Training the actors, dancers, singers, performers, technicians and theatre-makers of the future
We are The Arden School of Theatre, a specialist drama school in Manchester training the performers and creative professionals of the future.
If you’re serious about a career in the creative industries, you’ll be at home here. Whether your future is on stage, on screen, creating new work or bringing productions to life behind the scenes, we’ll challenge you to develop your craft, find your individual creative voice and build the confidence and professional skills to succeed.
Our lecturers bring current professional expertise and creative practice into your training, connecting what happens in the classroom, studio, rehearsal room and theatre with the realities of today’s industry. You’ll learn by doing, collaborating across disciplines and developing the independence expected of a creative professional.
At UCEN Manchester, The Arden is part of a wider creative faculty alongside The Manchester Film School and Art, Media & Make-up, opening the door to collaboration beyond your own discipline.
Our links with the profession are central to the Arden experience. We are Spotlight approved and and Accredited School of CDMT (The council for Dance Drama and Musical Theatre), connecting your training with the standards and expectations of the industry.
If you’re ready to turn your ambition into a profession, this is where the work starts.
As part of UCEN Manchester you'll become part of an eco-system of creatives, from film-makers and writers, to special effects, make-up artists, animators, and artists - all housed under one roof! You'll be able to collaborate and work on projects that you are passionate about and expand your pool of industry contacts.
You'll also benefit from our status as a Spotlight approved provider which signals to the industry that your training has met the highest industry standards. It’s hardly surprising that our students go on to achieve great success, from lead roles in hit TV dramas and soap operas to starring in West End productions.
Reasons to choose us
Graduate Testimonials
Our graduates have gone on to great things.
Find out more
"After auditioning at various drama schools, The Arden School of Theatre emerged as the place where I felt most comfortable and confident in my performances. This was due to the dedicated tutors, with their wealth of industry experience and genuine passion for the craft. Their guidance, patience, and enthusiasm infused every lesson with inspiration and insight. The Arden not only helped me step out of my comfort zone and take risks but also instilled in me a deeper love for the art of acting, that bursts with passion, whimsicality and charisma. Looking back, I'm proud to call The Arden my 'home', and I'm thankful for the foundation it provided as I am grateful to continue my journey as a professional actor.
"A jam-packed, versatile course that explores unexpected horizons within Musical Theatre and helps you discover your self-worth."
"The Arden School of Theatre has changed my life. I have been given some of the most amazing opportunities that I will be forever grateful for, I have been able to travel and work with some of the best theatre makers around from the likes of; Made In China to Bryony Kimmings. The Arden has made me conquer and build myself as an artist and with that I can only thank the theatre and performance tutors for the constant help and support throughout my time at the Arden. I am now working towards making myself a better all round artist, from the Arden I will take away all the tools I could possibly need to be my own artist and 1001 memories and friends for life."
