OSD
We train actors to find their creative voice through the craft of acting
Prospectus 2024/25
“I felt that the tutors really centre their practice on honesty and simplicity, and strive to help students bring this to their work. The One Year Course is rigorous, intense, and a lot of fun. The disciplines and approaches you explore are invaluable. But fundamentally, generosity of spirit is ingrained in the core of the school’s ethos; this is what will stay with me.” Alex Marks Graduate
OSD is one of the smallest of the UK’s leading Drama Schools and our scale means that we are able to respond to and support individual growth and development. You will not have a bland institutional experience here – OSD is defined by the spirit of the people – students and staff. The School is based in a stunning set of old farm buildings converted into a collection of beautifully designed indoor and outdoor spaces.
The studio and theatre spaces are set within our gardens surrounded on all sides with views of the Oxfordshire countryside. We believe that our unique environment allows for a kind of magical connection to the work and to each other. OSD is able to offer you a compelling combination of focused immersion in the training with the hustle and bustle of Oxford city student life along with all the industry connections that nearby London has to offer.
“It’s instilled in Oxford that you can create whatever you want, you can create your own work. And I think that’s such an important way to think about it.” Antonia Salib Graduate
Three Year Acting Course
This is a dynamic and demanding course based on the values of classical acting, adapted to suit the needs of the contemporary world and the artists of today. The course is practical, not theoretical and provides a thorough training in vocal, physical and imaginative techniques. Techniques which will support you in discovering your full creative potential to tell stories on a mic, on screen and on stage. Our approach will provide you with the ability to continue learning and developing throughout your professional life.
As a year group company you will be taught in classes and through regular one-to-one tutorials across all of the core disciplines. You will have many opportunities to work collaboratively with leading directors, writers and designers from theatre, film and television as well as meeting key industry casting directors and agents. In your final year you will make your transition into the performing arts industries by spending your final term in London making work with directors and writers and performing at venues in London.
Qualification
Level 6 validated by Trinity College, London and regulated by Ofqual.
Entry is by audition only
You must be over the age of eighteen when the course is due to start in September 2024. There are no academic qualifications required for entry to the course.
One Year Acting Course
This is a dynamic and intensive course that takes place across four terms in a full calendar year. It is designed for those who already have some experience in the performing arts and who can discover and realise their potential as a creative artist over a year of training. You will be taught in group classes, developing your professionalism, collaboration and technical skill through ensemble learning and individual tutorials.
We expect you to be bold and fearless in your willingness to understand yourself and be prepared to be open and curious whilst experimenting with new methods of working. Throughout your training you will have opportunities to collaborate with leading directors, writers and producers. The year culminates in London where you will perform in London venues to the public and to an invited industry audience.
Qualification
Level 5 validated by Trinity College, London and regulated by Ofqual.
Entry is by audition only
You must be over the age of twenty-one when the course is due to start in September 2024. There are no academic qualifications required for entry to the course.
Six Month Acting Foundation Course
This is a rewarding course that will introduce you to a range of performance methods and techniques. It’s both challenging and fun – and helps you to develop your creativity and build your confidence. Over the course you will start to establish the beginnings of an acting craft that will be invaluable for your future should that be in further training or another creative path. The course is full-time and lasts for two terms. Taught mainly by our One and Three Year Acting Course tutors, it
gives you a taste and insight into vocational actor training at a top drama school. Graduates of the Foundation Course have gone on to train on our own Three Year Course and at other leading drama schools including RADA, LAMDA, Manchester and Guildhall, but also to study unrelated subjects at all the major universities. As the course has been running for over 25 years, graduates are now pursuing successful careers on the stage and screen.
Entry is by audition only
You must be over the age of eighteen when the course is due to start in September 2024. There are no academic qualifications required for entry to the course.
Six Month Acting with Musical Theatre Foundation Course
This new course will introduce you to a range of acting, singing and dance techniques to develop a foundation in the multiple skills needed for musical theatre. It will be rewarding and fun and will help to prepare you for your next steps whether you plan to train in acting or musical theatre or take any other creative path.
The course is full-time and lasts for 2 terms. Taught mainly by our One and Three Year Course tutors, it gives you a taste and insight into vocational training in performance at a top drama school. This dynamic course will nurture your creativity, develop your performance abilities and build your confidence.
Entry is by audition only
You must be over the age of eighteen when the course is due to start in September 2024. There are no academic qualifications required for entry to the course.
Applying for a course Entry to the School is by audition only, there are no academic requirements and we do not ask for educational references. The only way to apply is online via our website at www.oxforddrama.ac.uk/apply
The First Round auditions are via self-tape for all courses. Go to the Apply Now page on the website for everything that you need to apply including great advice from the audition panel for every stage of the audition process.
“It gave me for the first time ever, in terms of acting, confidence in myself, a belief that I could achieve all the things that I wanted to achieve.” Freddie Dennis Graduate
“The teachers encourage you to really look at yourself and find what makes you as an individual, special and different to everyone else. There are no carbon copies being made at Oxford, every student thrives in their individuality.” Tanya Reynolds Graduate
Student Support
Funding
We know that actor training can place demands on your physical and emotional energy, so we place great emphasis on providing the care and support you need throughout your training.
We want to make sure that everyone can get access to actor training so we work hard to ensure that applicants who are offered a place at the School can get the financial support they need to enable them to train at the School.
The School manages a comprehensive pastoral care system to support you through your training. Our students have access to a professional counselling service 24/7, 365 days of the year absolutely free of charge.
Students are able to access funds for course fees and living costs through the Dance and Drama Awards Scheme and Advanced Learner Loan, these are available to students on the Three Year and One Year courses. Bursaries are available for students for all our courses.
The Oxford School of Drama is a world-leading conservatoire offering a range of courses in actor training. Craft and creativity are at the heart of what we do at the School. We believe in exploring the power of storytelling through a collaborative curriculum that creates dynamic connections between the disciplines of acting, movement and voice. In all our courses we aim to support you in your development as an artist and maker. We are a collection of staff, tutors and associate artists, passionate about encouraging individual growth and exploring multiple ways of telling stories.
The Oxford School of Drama Sansomes Farm Studios Woodstock Oxford OX20 1ER Tel: 01993 812883 info@oxforddrama.ac.uk
Photography credits:
Geraint Lewis, Joanna Nicole and OSD students
