The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), celebrated as the world’s oldest drama school, has officially planted its roots in the heart of New York City. The prestigious institution, known for shaping some of the world’s finest actors, opened its new U.S. offices and studio spaces on 23 January, 2025, marking a bold step in its 163-year legacy.
Supported by a partnership with A.R.T./New York, LAMDA’s new Midtown Manhattan facility will serve as a vibrant hub for aspiring actors and industry professionals alike. The space will host auditions, master classes, and short courses while also providing flexible rehearsal spaces for theatre artists.
“We are very excited to open our doors in New York City,” said Professor Mark O’Thomas, Principal and CEO of LAMDA. “This expansion reinforces our commitment to making an impact on a global scale by providing support, resources and opportunities to aspiring creatives. We look forward to welcoming new students and strengthening ties with our US-based alumni network.”
The launch event, held at the Players’ Club in Manhattan last Thursday, brought together LAMDA faculty, alumni, and special guests to celebrate the historic occasion. Notably, the U.S.-based sister organization, American Friends of LAMDA (AFLAMDA), announced the appointment of Succession star Brian Cox as its inaugural patron. Other prominent board members include David Beach, Gabby Beans, Baron Kelly, and Mary Willis White.
Founded in 1861, LAMDA has remained a pioneer in performing arts education, offering vocational training through full-time degree programs, short courses, and globally recognized communication and performance examinations. Its alumni include household names such as Jim Broadbent, Maureen Lipman, and David Oyelowo.
LAMDA’s influence also extends across the Atlantic through its long-standing collaboration with the Fulbright Commission, which annually sends an acting scholar to the academy, and its robust U.S. student enrollment in semester, summer, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.
Dr. Nicholas Holden, LAMDA’s Head of Academic Affairs and Research, emphasized the significance of this expansion, said “This is a hugely exciting time for LAMDA, representing an ambitious vision to offer our training to more people around the world. We are delighted to be working with A.R.T New York as we open our office in Manhattan and use their studio facilities to bring aspects of our training program to the USA.”
LAMDA is ranked as the UK’s top drama school by The Guardian in 2024 and listed among the world’s top 10 drama schools by The Hollywood Reporter.
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