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    Are you?

    • Learning disabled and/or autistic?
    • Passionate about drama?
    • Considering a career on stage, screen, or live performance?
    • Experienced in the performing arts?
    • Aged 18+?

    Then we might have just the place for you!

    This highly acclaimed course, run in collaboration with The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and supported by Netflix, is one of the world’s leading creative courses for and by learning disabled and autistic artists.

    You will work with celebrated arts professionals to learn performance skills, create performances in different styles, and prepare for different career options in the arts. You will also have the opportunity to network with industry experts.

    All classes are co-led by professional learning disabled and/or autistic artists.

    You have until June 24th to apply for our 2025-2027 Diploma.

    Continue scrolling to know more

    Details on the course

    Course Content
    • Working with leading industry professionals, you will create your own performances in different contemporary styles.
    • You will study with leading acting, casting, voice and movement tutors, developing your skills as a performer
    • You’ll work with television professionals to develop your skills as an actor and writer and gain understanding of the industry
    • You will have the opportunity to think about the type of work you want to make after graduation.
    • All training is co-led by an experienced learning disabled or autistic tutor.
    • On graduation, you will gain a Level 2 qualification in Performance Making, and will receive personalized exit strategies to guide you through the next steps in your career
    Who is it for?

    Learning disabled and/or autistic people aged 18+ with previous drama experience.

    When does it happen?

    Applications for the 2025-2027 are open until Tuesday, June 24th

    Auditions will take place over two days during the week of 21st July 2025.

    The Diploma is a part-time, two-year course. It runs from October 2025 to July 2027.

    Students attend classes two days per week, along with intensive weeks at Easter and in the summer.

    Where is it?

    Most classes are at

    The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
    Eton Avenue
    London
    NW3 3HY

    How much does it cost?

    The course is free.

    What might happen after graduation?

    74% of diploma graduates have gone into paid work in the creative industries.

    Access All Areas offers advice to students to help them transition to work or other projects at the end of the course.

    The diploma offered us tutors from all different professional backgrounds, leading masterclasses in voice, movement, writing for TV as well as masterclasses taught by disabled theatre makers in the industry. This gave us an idea of the work we could do when leaving the course and taught us that learning disabled, and autistic people can thrive in those industries.
    Luke Fox, Associate Artist
    “Everyone was included and accepted for who they are. I came across live art for the first time, and was constantly developing skills like workshop leading, devising, working with scripts and reflecting on my practice.”
    Yasemin, 2021 graduate
    “I have loved every single minute of the course. It has done my confidence the world of good! My highlight was getting to play Lenny from Of Mice And Men – I always wanted to try that role.”
    Henry, 2021 graduate
    The power to change theatre.
    Lyn Gardner for The Guardian

    How to Apply

    Stage 1: Apply

    You can apply by completing the Easy Read application form.

    • This form will guide you through the steps.
    • You’ll see there are two ways to apply: either by video or by writing.

    We would also need you to fill out the Equal Opportunity form.

    • The information you put in this form is anonymous. This means we will not know who has said what. 

    Once you’ve filled out everything, send it to us by email at sophie@accessallareastheatre.org

    We can support you to apply. If you would like support, get in touch, and let us know:

    Diploma 2025 Application Info Easy Read (PDF)
    Application Form (Word) Equal Opportunities Form (Word)
    Application Form (PDF) Equal Opportunities Form (PDF)

      

    Stage 2: Auditions

    After looking at your application, we might invite you to an audition.

    Auditions will take place over two days in

    In your audition you will take part in:

    • A workshop on games and ensemble skills
    • A workshop on performance skills and storytelling
    • A friendly interview with Access All Areas staff members.

    Meet some of the graduates

    Winner of the Guardian University Award for Student Diversity and Widening Participation.