The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen degree programme has joined the ranks of the prestigious Federation of Drama Schools (FDS) placing it in an elite national drama training network.

One of only two UK drama schools to have been accepted since the Federation was founded in 2017, this marks a major milestone for actor training in the North East. It also places the School’s drama training alongside well-known drama schools such as RADA, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and ArtsEd.

The School’s Acting degree course is already accredited by Spotlight, the leading casting platform in the UK for film, theatre, commercials, voiceovers, and TV work, for its 30 hours a week of industry-relevant training and building connections with industry professionals.

Stuart Drummond, Head of the School’s Stage and Screen faculty, said the FDS partnership now confirms the School’s status as a centre of excellence for professional actor training: “As a stage and screen faculty with a strong regional presence and commitment to offering a high-quality drama school experience to, amongst others, underrepresented groups in the North of England, we are delighted to be partnering with the Federation of Drama Schools, with whom we share many values.”

The Federation of Drama Schools represents institutions that deliver professional, vocational training for performers, theatre makers, and technical theatre practitioners. The organisation emphasises high standards, industry relevance and shared values of inclusion, professional rigour, and creative development.

The BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen course, based at the School’s Hartlepool campus, has grown significantly since its launch in 2016. Senior Lecturer Jonny Bussell, pictured above, reflected on the programme’s impressive progress: “Having started the course eight years ago before we even had studios, I am incredibly proud for the course to now be a member of the FDS.

“It is testament to the hard work and talent of staff, students, alumni and our industry partners. We have always aimed to work to the highest possible standards, and to have a recognised drama school on Teesside is fantastic, showing what talent there is in the region.”

Dr David Edwards, Reader at the School, pictured below, highlighted the significance of this development: “This puts us alongside leading drama schools and makes us the place to go if you want to enjoy the benefits of studying in the north.

“It not only reflects The Northern School of Art’s commitment to professional excellence, it also reinforces the North East’s growing influence as a hub for high-calibre creative talent and training.”

The FDS stated that its announcement of the School as one of its new partners marked a significant step forward in reflecting the evolving nature of drama training and the specialist creative education sector.

Sean McNamara, Chair of FDS, commented: “The landscape for specialist creative education and vocational training has shifted significantly in recent years, shaped by profound challenges across both the arts and higher education sectors. Despite this, institutions offering internationally leading practice-based training remain essential to the UK’s creative industries pipeline and the wider cultural ecology.”

The news has been met with enthusiasm by students, pictured above in this year’s second year production of Titus Andronicus and final year production of The Crucible, who recognise the impact the membership will have on their future careers.

Level 5 (second year) acting student Leigha Shadwell commented: “The Northern School of Art becoming an FDS member is a huge achievement that will provide students with more opportunities moving into their careers. This is a testament to the dedication of our lecturers, who have continuously worked to support students and adapt the course to better prepare us for the industry.”

Fellow Level 5 student Mitch Watson added: “With the School becoming a part of the Federation of Drama Schools, collaboration between the courses provides an amazing opportunity and fresh new experiences alongside the help and support of our lecturers with their own unique skills which allow us actors to grow.”

Kit Mulroy, also in Level 5, echoed this sentiment: “Becoming a part of the Federation of Drama Schools is a huge honour and I am so grateful for the lecturers and people that have made this possible. Their support and commitment to the school is undeniable and I am proud that we have been given the opportunity to be involved in this.”

Further information about the BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen degree and MA in Directing & Theatre Making is available HERE