Here are the best way for students to get involved with London’s arts scene

Starting a new artistic hobby does not have to be daunting if you recognise its benefits.

According to UCL’s Social Biobehavioral Research Group, analysis of data from 23,000 people has shown us that “frequent arts participation and cultural attendance are linked to better mental health […] and higher life satisfaction”.

But, where do you start? London is full of opportunities to get involved with the arts, and finding the right option for you can be overwhelming.

So, whether you’re intrigued by acting, music, dance, theatre production, or other, these suggestions are here to help you get involved with the arts! 

Acting opportunities

The Bloomsbury Theatre, London

For regular classes, consider The Identity School of Acting, City Academy, and The Unseen Acting School, or West End MT and MX Masterclass for musical theatre. Part-time, one-off drama school classes are offered at RADA, LAMDA, and CSSD. 

For cheaper options, Sedos’ Thursday Acting Group costs less at £5 to £7 at the Theatre Deli, and The Theatre Deli also hosts acting classes “for all levels of experience” for £20 to £30. The Free Association has beginner improvisation classes, and The Burnt Orange Theatre Company regularly hosts free or cheap opportunities. Sign up to Mandy and Backstage online to audition for different opportunities too. 

Depending on your university, there should be cheap membership available to take part in Arts Societies. For example, UCL’s Drama Society membership costs £10 annually and lets you take part in limitless workshops or shows.

Community theatre performance opportunities include South London Theatre, Sedos, Network Theatre, The Quay Players, KDC Theatre, and The Tower Theatre Company, among many others.

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The National Youth Theatre, British Youth Music Theatre, and National Youth Music Theatre are fantastic ways for young adults to get into more intensive performance training. 

Aspiring musician opportunities

If you’re an aspiring musician or singer, open mic nights are your way to go, to get out there.

A small selection includes:

• Troy Bar
• Dublin Castle
• The Record Shop
• London Hospital Tavern
• Belushi’s
• Babel Open Mic
• London Unplugged
• Hampstead Heath Open Air Open Mic
• Colour Factory

Or, if you fancy staying within your uni, you can see if your university has a Live Music Society or Music Society to perform with. 

To improve your vocal abilities, consider classes at City Academy, Anna Fiorentini, and the London Singing Institute. Singing tutors can be found on Superprof, Preply, and MusicTeachers for varied budgets.

A more intensive approach can be found at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance and Pointblank which offer part-time courses on singing, music performance, or music production. 

Dance opportunities

These opportunities may help you get closer to those Tate McRae choreography dreams. 

Again, if you can join the Dance Society at your university, that will likely be the cheapest and most flexible option.

Step By Me Dance Studio has classes starting at £35 in Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and Street, Latin and Ballroom, and Bollywood. 

Additionally, The Place Dance Studio has weekly classes for people of all ages and levels. Options include Contemporary, Ballet, Bharatanatyam, Street Dance, Improvisation, Tanztheater, Creative Dance, Waacking, Flamenco, Bollywood, Popping, and Hip-Hop. A taster lesson may cost between £10 to £20. 

You could also try City Academy which offers classes ranging from intensive to beginner. Styles include Ballet, Ballroom, Belly Dance, Bollywood, Burlesque, Contemporary, Diva Dance, Flamenco, Jazz Dance, Jive Dance, Salsa and Bachata, Street Dance, Swing Dance, Tango, Tap Dance, and more. Even better too, prices can go as low as £7.50. 

Furthermore, Danceworks has pop-up classes, guest masterclasses, and live-streamed classes for around £12, as well as BASE Studios which offers classes in various styles for different levels. Prices average at £10. 

Finally, the iconic Pineapple Dance Studios has 400 weekly classes in 40 plus styles, both in-studio and live-streamed, for beginners or professionals. Prices range from £8 to £15.

Ways to get involved in theatre production  

If you’re looking to make your own work or go behind the scenes, consider short courses at  Mountview or CSSD. The National Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre let you apply to be in show production teams, become a creative facilitator, or take courses on backstage work like lighting design. 

The Cockpit also offers Advice Sessions, Script Feedback Sessions, and opportunities to put on new work, as well as Skills Improvement Sessions. The Free Association gives opportunities for new writers, and the Royal Court Theatre regularly hosts new writers’ events as well as competitions. The Donmar Warehouse and National Theatre have a number of theatre making programmes available for young people, too. 

All in all, don’t be afraid to seek out opportunities yourself through a little bit of networking or research – that’s just showbiz!