Through RADA Connect we aim to support applicants currently underrepresented at RADA, in higher education and in the industry. We also aim to reduce financial barriers to applying; help applicants feel prepared for their interview or audition process; build community and connection and help create a sense of belonging.

We want you to feel creative, inspired and like you belong here.

RADA Connect supports applicants to our BA (Hons) in Acting and Foundation Degree in Technical Theatre and Stage Management with a free application, online and in-person workshops, advice and support for eligible applicants.

The Belfast School of Performing Arts (BSPA) is Northern Ireland’s leading theatre School for 6-19 year olds and strives to deliver the highest level of training possible to every individual student.

As well as providing an exceptionally high standard of theatre tuition we endeavour to offer our students many unforgettable experiences. We have unique contacts with WestEnd & Broadway Performers, TV & theatre casting agencies (including our own in-house casting agency) and theatre professionals.  Through these opportunities, our students gain experience and learn more about performance and communicating with others.

Under the guidance of our Artistic Director, Peter Corry, we focus on helping our students grow in confidence so they can excel within the performing arts world and develop their social skills along the way. There is a strong emphasis on fun while we learn and we have a positive, creative, happy environment where our students develop friendships for life.

Every Saturday Morning from 10am – 1pm

We know that applying to drama schools can be daunting. Especially when there is so much choice! The Stage’s How to Choose Your Drama School edition is full of expert industry advice to help you navigate your next steps.

Whether you're interested in acting, technical theatre, or other performance pathways, this essential guide will give you a clearer picture of your options and what to consider when applying.

This year’s special edition comes out October 16 and this year, you can access the digital edition for free!

Simply sign up via the link, and a free digital edition will land in your inbox on October 16, packed-full with drama school advice.

Each day, the children will explore different styles of musical theatre, focusing on singing, dancing, and acting.

Experience the magic of pantomime from behind the scenes!

Discover the magic that goes into creating our award- winning pantomimes. From costumes and props to stage secrets, it will be a unique glimpse into the world of theatre.

Take a picture of yourself in our pantomime set, see out wonderful costumes up close as you enjoy an exclusive backstage tour.

Our backstage tours are suitable for all ages to enjoy.

Dates:

Friday 12 December - 3.30pm & 4.15pm

Sunday 14 December - 11.45am

Tour lasts a maximum of 40mins.

Please bear in mind that there is no step free access on theatre tours.

Work alongside industry specialists as you develop your skills and abilities through the three essential disciplines: Acting, Dance and Singing. Collaborate, create and gain performance experience from full scale musicals to a graduate showcase.

With this musical theatre course you’ll become a confident, creative and self-motivated individual, ready to break into the industry.

This September, The Quay Theatre is re-launching its Youth Theatre groups, providing weekly drama workshops for young people aged seven to 15 years.

The new groups provide an exciting opportunity for local young people to engage with the craft of theatre in a professional space, with a focus on all manner of acting skills, as well as collaboration and creative communication.

The aim is to give young people somewhere they can feel safe to explore their creative expression - and have plenty of fun too!

Attendees will also have the opportunity to perform in The Quay Theatre itself, taking full advantage of its extensive professional facilities. Their termly showcase will be fully kitted out with lights, sound, costumes and more – a great experience for budding creatives.

Mortal Fools Youth Theatre is open to young people aged 5–19 years. We run weekly Youth Theatre groups, split by age in Ashington. 

At Mortal Fools, we focus on supporting children and young people’s creativity, wellbeing, and self-belief, using the medium of drama. We believe youth theatre can be a brilliant a vehicle to help young people to build their confidence and skills, support their mental heath, and to make sense of the world around them.

There are no auditions, no drama experience necessary, and no fees (although donations are welcome!). All we ask for is a willingness to give things a go, passion for performing, and lots of curious creativity.

Step into the Creative Team’s shoes.

Over the course of the week, you’ll work closely with a professional Director, Choreographer and Musical Director to discover how a musical is brought from page to stage.

You’ll begin by exploring how a director analyses and interprets a script, before stepping into workshops led by a Musical Director and Choreographer to see how those early ideas evolve in the rehearsal room.

The week culminates in presenting your ideas to your course leader and peers. Whether you’re a future director, choreographer, designer or dramaturg, this course is your opportunity to build creative confidence, develop practical skills, and see how new work comes to life.

For aspiring writers, composers, and anyone curious about creating original musicals.

This workshop is designed for young people interested in writing for musical theatre - whether you’re a lyricist, composer, book writer, or just starting to explore how stories are told through song.

Throughout the course, you’ll work with professional musical theatre writers to gain a deeper understanding of how to craft a compelling narrative and seamlessly integrate book and score.

You’ll begin by developing your own ideas, supported through writing exercises and creative feedback. By the end of the week, you’ll have created original material that could form part of a pitch or treatment to share with directors and producers.

Alongside writing time, you’ll explore the realities of working as a theatre creative - from the structure of the industry to how new musicals are commissioned, produced and developed.

We’re thrilled to be running this course in partnership with Music Theatre International (MTI), supporting the next generation of musical theatre creators.