Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts is a respected drama school in London offering professional training in acting, musical theatre, and production arts. It moved to a state-of-the-art campus in Peckham, bringing modern facilities to its programs.

The school is particularly well known for its musical theatre program, which is considered one of the best in the UK. The acting program emphasizes versatility, preparing graduates for careers across stage and screen.

Mountview's industry showcases are well attended by agents and casting directors, and graduates regularly find work soon after completing their training. The school has a strong alumni network in the West End.

Tuition fees are competitive with other leading UK drama schools. Mountview offers scholarships, including the Ian McKellen Award, which provides financial support to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Mountview is an ideal choice for actors and musical theatre performers seeking professional training with excellent industry connections. The new campus provides a vibrant, modern training environment. The Peckham campus, which opened in 2018, represents a significant investment in the school's future, with purpose-built rehearsal studios, a flexible theatre space, recording facilities, and dedicated areas for screen work training. Mountview's location in the culturally diverse and artistically vibrant Peckham neighborhood gives students access to a thriving local arts scene that complements their formal training. The school's dual strength in both straight acting and musical theatre means graduates develop a versatility that is increasingly valued in the modern entertainment industry.

Tuition for Mountview's three-year BA in Acting is approximately £9,250 per year for UK students under the standard fee cap, and approximately £16,500 per year for international students, placing it at the more affordable end of London conservatoire training. The BA in Musical Theatre carries similar fee structures, and both programs are eligible for standard UK student loan arrangements for domestic students. Mountview offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including the prestigious Ian McKellen Award, which provides full tuition support to students from underrepresented backgrounds. The school's foundation courses and short courses are available at lower price points, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand pounds depending on duration and intensity. Compared to RADA, LAMDA, and Guildhall, Mountview's international fees are notably lower, making it one of the most cost-effective options among London's professionally recognized drama schools. The Peckham location also offers more affordable accommodation and living costs than schools in central London or the West End. Evening and weekend classes provide additional affordable entry points for actors wanting to experience Mountview's training approach before committing to a full-time program.

We recommend Mountview for actors and musical theatre performers who want high-quality professional training in modern facilities at a more accessible price point than the most expensive London conservatoires. If you are a musical theatre performer, Mountview should be near the top of your list, as its program is genuinely among the best in the country with exceptional West End placement rates. Straight acting students who choose Mountview will receive excellent training but should be prepared to actively demonstrate the breadth of their abilities to counteract any musical-theatre-focused perceptions. International students will find Mountview's lower fee structure and the relatively affordable Peckham living costs make it a significantly more financially manageable option than competitors in central London. If you are choosing between Mountview and other London schools, visit the campus and attend a student performance, as the energy and quality of the new facilities often convince undecided applicants. Actors who are primarily interested in classical theatre may find RADA, LAMDA, or Bristol Old Vic better suited to their focus, though Mountview's training is becoming increasingly comprehensive.

Research Mountview's specific audition requirements carefully, as the school looks for performers who demonstrate genuine passion, versatility, and openness to ensemble collaboration. Prepare audition material that shows your authentic connection to the text and your willingness to take creative risks, as the panel values personality and potential over technical polish. If you are applying for the musical theatre program, ensure your singing, acting, and movement pieces each demonstrate a different aspect of your abilities rather than playing to the same strengths repeatedly. Once enrolled, take advantage of the Peckham location by exploring the local arts scene, attending performances at the Bussey Building, Peckhamplex cinema, and other neighborhood venues. Build relationships with students across both the acting and musical theatre programs, as these cross-program connections broaden your network and creative perspective. Attend as many West End and fringe productions as possible during your training, using student discounts and rush tickets to see a wide range of professional work that will inform your own development.