Sarah Lawrence College
Performers on stage express varied emotions, standing and gesturing dramatically under colorful lighting. The background is dark with a blue door.
Person with long, curly hair leans forward attentively, wearing a black jacket. Background is dimly lit.
Person in a ruffled shirt gestures dramatically on a dark stage.
Three people leaning over a barrier, smiling and looking out enthusiastically, lit with dramatic stage lighting.
Person wearing sunglasses plays a guitar and sings passionately. Others sit nearby with chairs in the background.
Two people pose together, one wearing a jacket. A ladder is visible in the background.
Seven individuals dressed in light-colored, ancient Greek-style clothing pose on stage.
Person in a military-style jacket stands in focus, with two others in light clothing blurred in the background on a dimly lit stage.
Person in a colorful military-style hat and red vest lounges on a stage prop with a butterfly design, smiling under stage lights.
Performers in theatrical costumes on stage, one wearing a decorated jacket and red hat, flanked by two others in dark attire, against a dark background.
Four dancers in light dresses stand on stage with their hands on their heads, backs to the audience, under purple lighting.
Person smiling broadly, wearing a striped shirt, with curly hair, holding hands up as if clapping or gesturing, against a dark background.
A group of performers on stage in dramatic poses, wearing period costumes, with some looking and pointing towards something in the distance.
Performers on stage, energetically dancing and laughing. Background is dark, creating a focus on the dynamic expressions and movements.
Person in a red coat looks ahead with a serious expression on stage, while another individual stands in the background wearing a white top.
Two people engage in a dramatic performance under blue lighting, using fabric as part of their interaction.
Performers on stage dressed in loose, earth-toned costumes, with arms raised, immersed in an expressive scene under stage lighting.

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Office of Global Education

Become part of London’s great theatrical tradition as you work and study with leading actors and directors from the world of British theatre.

Program of Study

The London Theatre program offers two different tracks: Acting and Directing. Students may apply to either the Acting track or the Directing track. Students take acting classes, master classes, and workshops with leading artists from the British stage, complemented by individual tutorials with teachers. A faculty from Britain's foremost drama schools teaches technical classes in voice, movement, and stage fighting. The program is open to Juniors and Senior year students at any accredited American college or university and students may enroll in either the Fall or the Spring semester.

Students are provided with tickets to some of the best productions of the season, and the experience of performing in a professional theatre round out the program.

Living in London

The London theatre is the principal focal point for drama in the English-speaking world. Nowhere else is there such a diversity of plays or such a range of talent. The resources of London are therefore central to students’ experience in The London Theatre Program.

  • Housing on the London Theatre Program are shared apartments with communal kitchens and living areas shared with other London Theatre Program students. All accommodations are conveniently located with easy access to BADA and all central London locations.   Full details about the accommodation options for the semester will be available upon acceptance and also described in full detail in the pre-departure handbook.
  • Attendance at performances is an integral part of the program. Master classes and talks with guest artists from the theatre world are arranged throughout each semester.

  • All materials are provided for all classes. BADA has its own library which includes computers for writing papers and Internet access during office hours.

Admission Details

  • Please contact Jayne Napier in the Office of Global Education at jnapier@sarahlawrence.edu for an audition time or an interview for the directing track. Each appointment will be no longer than 15 minutes.

    Acting applicants need to prepare the following for their audition:

    1. Some words about yourself. For example: your name, how old you are, what school you attend, when you began studying acting and why, what you know about the London Theatre Program, why you are applying to the program, and how you heard about the program.
    2. A speech from Shakespeare or one of his contemporaries, in verse, no longer than 2 minutes.
    3. A speech from a modern or contemporary text, no longer than 2 minutes.

    *One speech should be delivered in close-up, the other in a mid-shot (waist up) to camera. You may choose which piece to perform in close-up and which to perform in a mid-shot.

    Directing students should be prepared to discuss their interests and plan. At the end of your appointment, there will be time for a chat with a member of the BADA faculty.

    Appointment dates and times for the Fall 2026 seemster:

    • Tuesday, February 3, 10am – 1pm (EDT)
    • Wednesday, February 4, 10am – 1pm (EDT)
    • Monday, February 9, 10am – 1pm (EDT)
    • Thursday, February 12, 10am – 1pm (EDT)
  • Application Deadlines for Sarah Lawrence Students

    • Spring 2026 Sarah Lawrence Applicants:    closed
    • Fall 2026 Sarah Lawrence Applicants: February 15, 2026
    • Spring 2027 Sarah Lawrence Applicants: March 15, 2026

    Application Deadlines for Guest Students

    • Spring 2026 Guest Applicants: October 15, 2025
    • Fall 2026 Guest Applications: March 15, 2026
    • Spring 2027 Guest Applications: October 15, 2026
    Apply Online
  • Students are charged the cost of Sarah Lawrence tuition each semester. Suggested costs to cover meals, airfare and personal expenses are available here.
  • Sarah Lawrence College students who normally receive financial aid may apply their awards to any College-sponsored program abroad.

    Sarah Lawrence College offers limited financial assistance to guest students on this program. Students should consult their home school's financial aid office for guidance on other financial aid resources.

    For more information about Sarah Lawrence financial aid options, e-mail the Office of Global Education.

  • Download important dates below:

  • Detailed information about the London Theatre program can be found in the handbook: London (BADA) Handbook (PDF) 

Global Education at Sarah Lawrence

Sarah Lawrence offers outstanding international experiences as well as opportunities to spend a semester or year with select exchange partners. Students may also elect to study at other accredited four year institutions throughout the United States.

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