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The Elizabeth Samuels Academy

The Elizabeth Samuels Academy is the specialist training division of Elizabeth Samuels Drama School. Designed for young performers who want to develop their craft, it combines expert teaching with a supportive environment where confidence, creativity and technical skill can grow.

Students can progress from LAMDA Acting into company training and professional screen-performance projects.

Specialist acting training for young performers in Years 3–13, open to students from any school.

Years 3–13  |  The Exchange Theatre, Twickenham  |  Open to students from any school

Training pathway

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A supportive introduction to specialist actor training, combining nationally recognised LAMDA qualifications with engaging group work and individual coaching. Students build acting technique, characterisation, voice, communication and performance confidence while progressing at their own pace. Examinations are optional.

Years 3-6

LAMDA Acting

BEST FOR: Young performers beginning their training or developing confidence through a clear, structured programme. Previous experience is not required.

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More advanced company training for students ready to move beyond examinations. Through challenging scripts, scene study, Shakespeare, improvisation and ensemble work, students develop greater independence, discipline and confidence while working towards performances and creative projects.

Years 7-9

Academy company

BEST FOR: Committed young actors ready for deeper rehearsal and performance work. Entry is by teacher recommendation, invitation or audition.

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The Academy's highest level of training for dedicated young actors. Advanced stagecraft is combined with professional screen-acting experience, including naturalistic performance, self-tapes, audition preparation and professionally filmed projects that can support future applications and approaches to agents.

Years 9-13

Elite acting company

BEST FOR: Experienced, committed performers seeking advanced stage and screen training. Entry is by audition or invitation only.

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Why families choose the Academy

The Academy offers more than a weekly acting class. Small groups, specialist teaching and individual attention give students the space to take creative risks, refine their technique and progress over time alongside other enthusiastic young performers.

  • A clear, long-term training pathway

  • Small classes and individual coaching

  • LAMDA qualifications, live performance and screen projects

  • Audition preparation and professional rehearsal skills

  • A supportive community that develops confidence, resilience and creativity

How to join

  • New students begin with a two-week introduction. This gives your child the opportunity to experience the training and gives our teachers time to make sure the programme is the right fit.

  • After the introduction, we will discuss your child's experience and progress. If the Academy is the right fit, they will be invited to continue through the monthly membership programme.

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Booking and credibility

Current Academy classes

Choose the programme that matches your child's school year and experience to view current availability. If you are unsure where they should begin, contact us and we will be happy to advise you.

Book an academy introduction
Ask which pathway fits

Specialist training led by Samuel Davis

Academy training is led by Principal and Founder Samuel Davis, a First Class Drama graduate with an MA in Acting from ArtsEd. His professional experience spans theatre direction and international screen productions, and his focus is creating ambitious, supportive environments in which young performers can thrive.

Academy students have achieved Distinctions in LAMDA examinations, gained drama scholarships, secured professional acting work and continued their training at leading drama schools. Just as importantly, they develop confidence, resilience and communication skills that reach far beyond performance.

Contact Sam