The British American Drama Academy

Discover British conservatory training and immerse yourself in London theatre this Spring at the British American Drama Academy: applications are open for our Spring 2025 London Theatre Program, our semester-long study abroad program for Juniors and Seniors enrolled at accredited American colleges or universities!⁣

The London Theatre Program offers two tracks for talented and dedicated students who are passionate about acting or directing, about the art of theatre, and who are seeking personal challenges and new perspectives:

•Acting: BADA’s semester-long conservatory acting track immerses students in the rigorous theatre training of British and European conservatories. The semester is divided into two parts: eight weeks of training, with five weeks of rehearsals culminating in performance in a small-scale professional theatre. Each production is led by a professional director, working with professional creative and technical teams.

•Directing: starting in Fall 2024, the London Theatre Program offers a Directing track alongside the Acting track for students who aim for a career as a professional director. There are a limited number of spaces each semester for directing students. Directing and acting students will be in a number of classes together during the first eight weeks of the semester and each directing student will work as an assistant director for five weeks on one of the end-of-semester productions.

BADA students are taught by an internationally acclaimed faculty and the intensive London Theatre Program includes tutorials, theatre trips, and masterclasses with leading actors and theatre-makers, in one of the world’s great theatre cities.

Applications are due October 15! For details about the London Theatre Program and details about the Acting and Directing tracks, or to start your application, visit our website.

London Theatre Program – BADA The British American Drama Academy (BADA) exists to provide high quality, modern actor training with a foundation in British theatre traditions.

Haappy opening night to alum Kelley Curran (MIO '03), who is starring in "The Meeting: The Interpreter" about a playwright's chance encounter with an important Russian interpreter.

"The Meeting: The Interpreter" runs through 25 August at The Theatre at St. Clements in New York City.

Break a leg, Kelley!

Home - The Meeting: The Interpreter Play The NEWS you heard. The STORY that has never been told. UNTIL NOW. The NEWS you heard. The STORY that has never been told. UNTIL NOW. Starring Frank Wood Bio Kelley Curran Bio In 2020, international playwright, documentary filmmaker, and fine artist Catherine Gropper had a chance meeting with a man....

Break a leg and happy Opening Night to alum Sydney Lemmon (MIO ’15) and everyone at “Job”!

This tense, psychological two-hander about a psychological exam that goes awry was a New York Time's Critic's Pick during its Off-Broadway run at the Connelly Theater earlier this year.

The Broadway production of Max Friedlich’s thriller will run through 29 September at The Hayes Theater.

Congrats, Sydney!

JOB THE PLAY | OFFICIAL BROADWAY SITE A new play by Max Wolf Friedlich. Peter Friedman & Sydney Lemmon. Directed by Michael Herwitz. The Hayes Theater 240 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

Headed to the Edinburgh Fringe? Faculty member Madeleine Potter is starring in the UK premiere of Adam Rapp’s “The Sound Inside”. Nominated for the Tony for Best Play, “The Sound Inside” explores the intense bond that forms between an Ivy League creative writing professor and her complicated student.

"The Sound Inside" is a part of Travfest24.

Previews are scheduled for 28 July & 3 August, then the production will run through 25 August at the Traverse Theatre.

Break a leg, Madeleine!

The Sound Inside Scotland's new writing theatre, the Traverse champions creative talent by placing powerful and contemporary theatre at the heart of cultural life.

Congrats to alums Moses Ingram (MIO '18) and Y'lan Noel (MIO '12) who are both starring alongside Natalie Portman in AppleTV's new limited series "Lady in the Lake"!

Based on the 2019 novel of the same name -- inspired by real events in Baltimore in 1969 -- by Laura Lippman, the series follows a a bored housewife trying to build a career as a investigative reporter and a murdered Black activist, exploring racism and misogyny in America in the '60s.

Episodes 1 and 2 are available now and new episodes will be released Fridays on AppleTV+.

Congrats to Moses & Y'lan!

Watch Lady in the Lake - Apple TV+ When the disappearance of a young girl grips the city of Baltimore in 1966, the lives of two women converge on a fatal collision course.

Break a leg to alums Victor Williams (MIO '94), Noah Michal (MIO '23), and everyone at The Classical Theatre of Harlem's production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as they begin performances tonight!

Victor is Theseus / Oberon and Noah is Helena in the free, outdoor production, which also features comedian Russell Peters as Nick Bottom, which sets the story against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance.

"A Midsummer's Night Dream" runs thru 28 July at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheatre in Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park!

www.cthnyc.org

Break a leg to alum Jenna Augen (LTP '05) and masterclass guest Dale Rapley who are both appearing in the Royal Shakespeare Company's new play "Kyoto"!

Based on the 1997 UN climate summit in Kyoto that resulted in the Kyoto Protocol and an international commitment to reduce greenhouse gasses, the play explores the slow steps toward an agreement and the American oil lobbyist who tries to stop it.

"Kyoto" is a co-production between The Royal Shakespeare Company and Good Chance, written by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson and directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin.

The productions runs until 13 July at the RSC's Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

About the play | Kyoto | Royal Shakespeare Company From the writers and directors of the universally-acclaimed The Jungle comes this pulse-pounding political drama.

Alum Joe Mydell (MIO '84) is the Lord Chief Justice in Robert Icke's "Player Kings" which ends its twelve-week London run at the Noel Coward Theatre this weekend and embarks on a UK tour throughout July.

"Player Kings" is recent LTP masterclass guest Robert Icke's new adaptation of "Henry IV, Parts I & II" and stars Sir Ian McKellen as Sir John Falstaff, Toheeb Jimoh as Prince Harry, and Richard Coyle as King Henry.

Player Kings | Starring Ian McKellen | Official Website Shakespeare's Henry IV is reimagined in Player Kings, adapted & directed by Robert Icke and starring the inimitable Sir Ian McKellen.

Congrats to alums Ruth Nega (MIO '01) and Elizabeth Marvel (LTP '88) who are both part of the incredible ensemble of 's new legal thriller "Presumed Innocent"!

Based on the novel by Scott Turow, "Presumed Innocent" is a limited series that tells the story of a Chicago prosecutor charged with the murder of his colleague.

Episodes 1 & 2 are out now and remaining episodes will release on Wednesdays on AppleTV!

Watch Presumed Innocent - Apple TV+ A horrific murder upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s Office when one of its own is suspected of the crime—leaving the accused fighting to keep …

Congrats to alums Alessandro Nivola (MIO ’92), Moses Ingram (MIO ’18), and masterclass guest André Holland on “The Big Cigar” which premieres today on AppleTV+!

André stars as Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton in this miniseries that traces Newton's attempts to outwit the FBI, enlisting the help of film producer Bert Schneider (played by Alessandro) to escape to Cuba in 1974 under the guise of making a movie. Moses guest stars as Teressa Dixon, a Black Panther Party who helps to keep the movement going in the wake of Huey’s escape.

The miniseries’s first two episodes are now available to stream.

Watch The Big Cigar - Apple TV+ Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton enlists an unlikely ally—Hollywood producer Bert Schneider—to elude an FBI manhunt and escape to Cuba.

To all BADA alumni, family and friends,

Join us in 2024 to celebrate BADA’s 40th Anniversary!

BADA’s success is built upon the dedication and passion of people
like you – our faculty, staff, alumni, masterclass guests, scholarship supporters and of course, our participants. Please save the dates to join us at the end of Midsummer in Oxford, or at one of our US events in the autumn, as we honour BADA’s past, celebrate its present, and look to an even greater future ahead.

In celebration of BADA’s 40th anniversary, please save the date for one of the following events:

Saturday 3 August 2024 - Oxford
Open Day for Midsummer in Oxford

Saturday 16 November 2024 - Los Angeles
Masterclass and Reception

Monday 18 November 2024 New York City
Masterclass and Reception

Please save the dates and more information will follow.

Michael Stuhlbarg (MIO '87) stars in the Broadway production of Peter Morgan's "Patriots" which opens tonight!

Michael stars as Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky opposite Vladimir Putin played by Will Keen, who originated the role at the Almeida Theatre during its sold-out 2022 world premiere run and won an Olivier Award for his work. The play tells of Putin's rise to power, initially backed by Berezovsky, and the ensuing conflict between the two men.

This limited production will run through June 23rd at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.

Break a leg, Michael!

PATRIOTS | Official Broadway Website See Michael Stuhlbarg in the gripping new play by 'The Crown' creator Peter Morgan. Coming to Broadway April 1, 2024.

It's opening night for "Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club" -- break a leg to alum Steven Skybell (MIO '84) who plays Herr Schultz in this transfer of the Olivier Award-winning London production, starring Eddie Redmayne reprising his Olivier Award-winning performance as the Emcee!

CABARET at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin star in CABARET at the Kit Kat Club. Coming to Broadway April 2024. Tickets now on sale. Previews begin April 1.

Break a leg and happy opening night to alum Brandon Victor Dixon (MIO '98) and the company of "Hell's Kitchen" on their opening tonight!

The new musical, with music by Alicia Keys, is a semi-autobiographical coming of age story set in NYC in the 1990s.

Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway | Get tickets | Official Site See Hell’s Kitchen, the kaleidoscopic new musical featuring the hit songs of Alicia Keys, at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway from March 28. Get tickets now.

Break a leg and happy opening night to alums Sheria Irving (MIO ’11) and Leland Fowler (LTP ’11) who are both appearing in the New York premiere production of “Sally & Tom” by Suzan-Lori Parks!

Sheria is Lucy/Sally and Leland is Devon/Nathan in this dramedy that explores American history and the craft of theatre.

The production will run through May 12 at the Public Theater’s Martinson Hall.

Sally & Tom Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, the author of last season’s The Harder They Come, returns to her artistic home with an edgy dramedy that celebrates the craft of theater while taking a hard look at history.

Congratulations to our Patron, Brian Cox, on the opening of “Long Day’s Journey into Night” last night at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre!

The limited run of Eugene O’Neill's masterpiece ends on 8 June.

Long Day's Journey into Night - Wyndham's Theatre | Official Website Remarked as one of the greatest American play's of the 20th Century, Long Day's Journey into Night comes to Wyndham's Theatre in March 2024. Starring Brian Cox & Patricia Clarkson.

Alums in LA, DC, and NYC - join us this spring for alumni workshops and social events!

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Saturday, March 30, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Alumni Shakespeare Workshop: "Julius Caesar"

1340 Macgowan Hall | UCLA

Take a deep dive into Shakespearean text, character & relationship through exploration of "Julius Caesar" 4.3. We’ll look at both psychological and formal approaches and the connections between them in one of the most deftly-constructed scenes in the canon.

Participants who wish to work on the scene will be asked to learn the role of either Brutus or Cassius thoroughly; those who wish only to observe are very welcome to do so.

Please note:

This workshop is free but advance registration is required.
Participants must be off-book for the session. 
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6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Alumni Drinks

Barney's Beanery, Westwood

All BADA alumni & friends are invited to join Ben and members of the BADA team for drinks at Barney’s Beanery

First drink on BADA!

Full details at the link below!

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Friday, April 5, 2024
NEW YORK CITY

Alumni Open Workshop Sessions

Ripley-Grier Studios | Studio 16P
520 8th Avenue

Bring a scene of your choice and your scene partner(s) and be ready to dive in and work with Ben in 1-hour sessions!

These will be open/masterclass style sessions and observers are encouraged to attend! We will have approximately 10 seats in the room for observers throughout the day.

Full details at the link below!

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Saturday, March 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC
2:00 - 6:00 PM

Observe a Workshop at Howard University

Ira Aldridge Theatre, Howard University

BADA alumni and friends are invited to observe Ben's workshop with current Howard University students working on a scene from "Julius Caesar" followed by monologues.

All attendees must register in advance with Jennifer Rockwood by clicking the RSVP link below in order to be added to the list! Unfortunately, last-minute reservations and drop-ins are not possible for this session.

RSVP via email to Jennifer: [email protected]

Spring 2024 Alumni Events – BADA The British American Drama Academy (BADA) exists to provide high quality, modern actor training with a foundation in British theatre traditions.

Congratulations to alum Da’Vine Joy Randolph (MIO ’09) who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the movie “The Holdovers” (alongside BADA alum Paul Giamatti (MIO ’89)) at the 96th Academy Awards last night! Da’Vine has also won the BAFTA, the Golden Globe, the SAG, and many, many others for her portrayal of Mary Lamb in the film.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph Wins Best Supporting Actress for 'The Holdovers' | 96th Oscars (2024) Da'Vine Joy Randolph wins the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'The Holdovers'. The 96th Oscars was held on Sunday, March 10th at 7e/4p, and...

Congrats to alum Da’Vine Joy Randolph (MIO ‘09) on winning the BAFTA for Supporting Actress for The Holdovers at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards this past weekend!

In her speech, Da’Vine shared her deep appreciation of her co-star, and fellow BADA alum, Paul Giamatti (MIO ’89)!

Backstage afterwards, Da'Vine reflected on her time in Oxford and learning the classics at BADA as well as her career kicking off in London during the West End run of "Ghost".

Da'vine Joy Randolph wins Supporting Actress 🌟 | BAFTA Film Awards 2024 - BBC What a heartfelt speech from the AMAZING Supporting Actress winner Da'vine Joy Randolph ❤️ It's the biggest and most glittering night in British cinema, cele...

Applications are now open for the Summer 2024:
⁣
Midsummer in Oxford Program (Actors 18+)⁣
⁣⋅ 6 July – 4 August
⁣
Midsummer Conservatory Program (Actors 16-18)⁣
⁣⋅ 13 July – 2 August
⁣
Applications due: 1 March

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Applications are also open for:⁣
⁣
Greek Theatre Program (Participants 18+) ⁣
⁣⋅ 1 June - 28 June⁣
⁣⋅ Applications due: 2 February⁣
⁣
Black British Theatre and Performance Program (Participants 18+)⁣
⁣⋅ 1 June - 28 June⁣
⁣⋅ Applications due: 9 February⁣

Fall London Theatre Program (College Juniors/Seniors)
⁣⋅ 7 September - 14 December
⁣⋅ Applications due: February 15
⁣
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For more information, including programme details, fees, application deadlines, and more, visit: www.bada.org.uk!

BADA – British American Drama Academy The British American Drama Academy (BADA) exists to provide high quality, modern actor training with a foundation in British theatre traditions.

Announcing the dates & deadlines for our Summer 2024 conservatory programmes!⁣
⁣
Applications will open on 16 January for:⁣
⁣
⁣⋅Midsummer in Oxford Program (Actors 18+)⁣
6 July – 4 August
⁣
⁣⋅Midsummer Conservatory Program (Actors 16-18)⁣
13 July – 2 August
⁣
Applications due: 1 March
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⁣
Applications are currently open for:⁣
⁣
⁣⋅Greek Theatre Program (Participants 18+) ⁣
1 June - 28 June⁣
Applications due: 2 February⁣
⁣
⁣⋅Black British Theatre and Performance Program (Participants 18+)⁣
1 June - 28 June⁣
Applications due: 9 February⁣
⁣
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For more information, or to sign up to be notified when applications open, visit: www.bada.org.uk⁣

BADA – British American Drama Academy The British American Drama Academy (BADA) exists to provide high quality, modern actor training with a foundation in British theatre traditions.

Applications are now open for the Summer 2024 Greek Theatre Program!⁣
⁣
Explore the performance and reception of ancient drama over four weeks (1 June - 28 June) this coming summer. ⁣
⁣
The program begins in London, working at BADA’s premises in Gloucester Gate, before traveling to Greece for ten full days of visits to ancient sites, workshops, classes and lectures then returning to the UK for a final residency in Oxford that includes participating in the post-graduate Theatre and Classics Symposium — held by the APGRD (Archive of Performances of Greek & Roman Drama) in conjunction with the Royal Holloway, University of London Theatre Department.⁣
⁣
At the heart of this interdisciplinary course lies the fruitful interaction between text, performance and context, paying close attention to the cultural, social and political developments in 5th Century BCE Athens.⁣
⁣
Applications are due 2 February 2024.⁣

Click the link for full course details and to begin your application!

Greek Theatre Program – BADA The British American Drama Academy (BADA) exists to provide high quality, modern actor training with a foundation in British theatre traditions.

Applications are open for the Summer 2024 Black British Theatre and Performance Program!

1 June - 28 June 2024

Explore contemporary Black British theatre and performance by tracing the social, cultural, intellectual and political developments that have come to define the theory, practice and aesthetics of its practitioners. ⁣
⁣
Participants will analyse key texts that exemplify representations of the Black British experience against notions of Britishness and draw out the confluence of influences from Africa, the Caribbean and the United States and immigration trends to illustrate the diasporic, hybrid nature of Black British theatre and how these influences shape identity and representation through the lens of multiculturalism.⁣
⁣
Play texts by major Black British Writers such as Roy Williams, Winsome Pinnock and Kwame Kwei-Armah (all of whom will participate in the program as guest artists) will be analysed from social and cultural contexts framed by theories of identity, representation, nationalism, race, gender, sexuality and class. ⁣

Key professionals will visit the program to shed light on their practice and to offer insight into the practicalities of working in the British theatre industry.

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Applications due 9 Feb 2024 for Summer ‘24! Open to participants 18+. BADA alums encouraged to apply! ⁣

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Click the link for full details and to start your application!

Black British Theatre and Performance – BADA The British American Drama Academy (BADA) exists to provide high quality, modern actor training with a foundation in British theatre traditions.

Calling alums in the New York City area! Ben Naylor will be making his first trip to the US as BADA's Dean this fall and invites all BADA alums and friends to join him on Saturday, November 11th for a free workshop (open to alumni from all programs and years) and drinks with BADA alumni, supporters, and friends. Join for either event or both if your schedule allows!

Saturday, November 11, 2023

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Shakespeare Workshop at Ripley-Grier (520 8th Ave)
In this workshop, we’ll take a deep dive into Shakespearean text, character and relationship through exploration of "Julius Caesar" 4.3. We’ll look at both psychological and formal approaches and the connections between them in one of the most deftly-constructed scenes in the canon.

Please note:

-This workshop is free but advance registration is required.
-You may register to participate in the workshop or to observe; participants must be off-book for the session.

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6:00 - 9:00 PM Alumni Drinks upstairs at The Tailor Public House (505 8th Ave)
Come and enjoy your first drink on BADA while getting to know Ben and learning about what's coming for BADA in the next year. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated.

For full details and to register, click or visit http://bada.org.uk/nov2023

Shakespeare Workshop & BADA Alumni Drinks with Dean Ben Naylor | 11/11/2023 Explore a scene from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" with Dean Ben Naylor or join us for a drink after the workshop!

Congratulations to alum Tarell Alvin McCraney (MIO ’05) who was just appointed artistic director for Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles!

Playwright and 'Moonlight' screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney to lead Geffen Playhouse Tarell Alvin McCraney's appointment as the Geffen Playhouse's new artistic director places one of the most accomplished dramatists of his generation at the helm of the city’s most prominent Westside theater.

"In addition to lectures, our busy schedules were filled with afternoon workshops, live theatre and cultural excursions. Acclaimed Black playwrights, including [Winsome] Pinnock and Roy Williams, generously shared their lives and careers, as well as challenges and triumphs in the London theatre scene."

2023 Black British Theatre alumna Kimberly Harding, Associate Professor of Theatre at Florida A&M University, wrote about her long journey to studying Black British theatre in London and her time at BADA on the inaugural Black British Theatre course for Arts Professional.

Read the full piece, “Lessons from Black British theatre", at

Lessons from Black British theatre Kimberly Harding’s desire to study Black British theatre was born decades ago. This summer she travelled to London to make it happen.

“…when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”

-Samuel Johnson

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Discover British conservatory training and immerse yourself in London theatre and all that life can afford this Spring at the British American Drama Academy: applications are open for our Spring 2024 London Theatre Program, our semester-long study abroad conservatory acting program for Juniors and Seniors enrolled at accredited American colleges or universities!

Applications are due October 15! For details about the LTP and to start your application, visit: www.bada.org.uk/ltp.

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Photo: Cropped from “Sunset In London (134097249)” by Matheus Riolfi, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Alums in Atlanta -- there are two MIO alums in the Horizon Theatre Company's current production "The House That Will Not Stand"!

Alia Shakira (MIO '02) is Makeda and Margaret Ivey (MIO '10) is Agnes in this production of Marcus Gardley's play.

Set in New Orleans on the eve of the transfer of the French-owned Louisiana Territory to the United States, a free woman of color and her three u***d daughters face an uncertain and haunting future.

The production opened July 14 and will run through August 6 at the Horizon Theatre.

Congrats Alia & Margaret!

The House That Will Not Stand • Jul 7-Aug 6, 2023 | Horizon Theatre THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STANDby Marcus Gardleydirected by Thomas W. Jones II Desire. Jealousy. Murder. Voodoo. Beartrice—a free woman of

Alums in (or near) London — join us at BADA HQ on June 13th for Drinks with the Dean!

Alumni Drinks with the Dean at BADA
14 Gloucester Gate
London
NW1 4HG

Tuesday June 13th
5:00 - 7:30ish PM

Alumni from all years and all programs are welcome!

Please RSVP at www.bada.org.uk/june13

Alum Justin Theroux (BCP '91) stars opposite Woody Harrelson in HBO's new miniseries "White House Plumbers"! Taking a satirical approach, the drama fictionalizes the behind-the-scenes as E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy accidentally bring down the Nixon Presidency while attempting to save it.

"White House Plumbers" premieres tonight at 9 PM on HBO. Congrats, Justin!

White House Plumbers | Official Website for the HBO Series | HBO.com The official website for White House Plumbers on HBO, featuring interviews, schedule information, behind the scenes exclusives, and more.