Elizabeth Samuels Academy
Exceptional training for young performers
The Elizabeth Samuels Academy is the specialist training division of Elizabeth Samuels Drama School.
Designed for ambitious young performers, the Academy offers exceptional training in acting, performance and communication through a carefully structured programme of specialist classes.
Through specialist LAMDA training, company classes and professional screen acting projects, students develop the confidence and skills to perform both on stage and in front of the camera.
All classes take place at The Exchange Theatre in Twickenham.
A Complete Training Pathway
The Academy has been designed to support students at every stage of their development as performers.
Whether they are taking their first LAMDA examination or preparing for advanced performance work within our acting companies, every programme is carefully designed to build confidence, creativity and technical excellence.
As students grow, they have opportunities to progress through the Academy while continuing to challenge themselves alongside like-minded young performers.
LAMDA Acting
Years 3-6
LAMDA Acting is one of the Academy's specialist training programmes, combining nationally recognised acting qualifications with high-quality actor training.
Students develop confidence, creativity and communication while building strong foundations in performance through engaging group lessons and individual coaching.
Lessons combine engaging group activities with individual coaching, allowing every student to progress at their own pace while working towards graded examinations.
Students develop:
Acting technique
Characterisation
Voice and projection
Physical performance
Performance skills
LAMDA examinations are optional, although most Academy students choose to work towards them.
Academy Company
Years 7-9
Academy Company is designed for students who are ready to move beyond examinations and develop their acting through more advanced training.
Students begin working with more challenging scripts and rehearsal techniques while developing the discipline, collaboration and professionalism expected within a theatre company.
Throughout the year, students work towards performances and creative projects that allow them to apply their training in front of an audience.
Training includes:
Scene study
Character development
Script analysis
Shakespeare
Ensemble performance
Improvisation
Audition technique
Entry: Teacher recommendation, invitation or audition.
Elite Acting Company
Years 9-13
The Elite Acting Company is the highest level of training offered by the Elizabeth Samuels Academy.
Designed for dedicated young actors, the programme combines advanced actor training with professional screen acting experience, giving students the opportunity to develop both their stagecraft and on-camera performance.
Working in a small company environment, students receive detailed individual coaching while exploring naturalistic acting techniques, audition preparation and professional rehearsal processes.
Throughout the year students work towards professionally filmed scenes, monologues and screen performance projects, creating high-quality footage that can be used to support future auditions, applications and approaches to agents.
Training includes:
Advanced acting technique
Acting for camera
Scene study
Self-tape and audition technique
Screen performance
Professional rehearsal process
Filmed performance projects
Each term includes professionally filmed scenes and performance material.
Entry: Audition or invitation only.
Why Parents choose the Academy?
Families choose the Elizabeth Samuels Academy because it provides far more than a weekly acting class.
Our students benefit from exceptional teaching, small class sizes and a carefully planned training pathway that supports their development over many years.
Whether students are building confidence through LAMDA, preparing for auditions or developing advanced acting technique within one of our acting companies, every programme shares the same commitment to excellence, creativity and individual attention.
Our students benefit from:
A structured long-term acting pathway
Nationally recognised LAMDA qualifications
Specialist acting tuition
Small class sizes
Individual coaching
Performance opportunities
Audition preparation
A supportive community of dedicated young performers
About Samuel Davis
Samuel Davis is the Principal and Founder of Elizabeth Samuels Drama School.
He graduated with First Class Honours in Drama before completing an MA in Acting at ArtsEd Drama School.
Alongside directing theatre productions, Samuel has worked on international productions including the Netflix Original Series Three Days of Christmas and Go! Go! Cory Carson.
His passion is creating inspiring training environments where young performers can develop confidence, creativity and exceptional acting skills.
How to Apply
Joining the Elizabeth Samuels Academy is simple.
Step 1 – Book Your Academy Introduction
All new students begin with a two-week Academy Introduction, giving them the opportunity to experience Academy training while allowing our teachers to ensure the programme is the right fit.
Step 2 – Join the Academy
Following the Academy Introduction, we'll discuss your child's progress and, if the Academy is the right fit, invite them to become an Academy member through our monthly membership programme.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome enthusiastic young performers who are passionate about acting and eager to learn. Previous experience is welcome but not essential for our LAMDA Acting programme.
More Than Acting
At the Elizabeth Samuels Academy, we believe outstanding performers are created through curiosity, commitment and exceptional training.
Our aim is not simply to prepare students for examinations or performances but to help every young person develop the confidence, resilience and creativity that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Academy students have gone on to gain drama scholarships, achieve Distinction in LAMDA examinations, secure professional acting work and continue their training at leading drama schools. Others simply leave with greater confidence, resilience and communication skills that benefit them throughout life.
Whether students dream of performing professionally or simply want to become more confident communicators, the Academy provides an inspiring environment where they can grow, challenge themselves and achieve their full potential.