Falling Off a Wall: Degrees of Change in British Actor Training

Abstract

This paper attempts an anatomical history of theatre higher education and training in Britain since the 1970s. It notes that, historically, the system for training actors within the internationally renowned drama-school sector was defined by a clear link with the theatre ‘industry’ and corresponding isolation from drama/theatre studies as taught within the universities. Despite changes in the qualifications offered by drama schools, the essential definition of training, within the industry and outside the higher education system, has remained to this day. But the industry and the academic discipline of drama and theatre studies have changed radically. The paper looks forward, to a gradual refocusing of theatre training in Britain, bringing together the complementary skills of the drama school and the university in an attempt to offer an intellectual lead to the future of theatre rather than the traditional practice of reflecting established ideas.