MA Theatre Lab
1. What is the MA Theatre Lab Course?
A unique course in the field of theatre and performance practice, this one-year MA course allows students with a strong, demonstrable background in performance to re-examine and broaden their skills in a truly experimental and highly collaborative framework.
2. What are the entry requirements?
You should hold an honours degree, or recognised diploma, in a performance or theatre practice-related course and be a practising performer with a minimum of three years’ significant professional experience.
3. Is there an upper age limit to apply to RADA?
The course is very physically demanding but there is no upper age restriction. Candidates are considered for audition after their application has been reviewed.
4. How do I apply?
You should apply using the relevant form, which can be found on our website, and ensure that you provide all the relevant supporting documentation at the time of application. Please note that not all candidates are invited to audition for this programme – you should refer to the MA Theatre Lab Admission Policy for more information.
5. Does RADA hold open days for the MA Theatre Lab programme?
We hold Open Days for the MA Theatre Lab programme. The next Open Day for the MA Theatre Lab will be on 5 February 2018, and you will be able to sign up directly via the website from 8 January onwards. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
6. When is the deadline for application and when do the auditions take place?
The deadline for application to the MA Theatre Lab programme is 31 March 2018. If you are selected for audition, we will invite you to RADA in May for a workshop-based session and an interview.
7. Do RADA hold auditions outside of London?
No. Auditions for the MA Theatre Lab are held at RADA only.
8. What are the audition requirements?
Please refer to the overview page.
9. English is not my first language – can I still apply?
If English is not your first language, we will ask you to demonstrate IELTS levels of 8 or above for spoken English and 7.5 or above for written English. Please submit your IELTS certificate with your application form.
10. How many students are accepted each year?
RADA accepts 16 students on the MA Theatre Lab programme each year.
11. After I’ve sent in my application, how long will it take to hear back from you?
We review all applications prior to selection for audition which can take some time. We will contact you to acknowledge receipt of your form - if you have not heard from us within two weeks of sending your application, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
12. Do I pay the application fee if I am not selected to audition?
Application fees are £55. We will only process the application fee if you are invited to audition.
13. If I don’t attend my audition, will my application fee be refunded?
The application fee is not refundable under any circumstances
14. What if I am ill on the day of my audition?
If you are ill on the day, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. While we will try to provide an alternative date, this may not be possible and is dependent on where we are in the audition cycle.
15. Can I defer entry?
No. You should apply for a place in the year before the September you wish to begin your training.
16. How do I pay the tuition fees?
If you are from the UK/EU, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate loan of up to £10,000 through the Student Loans Company.
Students from a non-UK/EU country, will need to pay their fees themselves.
17. Do I have to pay the UK/EU level tuition fees, or the international rate?
You should have lived in the UK/EU for three consecutive years prior to starting the course in order to qualify for UK/EU level tuition fees
If, for example, you were born in the UK but then moved to Australia for twenty years, you would be liable to pay the international rate.
18. Is there any accommodation/housing provided?
RADA does not have its own student housing. We include advice on finding accommodation in the information pack we send students offered a place on our full-time courses.
Prospectus
View a full copy of our current PROSPECTUS