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How to Apply

Applications for September 2025 are now closed.

We will open applications for entry in September 2026 later in the year. Please sign up for our newsletter to be notified of future application dates. 

Keep reading for information on what we generally require for auditions and how the process works (please keep in mind this information can change).

While you wait for our applications to open again, why not familiarise yourself with our courses, funding options, and FAQs?

Before You Apply

Entry is by Audition only.

It is possible to apply for a maximum of three courses on one application form. During the audition process, the audition panel will decide which course you are best suited for. 

There are no academic requirements for our courses, nor do we have an upper age limit for application.

To apply, you must be:

  • 18 years old by 28th September 2026 
  • 21 years old by 28th September 2026 for our One Year Course
  • A UK national
  • If you are not a UK national, you must have indefinite leave to remain/settled status, be an Irish citizen, or be part of the Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme.
  • Eligible for a 6-month short-term study visa for our Foundation Courses if you are an international student. To confirm your eligibility, please consult the government website here.
  • Available to travel to Oxford for an in-person recall audition
  • Passionate about the craft of Acting

Free auditions
We offer free auditions to people whose financial circumstances may prevent them from applying to us. To be eligible for the free audition, you must meet all of the criteria listed below:

You are a resident in the UK
You live in a household with a gross annual income of below £35,000

Please see the audition fee information below for those who are not eligible for an audition fee waiver.

  • The First Round audition is by self-tape and an audition fee of £15 is paid on application. 
  • The Recall audition is held at the School, and a final audition fee of £30 is paid when confirming your place.

Please note that audition fees are non-refundable. Applications submitted without an audition fee will not be considered. 

The Recall audition fee must be paid by the deadline in your invitation email. 

Self-Tape

Before completing your application form, you will need to film and submit your self-tape. 

You are required to provide us with a link to one video, which includes a brief introduction, one contemporary speech, and a second contrasting speech which can be either:

  • Contemporary
  • Classical
  • Poetry
  • Self-written

The speeches are of your choosing, but if you would like to take one of our suggestions for classical speeches, please click here to view the list.

For those unsure or unconfident about your second piece, we encourage you to take one of our suggestions.

Please take a moment to watch our Self-Tape tips video before continuing with your application. 

If you are applying for the Foundation in Acting with Musical Theatre, you must provide a link to a second video containing your song. The style of song is up to you, but it should be either musical theatre, pop or a traditional folk song. If you choose a pop or musical theatre song it should be accompanied and if you chose a folk song, it is up to you whether it is accompanied or not.

Further details on the self-tape can be found below in ‘The Audition Process’.

Press the APPLY button at the bottom of the page

On the application form you will be asked:

  • To confirm your eligibility (see step 1)
  • To provide your contact details
  • To pick your courses (you can apply for a maximum of 3)
  • To list any dates you are unavailable to travel to the school for auditions – this is incredibly important; please be specific if you know you have limited availability
  • To list your education history (remember, we don’t require academic qualifications; this helps the panel to get a fuller picture of your background)
  • To write Something About You. Speak from your heart. We want to get a feel for who you are. Please don’t feel compelled to use AI to make your writing style differ from your natural voice.
  • To name the character and play for each of your audition speeches
  • To provide one link to your self-tape audition for Acting Courses and two links to your audition and song for the Acting with Musical Theatre course
    • Please make sure there is no expiry date for viewing the link because we may want to access your audition at recall and waiting list stages. The link should be in this format: https://vimeo.com/000000000

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automatic email confirmation.

Within 4 weeks of receiving your application, we will contact you to let you know the outcome of your first-round self-tape audition.

We will contact you via e-mail with an attached pdf, so please make sure that you also check your Spam folder for any communication from the School. Please contact Admissions if you haven’t heard from us within 4 weeks: auditions@oxforddrama.ac.uk

Guide To Applying

How To Apply

Technical Guide To Filming Your Self-Tape

Tips From OSD Students

How To Deal With Audition Nerves?

How To Choose Your Monologues?

Favourite Part Of The Auditions?

Quick Reference Self-Tape Tips