Founded in 1984, BADA is dedicated to providing rigorous and contemporary performance training rooted in classical theatre traditions. Our acclaimed faculty, our integrated and progressive pedagogy, and our commitment to creating kind and collaborative learning spaces, have kept us at the forefront of international performance training for four decades.
Why BADA?
The richness of the student experience is central to BADA’s philosophy, practice and pedagogy.
Top-tier Conservatory Training
Rigorous and progressive contemporary performance training rooted in classical theatre traditions and delivered by an internationally-acclaimed faculty.
Immersive Cultural Experiences
The opportunity to pursue theatrical training and study in culturally rich environments in the UK and Europe, encountering different contexts, traditions, nations and languages.
Lifelong Artistic Development
Equipping students with tools and practices for creative development throughout their careers, and nurturing our robust and diverse alumni community with ongoing learning opportunities.
Our Culture
BADA’s pedagogical culture stresses collaboration, connectivity and commitment. Our work emphasises integration of learning and context, and celebrates intercultural encounter and diversity of positionality.
Our unique learning environment nurtures the individual’s artistic growth and personal creative development as part of a generous, supportive, disciplined and dynamic artistic community.
Wellbeing
BADA understands the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of all of our students to ensure the best possible learning experience. We offer guidance, resources, and helpful tips from pre-arrival and throughout the duration of your time with us.
Academic Support
Our dedicated and experienced Programmes Team is available to assist students with all academic and administrative needs, helping them to navigate each step of their educational journey effectively.
Wellbeing Support
BADA’s full-time Wellbeing Manager is on-hand as the first point of contact for students to discuss any matters of a personal or academic nature within a safe and comfortable setting. Additional information / topics of interest surrounding nurturing health and wellbeing are also factored into the BADA training experience.
Further support pathways include:
- Guidance towards networks / platforms that aid health and wellbeing
- Useful contact numbers for further support in a range of areas
- Helpful tips surrounding accommodation and living locally
- Confidential online counselling sessions
Boundaries and Consent
Every BADA programme incorporates workshops on Boundaries and Consent and Ensemble Practice, as a way of encouraging students to not only consider the importance of self-care within a creative working environment, but also as a way of advocating positive collaboration and peer support.
The BADA Experience
BADA curates rich and immersive learning experiences in extraordinary cultural environments.
Places & Spaces
From BADA’s home in the centre of London, one of the world’s great theatre cities; to beautiful and historic Oxford, a city of international intellectual significance; as well as locations in Greece and Spain, training at BADA immerses you in extraordinary environments.
Living & Learning
BADA’s residential programmes foster community and collaboration. Accommodation and study spaces include both modern and historic buildings, and events and excursions include theatre trips, visits to historic sites, masterclasses and social and cultural gatherings.
Cultural & Educational Context
BADA provides intensive training and study experiences in a collaborative learning environment, deeply mindful of the encounter between our diverse international student body and local cultural and artistic contexts in the UK and Europe.
The British American Drama Academy (BADA) was founded in 1984 by Tony Branch and Carolyn Sands to provide US and international students with the opportunity to study classical theatre under the guidance of leading British actors and directors.
The inaugural Midsummer in Oxford Programme opened at Balliol College, Oxford, in July 1984, in partnership with the Yale School of Drama. The following year, BADA opened a second location in Regent's Park, London, evolving from 1988 into a partnership with Sarah Lawrence College, the semester-long London Theatre Programme.
Over the four subsequent decades, with the development of the Midsummer Conservatory Programme for high school students, and higher-level programmes focused on Black British Theatre and Performance, Greek Theatre and Spanish Theatre, BADA has continued to forge new ground in international theatre training.
The inaugural Midsummer in Oxford Programme took place at Balliol College, Oxford, in July 1984, in partnership with the Yale School of Drama. In 1985, BADA relocated to Regent's Park, London, to strengthen its connections with the British theatre community. By 1988, a partnership with Sarah Lawrence College facilitated semester-long courses in London for academic credit. Over the years, BADA has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality, modern actor training rooted in British theatre traditions.
The inaugural Midsummer in Oxford Programme took place at Balliol College, Oxford, in July 1984, in partnership with the Yale School of Drama. In 1985, BADA relocated to Regent's Park, London, to strengthen its connections with the British theatre community. By 1988, a partnership with Sarah Lawrence College facilitated semester-long courses in London for academic credit. Over the years, BADA has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality, modern actor training rooted in British theatre traditions.The inaugural Midsummer in Oxford Programme took place at Balliol College, Oxford, in July 1984, in partnership with the Yale School of Drama. In 1985, BADA relocated to Regent's Park, London, to strengthen its connections with the British theatre community. By 1988, a partnership with Sarah Lawrence College facilitated semester-long courses in London for academic credit. Over the years, BADA has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality, modern actor training rooted in British theatre traditions.
The inaugural Midsummer in Oxford Programme took place at Balliol College, Oxford, in July 1984, in partnership with the Yale School of Drama. In 1985, BADA relocated to Regent's Park, London, to strengthen its connections with the British theatre community. By 1988, a partnership with Sarah Lawrence College facilitated semester-long courses in London for academic credit. Over the years, BADA has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality, modern actor training rooted in British theatre traditions.The inaugural Midsummer in Oxford Programme took place at Balliol College, Oxford, in July 1984, in partnership with the Yale School of Drama. In 1985, BADA relocated to Regent's Park, London, to strengthen its connections with the British theatre community. By 1988, a partnership with Sarah Lawrence College facilitated semester-long courses in London for academic credit. Over the years, BADA has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality, modern actor training rooted in British theatre traditions.
The inaugural Midsummer in Oxford Programme took place at Balliol College, Oxford, in July 1984, in partnership with the Yale School of Drama. In 1985, BADA relocated to Regent's Park, London, to strengthen its connections with the British theatre community. By 1988, a partnership with Sarah Lawrence College facilitated semester-long courses in London for academic credit. Over the years, BADA has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality, modern actor training rooted in British theatre traditions.
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Since its foundation in 1984, thousands of students from around the world have attended a BADA programme.
Reports & Accounts
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