Arden School of Theatre

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Arden School of Theatre

Arden School of Theatre was established by The Royal Exchange Theatre. We continue to offer first class training in a stimulating environment.

It was one of the first establishments in the UK to offer vocational, degree level theatrical courses. ‘The Arden’ has excellent, long-established links with theatre companies and industry professionals across Manchester and the north west. We benefit from offering university level courses as part of The Manchester College. Courses at Arden School of Theatre are taught by current industry professionals. We aim to create independent, work-ready performers with the confidence to face the industry and the courage to create their own work. We're looking for students who will change and develop the industry. We’re deeply committed to producing self-reliant practitioners with a robust understanding of their art form. We do this by creating a strong and genuine relationship with the industry; academically and professionally. Arden has a distinguished and successful history and is unique in the UK. We’re a theatre school, and also part of one of the largest colleges in the country. We provide the highest levels of professional training in the context of university level qualifications. Based at the stunning Nicholls House on The Manchester College’s Nicholls Campus, Arden is a hub of creative exploration. Our corridors are filled with the activity of performing, acting, singing and dancing students.

23/01/2026

Throwback to our incredible third year actors redefining Love and Information by Caryl Churchill and directed by our very own programme leader for acting Michael Peavoy. Sharp, bold and full of heart. What a Company! 🎭

06/09/2025

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that the Arden School of Theatre mourns the tragic loss of our beloved lecturer, Will Nelson, who lost his life along with his partner, Kayleigh Smith, a talented theatre director and proud MA graduate of our institution in the Lisbon tram disaster.

Kayleigh had recently completed her Masters with us and was an aspiring theatre director with immense talent, drive, and warmth. She was admired by her peers and tutors alike for her creativity, dedication, and kindness, and she had a bright future ahead.

Will was more than a teacher, he was a force of nature. A fountain of knowledge in the arts, a maverick in his methods, and a true visionary who reshaped the minds and spirits of generations of students. His passion for theatre was matched only by his unwavering commitment to challenging norms, provoking thought, and nurturing creativity in every soul he encountered.

To be taught by Will was to be transformed. His lectures were not just lessons, they were experiences. He inspired, questioned, and uplifted. His presence in our halls was magnetic, his voice unforgettable, and his ideas revolutionary. The Arden family is devastated by the loss of one of our greats. We will eternally miss his constant questioning, his unique perspectives, and the warmth he brought to every room.

Will’s love for wrestling was legendary, he never missed a chance to drop an obscure wrestling fact into a conversation, often to the delight and confusion of his students. It was one of the many quirks that made him so deeply loved.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You were a kind, wonderful soul, and your legacy will live on in every student you inspired, every colleague you challenged, and every heart you touched.

Our hearts and condolences go out to both Will and Kayleigh’s families at this time.

With love and remembrance,
The Arden School of Theatre

02/09/2025

You are invited to join us on:

Saturday 4th October | 10:00–13:00 | The Arden School of Theatre

📍 Kick off at 10:00 AM in the Longmore Theatre with a powerful welcome from our Head of School — hear the vision, feel the passion, and get inspired.

Then dive into a hands-on taster workshops where you’ll experience some of our courses.

After that, course-specific chats with our tutors — Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance, Theatre & Performance, Vocal Studies & Performance, Technical Theatre - we’ve got it all

Whether you’re a bold performer or a curious creative, this is your pass to see life at The Arden.

✨ Book your place now: www.ucenmanchester.ac.uk/events/degree-open-day

Want to find a place where you can inspire, create and perform - learning your trade in a true drama school experience!

13/08/2025

✨ Good Luck on A-Level Results Day! ✨

From all of us at The Arden School of Theatre, we wish you every success for your results. Whether you’re celebrating or considering your next step, we’re here to help.

📞 Call our Clearing Hotline on 0161 674 7777 to speak to our friendly Admissions Team – available all day Thursday and Friday this week to guide you through your options.

We have a very limited number of places remaining for September 2025 entry. As a drama school, all places are offered subject to audition, ensuring the right fit for both you and the course.

09/06/2025

We’re delighted to share that Carrie Birmingham has been appointed as the new Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Vocal Studies and Performance at The Arden School of Theatre.

Carrie is a respected vocal educator, performer, and researcher whose experience spans conservatoire and university teaching, clinical voice care, and professional performance. She has taught across BA and MA programmes at Leeds Conservatoire and Edge Hill University, and has already made a strong contribution to The Arden, supporting both Vocal Studies and Musical Theatre over the past couple of years.

Alongside her teaching, Carrie works with the NHS Voice Clinic at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospital Trust, where she supports nationally recognised singers and voice users in vocal rehabilitation and care. She is also a PhD researcher at the University of Leeds, exploring how singers engage with in-ear monitoring technology in contemporary performance settings.

As a hearing-impaired performer and songwriter herself, Carrie brings a uniquely empathetic and empowering approach to vocal training, championing individuality, vocal health, and creative expression. Her industry experience includes session work with Liverpool producers such as John Power (CAST), Alex Campbell, and Andy Fernihough, and she previously performed with her alt-rock band on the BBC Introducing, gaining airplay and playing small festivals between 2015 and 2018.

Carrie has also served as a judge for OpenMic UK, having reached the finals herself earlier in her career. Her research has been presented at national and international conferences including Voice Geek, BVA, and PAVA (USA), and she served on the board of AOTOS (Association of Teachers of Singing) for over seven years, helping support voice teachers across the UK.

“My teaching is all about creating a safe, expressive space where students can take risks, grow technically, and develop the confidence to be boldly authentic artists.”

We’re excited to see the Vocal Studies course evolve under her leadership.

04/06/2025

UCAS Deadline is TOMORROW!
If you’ve received an offer from us – make sure you FIRM ACCEPT to secure your place! 🎭✨
Digital welcome packs have been sent out to all firm acceptances.

❗ Not received yours or have questions?
Drop us a line at [email protected] – we’re here to help!

accredited

03/06/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Michael Peavoy as the new Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Acting here at The Arden School of Theatre.

A graduate of RADA, training alongside the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Daisy May-Cooper, James Norton, Alex Roach and Susan Wokoma. Michael’s career began straight out of Drama School at the National Theatre in Hamlet, directed by Nicholas Hytner, and he’s never looked back. He was also a previous winner of the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award - other winners include Taron Egerton and Erin Doherty.

He’s since performed across some of the UK’s most exciting stages – including Manchester’s Royal Exchange and the West End – and developed a strong portfolio in screen work for BBC, Netflix, and Sky, as well as extensive experience in BBC Radio drama.

Michael is also a champion of new writing and new musical theatre, presenting original work at Soho Theatre, Park Theatre, and beyond.

He’s already made a strong impact at The Arden, teaching on Musical Theatre – and now brings his creative leadership, deep industry insight, and bold vision to the Acting course.

"I'm all about developing actors who are unique, thoughtful, playful, rigorous, curious and creatively fearless - ready for the challenges of the industry and confident in their own artistic integrity. We work with joy and always in the pursuit of excellence."

02/06/2025

Huge congratulations to BA (Hons) Acting 2023 graduate .abellesmith, who has taken the British Soap Awards by storm!

Isabelle has been a standout in Hollyoaks, helping the show take home three major awards.

The Osbornes won Best Family, Isabelle and JJ’s powerful storyline took Best Storyline, and Isabelle herself was named Best Newcomer for her role as Frankie Osborne.

We couldn’t be prouder of Isabelle and all she’s achieved so far!

Address

City Campus Manchester
Manchester
M31PT

Website

http://www.thearden.co.uk/

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