Who We Are

The Oxford School of Drama (OSD) is one of the UK’s leading acting conservatoires.

We believe in developing craft within the actor to make wider change. Our aim is for the work we create to be ethically informed and for each actor artisan we train to make a deep impact on the arts and audiences.

Being one of the smallest drama schools we are able to respond to and support our students’ individual needs. Students will not have a bland institutional experience here –OSD is defined by the spirit of the people. We are a collection of staff, tutors and associate artists, passionate about encouraging individual growth and exploring multiple ways of telling stories.

The School is based in a stunning set of old farm buildings converted into a collection of beautifully designed inside and outside spaces created using all natural materials. It is made up of studio and theatre spaces within its own gardens surrounded on all sides with views of the Oxfordshire countryside. The spirit of the location allows for a kind of magical connection to the work – and to each other in ensemble.

Our courses are accredited by Trinity College, London and we are recognised by industry around the world and boast successful alumni including writers, directors, filmmakers and actors.

Although based in the Oxfordshire countryside we have very strong connections with London theatres and leading directors, casting directors and agents. Students perform regularly in London at Southwark Playhouse, Park Theatre and Soho Theatre. We offer students a compelling combination of focused immersion in the training with the hustle and bustle of Oxford city student life along with all the industry connections London has to offer.

Meet the Tutors

Acting

John Ward

Head of Acting & lead on One Year Course

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Roisin Rae

Senior Acting Tutor

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Paloma Oakenfold

Head of Foundation Course & Acting Tutor (on maternity leave)

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Ryan Saunders

Head of Foundation Course (Maternity Cover) & Acting Tutor

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Jenna Fincken

Acting Tutor

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Rosa Crompton

Acting Tutor

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Sabi Perez

Acting Tutor

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Screen Acting / Film

Improvisation

Associate Artist

Edward Hicks

School Principal, Screen Acting / Film Tutor

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Bruce Windwood

Screen Acting / Film Tutor

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Niall Ashdown

Improvisation Tutor

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Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh

Associate Artist

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“The teachers encourage you to really look at yourself and find what makes you as an individual, special and different to everyone else. There are no carbon copies being made at Oxford, every student thrives in their individuality.”
Tanya Reynolds, Graduate of the One Year Acting Course, 2015

Movement / Applied Movement

Kirsty McFarland

Head of Movement & lead on Three Year Course

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Gabriel H Zonana

Senior Movement Tutor

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Samuel Adebayo

Movement Tutor

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Tomislav Afiyan-English

Performance Psychology

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Voice

Acting through Song

Ashley Howard

Senior Voice Tutor

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Joanna Weir Ouston

Senior Voice Consultant

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Tamsin Newlands

Voice Tutor

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David Ashley

Acting Through Song Tutor

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Imogen Read

Voice Tutor

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Professional Development

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oxford school of drama post logo
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Hear our Principal, Ed Hicks, talk about screen training at The Oxford School of Drama.

Meet Ashley Howard, Senior Voice Tutor.

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