About BTA
Theatre without
the barriers.
The British Theatre Academy believes every child and young adult should be able to train and perform without the barrier of cost. We run free auditions and full repertory productions across the country.
Our story
Thirty-five years
in the making.
Founded in 1989 as Songtime Theatre Arts by our CEO Matthew Chandler, we've nurtured young performers for over three decades — rebranding as The British Theatre Academy in 2016 to mark our commitment to free and affordable theatre training across the country.
Today we're over 1,000 members strong, across many local BTA schools — with alumni on Olivier-winning stages, in the West End, and on TV and film.
What makes us different
Learn on the job.
Rep-company model
Performers don't sit in a classroom — they're cast in a real show and learn the craft on the job, the way a professional company works.
Professional creatives
Every production is guided by a skilled professional creative team — directors, choreographers and musical directors working at industry standard.
Diverse & inclusive
We're passionate about diversity and inclusivity, and engage young people to pursue performing regardless of socioeconomic background.
We believe natural talent shouldn't go unseen because of what a family can afford. Give a young person a real stage and a professional team around them, and they will astonish you.
Come and have a go.
Auditions are free and open to performers aged 5–26. No prep, no fees — just turn up and have a go.