Want to join a list including Kenneth Branagh, Vivien Leigh and Roger Moore? Here's how...
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) is to hold auditions in Newcastle for the first time in its search for top acting talent
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, widely known as RADA, is to come talent seeking in Newcastle for the first time.
It is to hold auditions next month at the city’s Northern Stage, sparing North East hopefuls the cost of travelling to London.
Among the many distinguished actors who studied at RADA are Kenneth Branagh, Ralph Fiennes, Vivien Leigh, Gemma Arterton, John Gielgud, Sean Bean, Roger Moore, Fiona Shaw, Glenda Jackson and... the list goes on and on.
Not surprisingly, places on RADA’s BA honours course in acting are keenly sought after.
Only 28 of them are available each year but Academy bosses have stressed their commitment to finding the very best in theatrical talent regardless of social or financial background.
Edward Kemp, director of RADA, explained: “Diversity in the arts is as much about geographic differences as class or economic.
“There are many more opportunities for a white middle class person in the South East to experience, and be inspired by, theatre than elsewhere in the country, and in recent years this has been reflected in our applications.
“However, RADA’s remit is to find the most talented performers and theatre practitioners, and this means expanding beyond one area of the country.
“We know there is a wealth of talent and potential out there, and by expanding our regional auditions and interviews we are able to find the best talent and give more young people the opportunity to experience the transformative powers of the arts.”
This year RADA has also introduced 100 audition fee waivers to further support budding performers from low income families.
Among hopefuls who reach the third and fourth rounds of the four-stage audition process, RADA will also offer travel bursaries to those who are eligible.
The first round auditions will take place at Northern Stage, on the campus of Newcastle University near Haymarket, from February 13 to 15.
Applicants will be asked to perform two speeches – one classical (by Shakespeare or another Elizabethan or Jacobean playwright) and one modern (written after 1960).
Details of how to apply and what is entailed can be found on the RADA website, www.rada.ac.uk (click on Courses at RADA and then Acting & Performance).
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-news/want-join-list-including-kenneth-12401043
