From the first line of a play or note of music in an acting class or rehearsal, to the first cut into wood or fabric that will metamorphose into a set or costume, to setting a level for a light or sound cue, everything that occurs here at Rose Bruford College is about making theatre happen.
We are unique among UK drama schools for the broad range – and success – of our vocational and skills-based training. Each element of theatre art is conceived, built and produced here and then demonstrated through over 75 productions that take place across the academic year. Crucially, this heady mix of theatre making is linked with the disciplines of academic study. We were the first UK institution to offer an Honours Degree in theatre and from there have grown some 16 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study. Rose Bruford is truly and distinctively a University of theatre and performance.
As Principal, I am proud to lead a College that has made such an exceptional, and internationally renowned, contribution to the training of actors, directors, designers, writers, educators and community theatre workers. My own career in professional theatre and broadcasting, conservatoire and university teaching and leadership in both the UK and USA told me, when I recently took on this role, that Rose Bruford College represents an exemplary balance between practical training and theoretical academic study within a higher education framework.
The passion for learning the arts of theatre and performance that you will experience here is simply thrilling. During the time you spend with us as a student, you will grow, mature and become secure in whichever area of theatre and performance you choose to study. Our job is to teach you a subject, support you in your work and point you towards satisfying careers, brimming with knowledge and confidence.
In this website you will follow the story of Rose Bruford College, gaining an insight into student life through words and images. We hope the experiences of our students will speak to you from the screen as well as in the work they do for the stage. Imagine yourself here. Imagine yourself as one of them. My welcome extends to the hope that you will visit us for an Open Day and apply to join one of our programmes. Come and see a production. Come and experience what we do. A world of theatre linked to a terrific education awaits you at Rose Bruford College.