London's Central Drama School Eliminates Audition Fees to Promote Diversity and Inclusion
The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, a renowned drama school with notable alumni like Dame Judi Dench and Andrew Garfield, is eliminating audition fees to make it more accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.
This move aims to remove financial barriers for aspiring actors and create a more inclusive learning environment.
Graduate Martin Freeman, known for his roles in The Responder, Sherlock, and The Office, supports this initiative and hopes it will make drama schools more accessible to individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds.
Actor Dame Judi Dench shares her gratitude for a grant from Richmond council that enabled her to attend Central Drama School three decades ago.
She expresses concern about the increasing difficulty for young actors from working-class backgrounds to afford drama school due to high audition fees and lack of financial support.
Central Drama School has recently announced it will no longer charge audition fees, following advocacy from Dench and others.
Thousands apply annually for 50 places on the acting course, with single audition fees previously at £40.
Principal Josette Bushell-Mingo of an unspecified school aims to convey that the arts are inclusive for everyone, opposing the notion that they are exclusive or elitist.
She emphasizes the importance of unity and welcoming all backgrounds in the arts sector and institutions.
Graduate Martin Freeman, known for his roles in The Responder, Sherlock, and The Office, supports this initiative and hopes it will make drama schools more accessible to individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds.
Actor Dame Judi Dench shares her gratitude for a grant from Richmond council that enabled her to attend Central Drama School three decades ago.
She expresses concern about the increasing difficulty for young actors from working-class backgrounds to afford drama school due to high audition fees and lack of financial support.
Central Drama School has recently announced it will no longer charge audition fees, following advocacy from Dench and others.
Thousands apply annually for 50 places on the acting course, with single audition fees previously at £40.
Principal Josette Bushell-Mingo of an unspecified school aims to convey that the arts are inclusive for everyone, opposing the notion that they are exclusive or elitist.
She emphasizes the importance of unity and welcoming all backgrounds in the arts sector and institutions.
