Getting into Drama School is challenging, but not impossible.
Drama schools are highly competitive, with many receiving over 3,000 applications for fewer than 30 places. So, how do you increase your chances of being one of the lucky few to get in?
First things first—there are no shortcuts or gimmicks. It’s not about choosing a shockingly obscure monologue or trying to stand out in a way that doesn’t align with who you are.
Instead, success lies in building a solid foundation of acting techniques and developing an approach that allows you to step into the audition room as your best self. Together, we’ll create compelling performances that highlight your unique strengths, giving you the greatest chance of success in your drama school auditions.
Through personalized one-on-one audition coaching and tailored acting classes, I’ll guide you in selecting monologues that resonate with you as an actor. Then, we’ll dive into the process of approaching the text, exploring the character, and creating an audition performance that is as authentic and dynamic as you are.
Finally, we'll work on reframing the audition experience itself—transforming it into a space where you can be creative and confident, not anxious or intimidated.
“Without Ben’s amazing help I don’t think I would have ever managed to get into any drama school, let alone RADA, and I definitely wouldn’t have had as much fun in the process!”
Conquer Audition Nerves and Unlock Your True Potential.
It’s natural to feel nervous before an audition. Nerves can often get in the way of performing with the joy and playfulness that is essential for creating engaging, authentic work. After all, acting is a form of play—so let’s make sure you’re in the right mindset to perform at your best.
Together, we will work on easy techniques to manage nerves, allowing you to enter the audition room with confidence and creativity. This will help you connect with the material, leaving a lasting impression on drama school panels.
“The confidence I gained through my preparation with Ben allowed me to walk into the audition room feeling self-assured, resulting in numerous recalls and 3 fantastic offers from top drama schools.”
- Aaron - Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama
“After working with Ben, I was offered a place at Guildhall School of Music & Drama—something that would have felt nearly impossible without such a skilled and dynamic coach.”
- Sally - Guildhall School of Music & Drama
choosing the right speech
The Play's (not) the Thing.
During my time on drama school audition panels, I’ve seen countless actors make the same mistake when choosing their audition speech. They think it’s all about the words. They believe that delivering a shocking or deeply emotive monologue will be enough to impress the panel. Unfortunately, it rarely works that way.
The secret to a successful audition isn’t about finding the ‘right’ monologue; it’s about finding the right monologue for you.
There are thousands of brilliant monologues out there, but the one that will stand out the most is one that speaks to you personally. A great speech is only great if it’s paired with your unique perspective and life experience. When you connect with the text, your performance will truly shine.
NYT & Stage School Auditions
Acting coaching for Younger Performers (10+)
Whether you’re auditioning for the National Youth Theatre, a Stage School, or your first major TV role, the audition process can be nerve-wracking for younger actors. Developing a compelling performance while managing nerves is a skill that takes practice.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked with many young performers, helping them land spots at top stage schools and coaching them through their first professional TV and film roles.
I’ve learned that young actors don’t need to be treated as “children” to succeed—they simply need the right guidance to tap into their imagination, trust their instincts, and build confidence.
(NB: I have an enhanced DBS Certificate to work with young performers)
““Benjamin was amazing with my son. After just one session, my son felt so enthusiastic and learned so much! Thanks to Benjamin, my son was accepted into Juilliard in New York!””
““With Benjamin’s help, my son received offers from every stage school he applied to, including The BRIT School. His confidence grew immensely, and we are so grateful.””
Coaching Fees.
One-to-one Audition Coaching
£50/hr*
One-to-one audition coaching is designed for those that are resolutely committed to training at drama school (the audition process can be a long and very difficult one, and so it's not for the fainthearted - although if approached correctly it can be really fun!).
During one-to-one audition coaching sessions we will work together to:
Choose speeches that play to your individual strengths as an actor.
Work on how to deal with classical text (verse and prose) as well as contemporary speeches.
Explore how you can begin to embody this new character and situation, while still retaining the quality that makes you so unique.
Re-imagine the audition room itself to make it a fun, playful space for you to inhabit, rather than a room ruled by fear and anxiety.
In between audition coaching sessions I will ask you to prepare material for next time, so it's important that you have time to commit to the process outside of our coaching time.
Audition Surgery (3 hrs)
£140*
The 'Audition Surgery' is an intensive one-off audition coaching session, ideal for those that want a final opportunity to finesse their audition speeches, build up their confidence, and enter the audition room in peak form.
During the session we will work through all of your pieces, numerous times, and troubleshoot any issues you might be having. Depending on what stage of the audition process you're at, we may also work through some important sight ready exercises, and work on your song choice.
As the 'Audition Surgery' is designed for those soon to be auditioning for drama school, it is only really suitable for actors that have all their audition pieces learnt.
Online Audition coaching
£50/hr*
For those that are lucky enough to live outside (the big smoke) of London, I offer one-to-one online audition coaching. This takes the same form as the normal one-to-one audition coaching: working together to choose speeches that play to your individual strengths as an actor; exploring how you begin to embody this new character and situation, while still retaining the quality that makes you so unique; and finally re-imagining the audition process to make it a fun, playful space for you to inhabit, rather than a room ruled by fear and nerves.
For online audition coaching you will need access to a computer/smart phone/tablet, a reliable internet connection, and a space you can move around in.
* I am occasionally able to offer a slightly subsidised rate for those that would find the financial burden too great. These places are strictly limited and offered only in response to genuine need. Please get in contact if this applies to you.
Central London Self-Tape Service
Self Tape Service for Professional Actors.
Love them or loathe them, self tapes are here to stay.
In the last few years self-tapes have become the industry standard for the majority of television and film castings (as well as an increasing number of theatre auditions). Whilst self-tapes can offer an amazing opportunity for Actors to produce their best work in the comfort of a safe and supportive environment without the need to travel to auditions, they can sometimes feel like a burden.
That's why it is so important to have a strong self-tape setup, and an expert reader that you feel comfortable working alongside, so you can produce your most compelling work in every self tape, with as little disruption to your time as possible.
““Ben’s professionalism and set-up made me look amazing. His insight and direction allowed me to forget I was taping and just focus on performing. It’s a joy to work with him.”. ”
“I have booked several TV jobs when taping with Ben. The visual and audio setup is excellent, and if required he offers great alternative ideas on how to play the scenes so a variety of options can be sent off.”
Why use a Self Tape Service?
Expert Guidance: With over 15 years experience working at a high level within the television and film industry, I understand the unique demands of self-tape auditions, and how to create an environment that allows you to give your best performance.
Comfortable Studio Environment: With a flexible professional studio in Central London we have the advantage of using natural light or studio light, to produce exceptional quality self tapes, so you can concentrate on your performance without any distractions.
Quick Turnaround: No self tape should take more than an hour to rehearse film and upload and with many years experience filming and uploading self-tapes of the highest quality, we can produce outstanding material with a short lead time.
“I found Ben to be a Godsend. He directed me and acted with me which really elevated the scene and shot it really well with great light, and this made my tapes 10/10 every time!”
Price
£50.00 per hour
In my professional opinion no self tape audition should take more than an hour to complete, but in the rare circumstance you would like to book addition time this is charged at £25 per additional half hour.
Location and contacts details.
I work out of my lovely little house in Angel islington, in Central London. I have a whole library of plays for us to riffle through to find that all-important drama school monologue, and (most essentially) I make a mean cup of tea!
For those of you not based in London, I also offer online tutoring sessions.
If you have any questions, or want to find out more about what audition coaching actually is, then please do get in touch.
Contact Me
If you have any question please do get in touch using the online enquiry form (I'll be sure to get back to you asap - but do remember to check your spam folder in case my response ends up there by accident)
If you're interested in booking a one-to-one audition coaching session then it helps if you can suggest a couple of potential dates, as at times my diary can get filled up quite quickly.
(Unfortunately, due to my filming commitments I'm sadly not always able to work with every actor that gets in contact, but I do try my best to make time in my schedule to work with as many actors as I can)
Drama School Application Deadlines
Below are a list of the application deadlines for all of the main drama schools in the UK. This information relates to applications for the three-year acting programme, from UK applicants, interested in auditioning in London. For regional/international audition dates, and for other courses, please refer to the institution's own websites.
Remember that it is highly recommended to apply well before the final deadline to ensure an audition place.
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