary Dance School
- Northern School of Contemporary Dance
- Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance
- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Further information
The National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) offer advice on how to apply to drama schools.
Download and a brochure about the audition process
The Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET) also provide useful information about applying to vocational dance schools.
