The History of Actor Training in the British Drama School.

This is quite simply the best podcast I’ve ever encountered—and it is a model for what a podcast can uniquely accoomplish. Robert Price minutely and analytically examines a seemingly narrow subject—the history of actor training in the British drama schools—and in so doing brilliantly illuminates one of the cultural triumphs of the last 120 years (the British theatre). He has managed to interview a large and ever-growing number of the still-living figures and to elucidate (and often unearth) the key texts related to his subjects. His questions are probing and intelligent, his analysis and conclusions are considered and generous. As the former literary editor of the Atlantic Monthly, I can say with some confidence that Price should, of course, develop this rich subject and write a book. But a book, as valuable as it would be, would lack some of the digressive, detailed qualities that make this such a satisfying and stimulating podcast. This is a thoroughly rewarding cultural artifact.

I’ve been badgering all my friends about this podcast ever since I started listening. It is an extraordinarily useful resource for anyone interested in learning more about actor training in the British drama school and beyond. Needless to say, drama school has meant a lot of different things to a lot of different people over the years, and this podcast does a wonderful job of exploring some of those varied experiences. It also hones in on a number of ideas and methodologies that have, until quite recently, been regarded as fundamental to the craft of acting. The image that emerges is of something fluid and dynamic, but also grounded and nourished by an immense and very specific body of knowledge acquired over more than a century by a whole bunch of brilliant, obsessive, fascinating people.

A deep dive into what acting training was, is, and will be from the best practitioners in England.

This candid insider’s perspective takes a deep dive into how actors have been trained in Britain up to now, why things have been done that way, and where they may head in the future. Wonderful snippets of history with entertaining stories and conversations. A must listen for any actor!