We are proud to share that Jamal Nyamangunda, a second-year student from our School of Acting, has been named one of the ten recipients of this year’s Lilian Baylis Awards. Jamal received the award at the Old Vic, presented by Olivier Award-Winning actor Indira Varma.

Now in their 41st year, the Lilian Baylis Awards are presented by the Royal Victoria Hall Foundation to acting students who demonstrate exceptional promise. The awards provide grants to support recipients during their final year of training.

Jake Harders, Interim Head of the School of Acting, said of the award:

“Jamal is an exceptional emerging talent and he well deserves this award. He is a credit to the BA Acting course at ArtsEd and we’re all looking forward to seeing what he achieves in his third year!”

These highly respected awards honour the legacy of Lilian Baylis, the pioneering manager of London’s Old Vic from 1912 to 1937. For Jamal, receiving this award was an astounding experience. He said:

“It is truly an incredible honour to receive the Lilian Baylis Award. I am beyond grateful for the investment the trustees have made in us drama school students. The history behind this award is nothing short of extraordinary and inspiring, and I am so blessed to be part of the few lucky enough to receive this honour. The money will really put my mind at ease, being able to focus all my time and energy on my training.”

ArtsEd Principal, Professor Louise Jackson, said:

“We are delighted for Jamal on receiving this prestigious award from the Royal Victoria Hall Foundation in memory of Lilian Baylis. We continue to be proud of our students and the outcomes we see at ArtsEd, and this is a huge testament to the work happening in the School of Acting and to Jamal’s dedication to his craft. Congratulations, Jamal.”

We are delighted to share that Finley Miller, a second-year student on our BA Musical Theatre course, has been awarded the Laurence Olivier Bursary by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and Theatre Development Trust.

The Laurence Olivier Bursary is awarded to exceptional Drama and Musical Theatre students who demonstrate outstanding promise and it provides them with vital financial support as they enter their final year of training.

Chris Whitehead, Head of Music – School of Musical Theatre, said:

“We are delighted that Finley Miller has been successful in securing a Laurence Olivier Bursary for his final year of training with us. The faculty agree that Finley is an exceptional student and ambassador for ArtsEd. His hard work and commitment to self-improvement have enabled him to maximise his development in both technique and performance throughout his second year of training, and we look forward to seeing this continue in his public productions in third year.”

Now in its 39th year, the Laurence Olivier Bursary scheme was established in 1987 to mark Laurence Olivier’s 80th birthday and continues to champion the next generation of theatre artists. Nominees are put forward by drama schools across the UK and invited to audition on a West End stage before a panel of leading industry professionals. Former recipients include Michaela Coel, Denise Gough and Michael Sheen.

For Finley, receiving the bursary was both a surreal and affirming experience. He said of his award:

“I am absolutely over the moon to receive such a prestigious award. As a northern boy who dreamed of performing, opportunities like this often felt out of reach. I am incredibly grateful to ArtsEd and the Sir Laurence Olivier Bursary team for placing their trust in me. I cannot wait to continue my musical theatre and acting journey into third year and beyond, supported by this amazing recognition. Thank you!”

ArtsEd Principal, Professor Louise Jackson, said:

“The whole ArtsEd community is thrilled for Finley as he enters his third year as a Laurence Olivier Bursary recipient. I would like to thank all of the ArtsEd students and staff for dedicating themselves to a level of training that unlocks opportunities such as this. Congratulations Finley and thank you to SOLT and the Theatre Development Trust, along with all those who continue to provide essential funding for our students.”

Struggling to figure out how to prepare for your next audition? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

Our experienced Acting staff have shared their top tips and expert advice to help you approach auditions with confidence and ease. From preparation strategies to what you can expect during the process, these insights will set you up for success.

Advice and tips from; Sam Gibbs, Foundation Acting Course Leader, Marnie Baxter, Head of Film & TV and Joint Head of Third Year & George Richmond-Scott, MA Acting Course Leader.

How to pick an audition piece?

• Preparation is key. Do the work!
• Read and / or watch some plays, try to pick character’s that are around the same age as you, think about what impression you want to make, if you love a speech – trust your gut and go for it.
• Look for a speech you connect with or that sparks your imagination, find contrasting speeches that both have a journey. Avoid changing your accent, we want to hear YOU.
• It is not about making an ‘alternative’ or ‘interesting’ choice, it’s about finding something you connect with, you can relate or connect to.

What to Expect?

• Take direction. Be ready to listen to the panel and make quick changes to your performance in the room, based on the notes given.
• This is YOUR moment, so be brave enough to find your centre before you begin the scene. Take your time, remember to breathe.

Self-Tape Tips

• Shoot in landscape, have a plain background.
• Consider a three takes and done mantra, don’t get into your head, if you shoot three takes it is highly unlikely any extra takes will get what you feel you are missing.
• Find the journey of the scene, find the shift, how is your character different from the start to finish? What is the environment of the scene? How does this effect the character?
• Look at speeches as thoughts rather than lines.

What should I wear?

• Wear clothing you are comfortable in and can move freely in. If you feel comfortable it will help you in your performance(s).
• It is helpful if there is no text or strong images on your clothing, mainly because this can draw focus away from you and your performance.

Remember

• Enjoy the process, this is an opportunity to show your work, allow it to be joyful.
• During all in person auditions, the panels will want you to do the best you can. They are not trying to trip you up, or catch you out, so head into those audition rooms knowing we are rooting for you!

Applications Open

Applications for our Acting courses are open! Find out more below and take the first step to your acting career with us.

Foundation Acting BA (Hons) Acting MA Acting

Exciting casting news for the UK & Ireland tour of Hamilton! ArtsEd alumnus Marley Fenton, School of Musical Theatre (BA) Graduate 2023, will step into the iconic role of Alexander Hamilton. This news shortly comes after Fenton winning the 2024 Black British Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his role of the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz.

We are all delighted for Marley and his new role as Alexander Hamilton in the UK tour of Hamilton. He will become the youngest person to play Hamilton which is a testament to him and his outstanding talent and ability, and his work ethic. Marley graduated from the School of Musical Theatre in 2023 and since then has already begun to forge an exciting career. We wish him all the very best with this new venture and we can’t wait to see him in the show!

Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of the School of Musical Theatre

Joining Fenton are some of our other talented ArtsEd graduates:

• Billy Luke Nevers as Aaron Burr
• Casey Al-Shaqsy as Eliza Hamilton (from 26 March 2025)
• Akmed Junior Khemalai as George Washington
• Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez as part of the ensemble and Standby/Alternate Hamilton, 1st Cover Lafayette/Jefferson & 3rd Cover King

As the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical continues to dominate the West End, booking through autumn 2025, the UK & Ireland tour adds fresh excitement to its legacy.

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton brings the story of America’s founding fathers to life. The production is enhanced by stunning designs from David Korins (scenic), Paul Tazewell (costume), Howell Binkley (lighting), Nevin Steinberg (sound), and Charles G LaPointe (hair and wigs).

The Hamilton phenomenon continues to inspire audiences across the globe – and this new cast is set to dazzle on its journey!

Congratulations everyone, we are so proud of you all and can’t wait to see you take the stage!

Are you dreaming of a vibrant career in Musical Theatre? At ArtsEd, we’re excited to guide you through each step of your application process. Whether you’re considering the BA or the Foundation in Musical Theatre degree programme, this guide is designed to make your application journey informed and smooth sailing.

Applications are now open for 2026 entry.

1. Choosing The Right Programme

• BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
• Certificate of Higher Education Musical Theatre (Foundation)

Assess each programme’s curriculum, duration, and prerequisites. This will help you align your choice with your career goals and educational background, setting the stage for a successful career in musical theatre.

• Read about our School of Acting here.

2. Think About How You’ll Finance Your Studies

Take a moment to ponder your financial planning for your studies at ArtsEd. This is an important step before you begin the application process. We have various scholarships and funding options available, so please investigate and consider what financial support you might need throughout your studies.

Read about funding and scholarships available for ArtsEd students here.

Remember, investing in your education is investing in your future, and ensuring your financial stability during your studies will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the ArtsEd experience without undue stress.

3. Apply Online Via Our Application Portal Before 1 April 2026

Apply via our user-friendly online application portal. The digital portal is designed to guide applicants through a step-by-step process, from account creation to document submission. Having a checklist of necessary documents and prerequisites readily available can be immensely helpful at this stage.

Please note that our application deadline is on 1 April 2026, make sure you finish your applications by then.

Apply Now

4. Pick Your Audition Date

Selecting your audition date is a crucial step in the application process. Consider your preparedness, availability, and any other commitments when choosing a date that allows you ample time for thorough preparation and relaxation before the audition. Mark the date in your calendar, set reminders, and organise your schedule to build towards this important day.

5. Get Audition Ready Using Our Useful Tips

Audition preparation is often marked by a blend of excitement and nervousness. Utilise our useful tips and guides to navigate your preparation phase seamlessly.

• Musical Theatre audition tips – Master your ArtsEd audition! Hear from ArtsEd’s Director of Musical Theatre Jonathan O’Boyle as he shares his tips and tricks to help you prepare for a Musical Theatre audition day that includes singing, acting, and dancing.

Ensure you adhere to the guidelines provided and engage in rigorous practice. Seeking feedback from mentors or peers during this phase can also provide valuable insights into your preparation.

6. Audition Day: Relax and Enjoy

The audition day is your moment to shine and showcase your talent and dedication to the craft. Approach the day with a calm, positive mindset and remember to enjoy the process. Whether you’re auditioning in person or virtually, ensure that you are present in the moment, and convey not just your skills, but also your passion and personality. Your authenticity and enjoyment of the craft will undoubtedly shine through when you’re genuinely engaged.

7. Wait for the Results

After auditioning, patience is your ally. Regardless of the outcome, the experience you gain is a stepping stone in your musical theatre journey.

Apply Now

8. If You Didn’t Get the Result You Were Hoping For, Don’t Worry

If you didn’t get the outcome you were hoping for, or you feel you’re not ready for the BA programme yet, have you considered our foundation programme.

Step into the spotlight with ArtsEd’s Full-Time Foundation Course in Musical Theatre! Led by Barney McElholm, this course is your perfect launchpad into the exhilarating world of musical theatre, focusing on nurturing your skills and confidence in singing, dancing, and acting. You’ll receive intensive one-to-one singing tuition, ensemble dance training in jazz and ballet, and tailor-made audition preparation, all delivered by our BA course tutors. With our experienced ArtsEd team guiding you, you’ll gain invaluable insights into what drama schools seek in auditions. Whether you’re aiming to progress to a full-time training course or just beginning your journey in musical theatre, our programme is designed to help you shine. Get ready to take the stage and embark on an unforgettable journey in musical theatre with ArtsEd!

Application deadline for our Foundation Programme is 1 April 2026.

Check out our foundation programme below.

Foundation in Musical Theatre

Each of these steps in the journey to applying for ArtsEd School of Acting unfolds a unique set of experiences and learnings. Embrace each stage with curiosity, dedication, and a love for the performing arts to pave your way into an exciting education in Acting or Musical Theatre. Remember, your journey in the performing arts is not just about perfecting the skill but also about enjoying the process and learning continually.

Interested in Acting?

School of Acting Application Guide

BA Acting        MA Acting       Certificate of Higher Education Acting (Foundation)

Welcome to ArtsEd, where your acting aspirations transform into reality! As you consider joining our esteemed School of Acting, we’re here to guide you through a smooth, informative application process. Whether you’re eyeing the BA, MA, or Foundation in Acting degree, this guide will help make your application journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Applications are now open for 2026 entry.

1. Choosing The Right Programme

• BA (Hons) Acting
• MA Acting
• Certificate of Higher Education Acting (Foundation)

Assess each programme’s curriculum, duration, and prerequisites. This will help you align your choice with your career goals and educational background, setting the stage for a successful career in acting.

• Read about our School of Musical Theatre here.

2. Think About How You’ll Finance Your Studies

Take a moment to ponder your financial planning for your studies at ArtsEd. It’s an important step before diving into the application process. We have various scholarships and funding options available to you; do please investigate and consider what financial support you might need throughout your studies.

Read about funding and scholarships available for ArtsEd students here.

Remember, investing in your education is investing in your future, and ensuring your financial stability during your studies will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the ArtsEd experience without undue stress.

3. Apply Online Via Our Application Portal Before 1 April 2026

Apply via our user-friendly online application portal. The digital portal is designed to guide applicants through a step-by-step process, from account creation to document submission. Having a checklist of necessary documents and prerequisites readily available can be immensely helpful at this stage.

Please note that our application deadline is on 1 April 2026, make sure you finish your applications by then.

Apply Now

4. Pick Your Audition Date

Selecting your audition date is a pivotal step in the application process. Considering your preparedness, availability, and any other engagements, choose a date that allows you enough time for thorough preparation and relaxation before the audition. Mark the date in your calendar, set reminders, and organise your schedule to build towards this important day.

5. Get Audition Ready Using Our Useful Tips

Audition preparation is often marked by a blend of excitement and nervousness. Utilise our useful tips and guides to navigate through your preparation phase seamlessly.

• How to Nail Your Drama School Audition article will walk you through the audition process for our Acting programmes with the Director of the School of Acting, Kim Vithana. It includes a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your self-tape, perform your monologues, and insights on what we’re looking for in the audition.

Ensure you adhere to the guidelines provided and engage in rigorous practice. Seeking feedback from mentors or peers can also be very beneficial in preparing for your audition day.

6. Audition Day: Relax and Enjoy

The audition day is your moment to shine and showcase your talent and dedication to the craft. Approach the day with a calm, positive mindset and remember to enjoy the process. Whether you’re auditioning in-person or virtually, ensure that you are present in the moment, and convey not just your skills, but also your passion and personality. Your authenticity and enjoyment of the craft will undoubtedly shine through when you’re genuinely engaged.

7. Wait for the Results

After your audition, patience is key as you await the results. Remember, the experience gained is invaluable for your future in acting.

Apply Now

8. If You Didn’t Get the Result You Were Hoping For, Don’t Worry

If you didn’t get the outcome you were hoping for, or you feel you’re not ready for the BA programme yet, have you considered our Certificate in Higher Education (Foundation) programme.

Explore your passion for acting with ArtsEd’s Certificate in Higher Education (Foundation) programme. Guided by Sam Gibbs at the Lyric Hammersmith, this course is your perfect stepping stone into the world of professional acting. With hands-on training, insights from industry giants like Mike Bartlett and Noma Dumezweni, and a nurturing environment, it’s not just about acting skills, but growing as a person too and preparing for further training. Also, with the perks of Young Lyric membership, this programme is an exciting adventure for all aspiring actors.

Application deadline for our Certificate in Higher Education (Foundation) programme is 1 April 2026.

Check out our foundation programme below.

Foundation in Acting

Each of these steps in the journey to applying for ArtsEd School of Acting unfolds a unique set of experiences and learnings. Embrace each stage with curiosity, dedication, and a love for the performing arts to pave your way into an exiting education in Acting or Musical Theatre. Remember, your journey in the performing arts is not just about perfecting the skill but also about enjoying the process and learning continually.

Interested in Musical Theatre?

School of Musical Theatre Application Guide

BA Musical Theatre   Certificate in Higher Education (Foundation) Musical Theatre

We are thrilled to share that ArtsEd BA Acting, Class of 2026, student Saffron Crowl has been named one of the ten recipients of this year’s Lilian Baylis Awards, presented by the Royal Victoria Hall Foundation.

These highly respected awards honour the legacy of Lilian Baylis, the pioneering manager of London’s Old Vic from 1912 to 1937, and provide vital financial support to drama students as they complete their training. Each recipient is awarded funds to help ease the financial pressure of their final year of study.

The awards were presented at a special ceremony held at the Old Vic by Olivier Award-Winning actor Hiran Abeysekera, who underlined the importance of supporting young artists:

“People who can’t afford it need help to get there. You never know where they’ll go, how far they’ll reach and, when they get to those jobs, usually people who have got help before help others.”

“We are absolutely thrilled that Saffron has been recognised with the prestigious Lilian Baylis Award — a well deserved honour that reflects her exceptional talent, commitment, and artistry. Throughout her time at ArtsEd, Saffron has always worked to her best ability with passion, and a spirit of generosity to everything she does, both on and off the stage. It has been a joy to watch her grow as an artist and as a collaborator, and we are incredibly proud of all she has achieved. We have no doubt that this is just the beginning of an exciting and inspiring career, and we look forward to seeing all that she will contribute to the industry in the years ahead.”
Jake Harders & Mike Hayden, Co-Deputy Directors of the School of Acting

Congratulations, Saffron!

[smartslider3 slider=”55″]

Read more from The Stage:

Recipients of Lilian Baylis Award

Read about ArtsEd’s 2024 winner:

Lilian Baylis Award 2024

It is with great pleasure that the Trustees announce the permanent appointment of Peter Middleton as Headteacher of the Day School and Sixth Form at ArtsEd.

Peter has held the role in an interim capacity over the last 18 months and The Chair of Trustees, Claire Blunt, wrote:

‘On behalf of the Trustees, I want to thank Peter for the integrity, warmth, and purpose he has brought to the role over the past 18 months. We look forward to working closely with him as we continue to support the remarkable young people here at ArtsEd.

Peter joined ArtsEd in September 2023 as Interim Headteacher, stepping into the role at a pivotal time for our school community. Since his arrival, Peter has brought clarity, calm, and purpose to the day-to-day running of the School. His impact has been evident in every aspect of school life — from the culture and morale of the staff team to the confidence and well-being of our students.

What has stood out though is Peter’s unwavering commitment to the success of our students. His leadership is characterised by his care, fairness, and ambition for all. He fosters an environment where students are listened to, challenged, and supported in a place where academic achievement and personal development go hand in hand. Peter has clearly demonstrated that the students are at the heart of all that he does whilst building strong relationships with parents and colleagues too.

He has gained the trust and respect of his team with his collaborative leadership style, open communication, and clear vision for the future. He has also engaged thoughtfully and purposefully with parents, carers, and the wider ArtsEd community — recognising the importance of partnership and shared ambition in achieving long-term success.

The Day School and Sixth Form has made both meaningful and measurable progress under Peter’s interim leadership and that positions us even more strongly for the future. Having undertaken a thorough process of reflection and review, the Board of Trustees is confident that Peter is the right person to lead the Day School and Sixth Form into its next chapter.’

Peter Middleton is delighted and said:

‘It has been a privilege over the past 18 months to be part of this amazing school – working closely with our staff, students and their families.  During this time, it has been wonderful to see the students’ develop and witness the outstanding achievements in all areas of the ArtsEd Curriculum.  I am most grateful to the Trustees for their support and for the confidence they have placed in me.  I look forward to leading the Day School and Sixth Form at this key time and to working closely with Louise Jackson as she arrives as Principal.’

ArtsEd is beaming with pride as two of its remarkable alumni have received prestigious nominations for the 2025 Tony Awards, honouring outstanding achievement on Broadway.

David Cumming, MA Acting 2009 Graduate, has earned nominations in four major categories for Operation Mincemeat — Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) Written for the Theatre and Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role In A Musical. The critically acclaimed production, co-created and performed by Cumming, has captivated audiences with its wit, originality, and musical brilliance.

“It’s wonderful to see MA Acting alumnus David Cumming deservedly nominated for a Tony Award for his charming and hilarious work as co-creator and performer of Operation Mincemeat directed by Robert Hastie. The MA course at ArtsEd enables students to learn multiple skills and celebrates actors who are also writers, musicians, directors and more. David is an amazing example of how developing your skillset and championing who you are can lead to great things.”
George Richmond-Scott, MA Acting Course Leader

In another major category Tom Francis, BA Musical Theatre 2020 Graduate, has been nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his outstanding portrayal in Sunset Boulevard. Tom’s powerful performance has won acclaim both in London and now on the Broadway stage.

“We are all delighted and thrilled for Tom on his Tony nomination for Best Performance by An Actor In A Leading Role In A Musical for his performance in Sunset Boulevard. Tom is an outstanding performer and ambassador for the school. He epitomises the very best of ArtsEd, and the world-class training facilitated and delivered here by our brilliant faculty of expert tutors.”
Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of the School of Musical Theatre

At ArtsEd, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of performers, storytellers, and theatre-makers. The success of David and Tom is a testament to their exceptional talent, dedication, and the comprehensive training they received during their time with us.

Congratulations Tom and David, from all of us at ArtsEd! We’ll be cheering you on at the Tony Awards.

On Thursday 3 April, we were thrilled to welcome the legendary British musical theatre writing duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to ArtsEd. As part of our Year 12 Musical Theatre assessments, students have spent the term immersing themselves in the British musical theatre canon — with a particular focus on the works of Stiles & Drewe. To have George and Anthony join us in the audience for these performances was not only an incredible honour, but also a hugely inspiring moment for our students and staff alike.

Stiles and Drewe are among the most celebrated musical theatre composers and lyricists in the UK today. Their exceptional partnership has resulted in a catalogue of critically acclaimed and widely beloved productions, including Betty Blue Eyes, Soho Cinders, HONK!, Just So, Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure, Tutankhamun, and their contributions to the world-famous Cameron Mackintosh/Disney production of Mary Poppins, for which they wrote new songs, vocal arrangements, and dance music. HONK! alone has become a global phenomenon, seen by over six million people in more than 8,000 productions across 20+ languages — and counting.

“We had a great afternoon watching not only a selection of our songs, but also those of many recent British musical theatre writers, performed by Year 12 at ArtsEd. The standard of the performers was amazing – they all seemed so self-assured and confident in their delivery, as well as maintaining their own individuality. It was hard to believe that they were all so young. We also found the sense of ‘family’, support and mutual admiration amongst the students both touching and refreshing. As we said to the performers, we look forward to meeting them again out in the big wide world of theatre.”
George Stiles and Anthony Drewe

The students have been studying material from the British Musical Theatre canon with a focus on their work for the past term and it was a very special experience to have them in the audience for the culmination of this project. Their visit was an extraordinary opportunity for our students, who not only had the chance to perform the writers’ work directly in front of them, but also benefited from their generous feedback and reflections. George and Anthony took the time to speak with students after the show, offering valuable insights and behind-the-scenes stories drawn from over 40 years of experience in the industry. Their warmth, encouragement and wisdom made a lasting impact, and served as a powerful reminder of the creativity and community that lies at the heart of musical theatre.

It was a joyful and celebratory end to an enriching term of study, and one that our Year 12 students will definitely carry with them as they continue their training and begin to carve their own paths in the industry.

“We were extremely grateful that George and Anthony made the time to come to watch our Musical Theatre students perform some of their work. They were incredibly generous with their time, feedback, stories and advice to our students, and I know that they all benefitted hugely from this experience. It was a very special afternoon celebrating our students’ achievements and the wonderful work of British Musical Theatre composers from the past 30 years.”
Giovanna Ryan, Head of Musical Theatre at Day School & Sixth Form, ArtsEd

Thank you, George and Anthony, for sharing your time, your expertise, and your love for musical theatre with us. We hope to welcome you back to ArtsEd again very soon.