Getting into drama school is tough, but it isn’t a mystery.
With leading conservatoires receiving upwards of 3,000 applicants for fewer than 30 spots, standing out isn't about shortcuts or gimmicks.
It’s never about choosing a shockingly obscure monologue or trying to be someone you're not.
Real success comes from grounding yourself in solid acting technique and walking into the audition room—or in front of the camera—confident, relaxed, and fully prepared. Together, we’ll build dynamic, truthful performances tailored to your natural instincts, giving you the best possible shot at top drama schools like RADA, LAMDA, Guildhall, and Central.
Through tailored one-to-one audition coaching, we will:
Select contemporary and classical monologues (Shakespeare or his contemporaries) that play directly to your strengths.
Break down text, active objectives, and character choices so your delivery feels spontaneous and alive.
Reframe the audition itself—shifting it from an intimidating panel test into a creative, playful workshop where you actually enjoy acting.
About Benjamin O'Mahony
Laurence Olivier Prize Winner | BAFTA Longlisted Actor | Conservatoire Tutor
Benjamin O'Mahony is a professional actor, tutor, and audition coach. His credits span television (BBC, Netflix, HBO, Channel 4), film, and major London stages, including Shakespeare’s Globe and The Old Vic. He is a recipient of the Laurence Olivier Prize and was longlisted for a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor.
Drawing on his experience teaching at leading UK drama schools as well as sitting on drama school audition panels, Benjamin takes the fear out of the process. His coaching focuses on practical, repeatable technique and genuine play—helping actors secure places at leading conservatoires including RADA, LAMDA, Guildhall, Royal Central, and Juilliard.
Student Success Stories
Tackle Audition Nerves and Find Play in the Room
Audition nerves are completely natural, but tension is the enemy of good acting. When anxiety takes over, it blocks the spontaneity, vocal freedom, and playfulness audition panels are looking for. Acting is ultimately play—so your preparation needs to keep that spark alive.
We work through practical, repeatable techniques to ground your breath, channel nervous energy, and walk into preliminary auditions and recalls feeling present, responsive, and grounded. When you feel safe in your preparation, the panel sees the real actor—not just the tension.
““Ben quickly caught onto the areas of weakness in my acting and gave constructive criticism that made me a much stronger performer, all while maintaining a friendliness that keeps you comfortable. He was super helpful with finding monologues, writing references, and navigating nerve-wracking in-person auditions. I ended up with offers from 5 drama schools and am starting at RWCMD!””
““One year ago, I was devastated after getting rejected by every drama school I applied for. Choosing Benjamin as my tutor was the best decision of my life. He guides you through the stress and challenges, making classes fun and tailored to your needs. Thanks to him, I got offers from three schools and am heading to Royal Central, the school I wanted most!””
choosing the right speech
The Play's (not) the Thing.
Sitting on drama school audition panels, I’ve seen hundreds of actors make the same mistake: believing a traumatic, shocking, or wildly emotional speech will automatically win over the room. It almost never does.
Audition panels aren’t judging the playwright’s words; they are looking for you through the words. The right piece isn't the most obscure or dramatic one you can find—it’s the one that connects directly with your natural voice, energy, and life experience. When a classical verse speech or contemporary monologue genuinely makes sense to you, the performance stops looking like an audition and starts looking like truthful acting.
NYT & Stage School Auditions
Acting coaching for Younger Performers (10+)
Auditioning for the National Youth Theatre (NYT), specialist performing arts stage schools (such as The BRIT School), or preliminary film and TV castings can be overwhelming for a young actor.
With over a decade of experience preparing young performers for major stage schools and professional screen roles, I don’t believe in coaching children with rigid, theatrical "tricks." Young actors thrive when given the freedom to trust their instincts, access their imagination, and speak truthfully.
(Fully Enhanced DBS certified for working with children and young people.)
““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.””
“Benjamin gave my son so much confidence finding pieces and preparing him for his National Youth Theatre (NYT) audition. Ben’s coaching made the world of difference and undoubtedly got him through. He is a dynamic, talented, and insightful coach.”
Coaching Fees.
One-to-one Audition Coaching
£50/hr*
Focused, bespoke preparation for actors applying to UK and international drama schools. Whether you are starting from scratch or refining recalls, our sessions cover:
Selecting classical and contemporary monologues that suit your casting and personality.
Unpacking verse, meter, and classical text so it speaks as naturally as modern dialogue.
Directing scenes dynamically to ensure your choices are active and repeatable.
Mock panel redirects and interview technique.
(Requires dedication and homework between sessions.)
Audition Surgery (3 hrs)
£140*
A dedicated, intensive masterclass for actors who have learned their pieces and are approaching audition day or a recall round. We thoroughly stress-test your full repertoire under audition conditions, work through impromptu panel redirects, troubleshoot sticky moments, and cover sight-reading and song preparation.
Online Audition coaching
£50/hr*
For actors outside London or international applicants targeting UK conservatoires, online coaching offers the exact same thorough text analysis, physical work, and monologue staging. All you need is a reliable internet connection and room to move.
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One-to-one drama school audition coaching costs £50 per hour for both in-person and online sessions. An intensive 3-hour Audition Surgery is £140, designed to stress-test your repertoire before recalls. Subsidised rates are available for applicants experiencing genuine financial hardship.
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Sessions take place in a private, dedicated home studio in Palmers Green, North London (N13). The studio is a short walk from Palmers Green Overground station (direct from Finsbury Park, Highbury & Islington, and Moorgate) or a short bus ride from Wood Green Underground station (Piccadilly Line). Free client parking is available, alongside access to an extensive library of classical and contemporary plays.
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Yes. Online audition coaching via Microsoft Teams offers the exact same text analysis, objective breakdown, and panel redirect exercises as in-person sessions. This is ideal for regional UK applicants, international candidates targeting London conservatoires, or actors needing quick feedback on self-tape submissions without traveling into London.
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Students normally require between 4 and 8 sessions, though this varies depending on your starting point, monologue choices, and deadlines. Spreading sessions over several weeks allows time to absorb notes and complete text work between meetings. For actors with fully memorised pieces approaching recalls, a 3-hour Audition Surgery can be used as a standalone session to stress-test material under audition conditions.
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We prepare applicants for all major UK and international conservatoires, including RADA, LAMDA, Guildhall, Royal Central, Mountview, ArtsEd, Rose Bruford, Italia Conti, Drama Studio London, RCS, RWCMD, Bristol Old Vic, Oxford School of Drama, and The Juilliard School, as well as youth auditions for The BRIT School and National Youth Theatre (NYT).
* Subsidised rates: Strictly limited assisted places are available for applicants in genuine financial hardship. Please get in touch directly to discuss.
London Self-Tape Service
Professional Self-Tape Studio & Reader Service (London)
Love them or loathe them, self tapes are here to stay.
Self-tapes are now the industry baseline—not only for film and TV castings, but for first-round drama school applications. While self-taping offers the comfort of working at your own pace, creating a tape that cuts through the noise requires great sound, flattering lighting, and—crucially—an experienced actor on the other side of the lens.
Professional Actor Reader & Direction: You’re not reading opposite a flat, unhelpful voice. I read opposite you, offer clear scene notes, and help you find alternate options so you can deliver a layered tape.
Broadcast-Quality Equipment: High-end directional audio, clean balanced lighting, and neutral backdrops mean casting directors and admissions panels focus entirely on your performance.
Fast, Hassle-Free Turnaround: Tapes are reviewed, edited, color-checked, and exported immediately so you meet tight casting deadlines without technical headaches.
““Benjamin’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 Benjamin. 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.”
“I found Benjamin 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.
In-person coaching and self-tape sessions take place in a quiet, dedicated home studio in Palmers Green, North London (a short walk from Palmers Green Overground station or a short bus from Wood Green Underground station). The house includes a vast library of contemporary and classical plays to browse through—and the kettle is always on.
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.
(Please note: Due to ongoing professional filming and theatre commitments, coaching availability is strictly limited. Booking a few weeks in advance of your audition deadlines is strongly recommended.)
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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