THE BRANCH SCHOLARSHIPS

The Branch Scholarships cover full tuition on our flagship London Theatre Program. The Scholarships are named after BADA’s founder Tony Branch (1939-2023) and are open to early-career actors and directors with UK residence. The Scholarships will be awarded competitively through an application and interview process.

These Scholarships are an unparalleled opportunity for students to undertake full-time theatre training for free, perfect as a bridge into studying in a UK or international theatre conservatoire, or as part of a portfolio of training. On conclusion of the program, Scholars will receive a Certificate of Completion from BADA.

We are looking for exceptional acting and directing candidates to be the Fall 2025 Branch Scholars. Applications for Fall 2025 are open and applications are due Friday, 6th June.

How to Apply:

All applicants must send an email to BADA’s Programmes and Recruitment Manager Jen Pollard at branch@bada.org.uk expressing their interest in the Branch Scholarships. Applicants must also include:
- Acting Applicants
  - A private link to a recorded online (Youtube/Vimeo, etc.) self-tape audition. Your audition should include:
    - Some words about yourself: your name, age, when you began studying acting; how you heard about the Branch Scholarship and why you are applying.
    - A memorized speech by Shakespeare or one of his contemporaries (not a sonnet), no longer than 2 minutes.
    - A memorized speech from a modern or contemporary text, no longer than 2 minutes.
    - One speech should be delivered in close-up, the other in mid-shot (waist up).
  - CV detailing your acting experience (PDF preferred)
- Directing Applicants
  - Personal statement (approximately 500 words): Tell us about your interest in and experience directing and why you are interested in attending this program. (PDF preferred)
  - CV detailing your directing experience (PDF preferred)
Short-listed applicants will be invited to BADA’s London premises for in-person auditions/interviews the week of 16th June.

Eligibility
- Open to any actor or director aged 21 – 25 with UK residence (candidates will need to organize their own accommodations in London for the duration of the program)
- The Fall semester runs September to December and candidates must be available to study and rehearse full-time throughout this period
- Due to the intensive nature of the course, students could only undertake intermittent shift work alongside the training
The Branch Scholarships will cover full tuition fees, as well as theatre tickets and social events. Scholars will be responsible for their own accommodation, transport and subsistence. Candidates should be prepared to undertake a rigorous ensemble training programme with up to 35 hours per week of classes; due to the intensive nature of the course, it should be noted that students could only undertake intermittent shift work alongside the training.

BADA operates strict policies around timekeeping and professionalism, and inculcates an ethos of collaboration, consent and creative generosity; we would expect recipients of the Branch Scholarships to live up to the highest standards of professional behaviour. As the majority of students on the London Theatre Program are from the USA, we are also looking for candidates who are sensitive to cultural difference, and who are passionate both about building an international creative network, and about taking the initiative in sharing their home city with talented and creative visitors.
Based at BADA’s home next to Regent’s Park, the London Theatre Program is the longest-running semester programme in London offering conservatoire actor and director training. For over thirty years, the LTP has delivered a rigorous and progressive 14-week course focused on classical theatre skills, aimed at undergraduate theatre students from America and around the world. Our internationally-renowned faculty of teaching artists includes faculty from RADA, Central, LAMDA, Guildhall and other major drama schools.

For Acting Track students, the first eight weeks of the semester comprise classes in Acting, Shakespeare, Physical Theatre, Comedy, Movement, Voice, Stage Combat, Dramatic Criticism and Analysis. Following a one-week midterm break, the semester concludes with a five-week rehearsal process for a studio production of a classic play, led by a professional creative team and culminating with performance in a London studio theatre.

For Directing Track students, the first eight weeks of the semester comprise classes in Directing, Acting, Shakespeare, Physical Theatre, Comedy, Movement, Voice, Dramatic Criticism and Analysis. Following a one-week midterm break, the semester concludes with a five-week rehearsal process where each directing student will serve as assistant director for one of the end-of-term productions, led by a professional director and creative team. Students assist with rehearsal planning and organisation, keep detailed notes of rehearsals and run occasional calls for individual actors or small groups in breakout spaces.

During the first eight weeks, both Acting and Directing Track students will participate in weekly theatre trips, tutorials and masterclasses, and introductory workshops on boundaries and consent.

Candidates must be available to study and rehearse full-time throughout this programme.

For more information about the course, visit our London Theatre Program page.
BADA Co-Founders Tony Branch and Carolyn Sands

Anthony “Tony” Branch (1939- 2023) Tony founded BADA along with Carolyn Sands in 1984. Tony’s vision of providing an American and international student body with access to top British theatrical practitioners remains a unique offering to this day.

“The course offered a transformative experience that deepened my appreciation and understanding of classical text, particularly Shakespeare. The faculty were exceptional—insightful, generous, and deeply supportive. I was fortunate to work on an audition for a new play in my one-to-one tutorials, which directly led to being cast in the role! The programme’s breadth, from Restoration comedy to contemporary work, alongside regular West End trips and industry masterclasses, made for a truly enriching and inspiring training experience.”

Louis Martino
Spring 2025 Branch Scholar

If you have any questions about the Branch Scholarships, the London Theatre Program or BADA, please email BADA’s Programmes and Recruitment Manager Jen Pollard at branch@bada.org.uk. If you would like to be notified about future application cycles, signup for our mailing list.