Midsummer Conservatory Programme

Explore Programme

Study acting and discover Shakespeare with industry professionals on BADA’s Midsummer Conservatory Programme (MCP) for 16 – 18 year olds, hosted by Oxford University’s St Hilda’s College.

Programme Overview

The Midsummer Conservatory Programme at BADA is a unique and prestigious three-week training programme which offers committed participants the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the exploration of Shakespeare and his language through various paths including acting, voice and movement.

Additional sessions include Shakespeare & Cultural Context classes, Masterclasses with Guest Artists working in the British theatre industry, private one-to-one tutorials with the Programme Director, and excursions to some of the UK’s leading theatres to experience Shakespeare’s plays in performance (previous day trips include visiting the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Globe).

Participants on the Midsummer Conservatory Programme gain an invaluable taste of conservatory training, giving them an in-depth insight into acting processes, analysis and critical thinking in preparation for college and drama school applications.

St Hilda’s College, Oxford

St Hilda’s College was founded in 1893. Located on the banks of the River Cherwell, a tributary of the River Thames that flows through Oxford, St Hilda’s is located across the river from the Oxford Botanic Garden.The College’s campus features a number of gardens and planted areas, including the Wildflower Walkway and Riverside Path, which are perfect for a stroll while practicing a monologue.

St Hilda’s College, Oxford OX14 1DY, United Kingdom

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Curriculum Details

The Midsummer Conservatory Programme is an intensive three-week programme of Acting, Voice, Movement, and Shakespeare & Cultural Context Studies. Classes are usually held between 9am – 5.30pm five days a week, with additional extra-curricular activities and rehearsal time during evenings and weekends.

Students will explore:

Acting Shakespeare These classes will focus on Shakespeare’s language, characters and their relationships within the context of the play(s) by using exercises, techniques and processes that support understanding and interpretation
Voice Students will explore the fundamental elements and phases of vocal production necessary for character work, considering breath through to projection & communication – all areas being essential in preparation for safe vocal delivery for performance
Movement This area of study encompasses different areas of movement-based work including physical embodiment of self and the transition to character, ensemble work, and movement within the context of story
Shakespeare & Cultural Context Explore the world of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras during informative study sessions and lively discussions. To support this part of the programme, participants will see performances at some of the UK’s leading theatres to watch Shakespeare in performance
Period Dance Studying the practice of period dance from its origins, leading into how it can be used and brought into the present day
Tutorials one-to-one sessions with Faculty/Programme Director

For information about applying or any questions regarding the Midsummer Conservatory Programme, please contact:

Jennifer Rockwood
jrockwood@bada.org.uk
T: 212203 6956

Throughout the three weeks, students on the Midsummer Conservatory Programme will have a variety of excursions, master classes and group activities planned for them, including at the weekends.

Weekends

The weekends will also provide students with some free time to explore as well as for learning lines, rehearsing together and preparing for the week ahead.

For the planned day excursions to London and Stratford, students are provided with a food allowance and suggested cafes and restaurants (where BADA staff will also dine).

Events

Open Day
The work on the Midsummer Conservatory Programme builds to an Open Day where the students share their newfound knowledge and work developed throughout the 3 weeks. Families, BADA staff, BADA supporters and other guests are welcome to attend Open Day.
Excursions
The Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford upon Avon and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London are just two of the theatres that have been visited during the programme – each including a day trip for exploring.
Masterclasses
Students have Masterclasses in such areas as Physical Theatre and Stage Combat delivered by leading British practitioners in these fields, along with actors and directors.

Guest Artists who have recently joined our Midsummer Conservatory Programme include:

Behind the scenes

The Midsummer Conservatory Programme Faculty is comprised of distinguished teaching artists from a variety of theatrical backgrounds.

Programme Logistics

The 2026 Midsummer Conservatory Programme will run from Saturday 11^th July to Saturday 1^st August.

Accommodation is provided within the St Hilda’s campus and consists of a single room with shared bathroom facilities in a block reserved for BADA.

Students are supervised by two experienced chaperones who also reside in St Hilda’s for the duration of the Midsummer Conservatory Program; they are on call night and day to ensure the students have the best possible experience.

Students attending the Midsummer Conservatory Programme must adhere to BADA’s code of conduct at all times and follow the instructions given by the Programme Director, BADA staff, and the chaperones.

BADA runs a strict no alcohol policy on this programme. No participant, regardless of age, will be allowed to drink alcohol while attending the programme.

BADA’s Midsummer Conservatory Programme is based at St Hilda’s College, Oxford. Located on the banks of the River Cherwell, a tributary of the River Thames that flows through Oxford, St Hilda’s is located across the river from the Oxford Botanic Garden and looks towards the historic centre of the city.

St Hilda’s College

Oxford

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The College’s campus features a number of gardens and planted areas, including the Wildflower Walkway and Riverside Path, which are perfect for a stroll while practicing a monologue.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided seven days a week for all students at St Hilda’s.

Please note that BADA is an organisation which contracts with St Hilda’s for the use of facilities for the duration of the Midsummer Conservatory Program, but which has no formal connection with the College.

The 2026 Midsummer Conservatory Programme fees are $7,100.

Tuition	$3,675
Accommodation (including a single private room and breakfast, lunch and dinner)	$3,425
Total Fees Payable to BADA	$7,100

The above fee does not include the non-refundable Application Fee of $55 which is paid at the time of application.

All fees are payable in US dollars. Please note, in addition to the fees payable to BADA, participants are responsible for their own airfare, ground transportation to and from the airports and spending money while on the programme (including the purchase of snacks at weekends).

Financial Assistance

BADA only has a small scholarship fund from which awards will be made to applicants who indicated that they would like to be considered for funding. These awards are based on need and merit. Need is demonstrated by checking the box, asking to be considered. Merit is demonstrated in the audition. Unfortunately, BADA is not in the position to support all accepted applicants who request funding. In addition, most awards are in the range of a few hundred dollars.

Although BADA by no means wants to discourage applicants from applying to the programme, we do feel it is important for applicants to understand that most participants will be asked to pay the full fees. Before applying to the program, please note the fees and consider how you will fund the experience should you be accepted.

If you have questions on financial assistance, please contact Jennifer Rockwood prior to submitting an application. Application fees are non-refundable. Jennifer can be reached at jrockwood@bada.org.uk.

Fees for BADA’s summer programmes are not eligible for payment under the federal loan system nor do they qualify as higher education expenses under the 529 plan as they are not credit bearing. Unfortunately, BADA is not in a position to assist in the retention of any additional outside grant or loan assistance.

We are grateful to the Norman Ayrton Scholarship Trust for their support of the Midsummer Conservatory Programme.

Established by the bequest of BADA’s first Dean, Norman Ayrton, the Trust works to advance education in the arts. Norman believed that all talented students should have access to the highest-quality drama training and established the Trust so that financial need is not an obstacle.

What are the programme dates for 2026?

The 2026 Midsummer Conservatory Programme will run from Saturday 11th July to Saturday 1st August.

What are the programme fees for 2026?

The 2026 Midsummer Conservatory Programme fees are $7,100.

Tuition	$3,675
Accommodation (including a single private room and breakfast, lunch and dinner)	$3,425
Total Fees Payable to BADA	$7,100

The above fee does not include the non-refundable Application Fee of $55 which is paid at the time of application.

Please note, in addition to the fees payable to BADA, participants are responsible for:

Roundtrip Airfare to the UK
Ground transportation
Insurance
Weekend snacks
Spending money

Do you offer financial assistance? How do I apply for a scholarship?

Although BADA by no means wants to discourage applicants from applying to the programme, we do feel it is important for applicants to understand that most participants will be asked to pay the full fees. Before applying to the program, please note the fees and consider how you will fund the experience should you be accepted.

If you have questions on financial assistance, please contact Jennifer Rockwood prior to submitting an application. Jennifer can be reached at jrockwood@bada.org.uk.

Can I pay the programme fees with federal loans or with a 529 Savings Plan?

Fees for BADA’s summer programmes are not eligible for payment under the federal loan system nor do they qualify as higher education expenses under the 529 plan as they are not credit bearing.

Unfortunately, BADA is not in a position to assist in the retention of any additional outside grant or loan assistance.

What is the refund policy?

Midsummer Conservatory Programme Refund Policy

A deposit of $500 is required on acceptance, which is non-refundable. Fees are payable by the due dates as outlined in your acceptance letter. Any fees paid will be forfeited should you withdraw from the programme. Participation in the programme will not be permitted if programme fees have not been paid in full before the start date and any fees paid will be forfeited.

If the programme is canceled by BADA due to circumstances beyond our control, all fees, with the exception of the application fee, will be refunded. BADA accepts no responsibility for personally incurred expenses such as flights or pre-booked ground transportation.

Please note: the $55 application fee is also non-refundable.

Can I get a waiver for the Application fee?

Yes, the Acceptd platform offers fee waivers to certain applicants who meet their criteria. Visit How can I apply for a fee waiver for my application? for more information.

When are the auditions?

Auditions are held live online throughout the month of February.

What to expect at the audition?

Auditions will take place live online via our application portal. You will be auditioning for Julia, Programme Director for the Midsummer Conservatory Programme. You will have no more than twelve minutes, which will include two minutes apiece for each of your audition pieces. The remaining time will include a chat and an opportunity for you to ask questions about the programme.

At least one speech should be delivered waist up or full body.

You need to prepare the following pieces for your audition:

A memorized speech from a play by Shakespeare or one of his contemporaries,
A memorized speech from a modern or contemporary text

When will I hear whether I have been accepted onto the programme?

You will receive an admissions decision by early March.

Please be patient; you will absolutely hear from us one way or another. Admissions decisions are distributed via the Acceptd messaging system.

Is transportation included in the fees?

No. Participants are responsible for their own airfare as well as ground transportation to and from the airports.

Do you provide transportation to and from the programme? Will a coach meet me at the airport and take me to Oxford?

No. Students arriving at Heathrow Airport will be met by our chaperones who will accompany them to the coach that will bring them Oxford, where they will be met by BADA staff.

Admissions & Applications

We welcome applicants ages 16 – 18.

Participants must have turned 16 prior to the start of the programme (no later than July 1). Prospective applicants who will turn 16 after July 1 should wait to apply until the next application cycle.

Applications for Summer 2026 were due 6 February 2026.

Applications for Summer 2027 will open in Autumn 2026.

Auditions for the Midsummer Conservatory Programme will be held online via live Zoom sessions.

Please prepare two monologues to be memorized:

A memorized speech from a play by Shakespeare (in verse), no longer than 2 minutes.
A memorized speech from a modern or contemporary text, no longer than 2 minutes.

At least one speech should be delivered waist up or full body. Each individual meeting will last no more than 12 minutes and will include a chat with the Programme Director.

BADA was a place where I could be my true self. Once I got there, I realized that there are people like me around the world, and I wasn’t alone. I could love the arts and Shakespeare and be embraced by my peers.

Campbell Waters MCP '18