Court Theatre Training Company — one of London’s most progressive and innovative drama schools — is delighted to announce its formal induction into the distinguished Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).
This landmark achievement marks the first time a new institution has been welcomed into the Federation since its inception, firmly establishing Court Theatre Training Company as a leading voice in the field of elite actor training across the UK.
Established in 1989, the company has earned widespread respect for its industry-focused training, pioneering outreach efforts, and commitment to equipping students with the tools for long-term, sustainable careers in performance. Its dedication to diversity, accessibility, and high artistic standards has now been recognised at a national level with FDS membership — a development set to reshape the landscape of British drama education.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be accepted into the Federation of Drama Schools,” said Paul Taylor, Executive Director of Court Theatre Training Company. “This recognition validates decades of work by our faculty, alumni, and students and opens a new era of opportunity, visibility, and excellence.”
A Significant Advancement for the Sector
Joining the Federation sends a powerful message to casting agents, producers, and industry professionals that Court Theatre Training Company meets the gold standard for actor training in the UK. Graduates will now enjoy enhanced professional credibility, stronger industry connections, and greater opportunities.
This development also comes at a pivotal time for the arts. With inclusivity and adaptability more crucial than ever, Court Theatre’s trailblazing outreach schemes, open-access audition approach, and full UKVI sponsorship for international students demonstrate a forward-thinking vision for arts education.
About the Federation of Drama Schools
The Federation of Drama Schools was established in 2017. Evolving from a group of drama school training providers who came together initially in 1969 as the Conference of Drama Schools (CDS), the 22 member schools at the time offered courses in Acting, Musical Theatre, Directing and Technical Theatre training, which were accredited by the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT). In 2012, these 2 bodies merged to form Drama UK. In 2017, this organisation dissolved, and the Federation of Drama Schools was created.
The Federation of Drama Schools partners are institutions that provide conservatoire vocational training for those who want to be professional performers, theatre makers and technical theatre practitioners. The courses they offer are for the most part for students of 18 years and over, and are fully established, recognised and regulated as higher education qualifications.
Each Federation partner offers a range of different courses and programmes. They are also individual in terms of particular ethos and approaches- there is no ‘set’ programme or course of studies, just as there is no ‘fixed’ ideal of what characteristics make a great performer or performance maker.
All partner schools do adhere to shared principles and characteristics that underpin their training programmes, and these are used to underpin the consideration of new partners. These hallmarks outline the key elements of a professional training experience and are what might be expected from any course that is intended to prepare for a professional performance career.
