The Arden School of Theatre

Study at The Northern School of Dramatic Arts, based in the thriving heart of Manchester. 

Performing Arts live show

STUDY DRAMA, ACTING AND MORE IN MANCHESTER

If you dream of forging a career on stage, set or screen, and you’re ready to dedicate yourself to turning your dream into a reality, our Arden School of Theatre is just for you. Whether you aspire to be an actor, dancer, all round performer or backstage leader, our performing arts school is comitted to helping you develop your skills so that you stand out from the crowd as you pursue a career within the arts.   

You’ll work with knowledgeable tutors who are established professionals in their respective fields.  You’ll also benefit from our status as a Spotlight-approved provider, which signals to everyone in the industry that your training has met the highest possible standards. It’s hardly surprising that our students go on to achieve great things, from lead roles in hit TV dramas and soap operas to starring in West End productions. Some of the names you know and love started their journeys with us. 

What’s more, you’ll be among the first students to learn in our fantastic, state-of-the-art facilities, including a 180-seater industry-standard theatre and fully equipped music studio, at our brand new City Campus Manchester, which is located opposite the AO Arena right in the heart of Manchester city centre.

ARDEN 
SCHOOL OF THEATRE

Theatre

As a student of our Arden School of Theatre, you’ll join a community with a strong set of values that will be instilled from day one - adaptability, confidence, creativity and discipline.  You’ll also benefit from learning in industry-standard, state-of-the-art facilities at our brand new City Campus Manchester.

We’re committed to providing all our students with a career-focused learning experience and if you’re going to succeed in the arts you need to be prepared to work extremely hard.  This means you’ll be in four or five days a week and you can expect to receive a lot of intense training that is primarily practical. 

All the hours of practice you put in will be worth it though. You’ll graduate with experience of a wide range of disciplines and a broad professional network from a drama school that is renowned and respected in the industry.

DIGITAL PROSPECTUS

Access our digital prospectus for information, advice and exclusive content tailored to your interests.

Reasons to study with us

MEET SOME OF THE TEAM

Our staff are experts in their field and hold a varied range of professional and industry experience. Their support and dedication ensure you are guided, supported and encouraged to learn and achieve whilst you're at The Arden.

OUR FACILITIES

Use of the main theatre, fully equipped to industry standard. This is where you will perform your showcases:

  • A 139m squared studio theatre 
  • Both theatre spaces served by a large scene dock 
  • A fully equipped machine workshop for set building and design 
  • A wardrobe area and costume design/build workshop 
  • A fully equipped music studio 
  • 9 rehearsal rooms and 2 drama studios 
  • 2 ensemble rooms and 3 singing rooms 
  • Small film studio and 2 classrooms 
  • 2 band rehearsal rooms and 6 practice rooms 
  • 3 state of the art recording studios and 2 live room 

Awarding Partners

The Arden School of Theatre 
and Performing Arts Hub

We are The Arden, a drama school in Manchester training the performers of the future. We're part of UCEN Manchester, which is a network of creatives, all embarking on their own personal journey to becoming professionals.

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