PROJECTS WE FUND
In fulfilling ASRADA’s mission to promote the dramatic art and ensure excellence in training for talented actors, technicians, craft specialists and writers, ASRADA is happy to promote RADA’s annual Big Give Christmas Challenge in support of their fundraising campaign.
Donations made directly to ASRADA by US donors in support of this campaign are not matched, but eligible to receive Acknowledgment Letters for use with US Federal Tax filings. Donations can be made at any time and for further queries, about this successful campaign and other funding projects, please contact development@rada.ac.uk.
THE BIG GIVE
What’s the Big Give Christmas Challenge?
It’s the UK’s biggest online match funding campaign, that connects charitable trusts with participating charities. For seven days, it offers individual supporters of participating charities the opportunity to have their donation doubled on theBigGive.org.uk.
Thank you to everyone who gave to our 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Big Give Christmas Challenge, helping our campaign to recover, re-build and support our students.
RADA’s Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025
Seven days to double your donation and support the next generation of creative talent
Help RADA deliver world-leading training to the most talented young artists — ensuring they have the tools, spaces, and confidence to shape the future of the creative industries.
At RADA, we inspire boldness, celebrate risk, and nurture shared purpose — developing the next generation of storytellers and creative leaders.
This year, RADA is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge to raise vital funds for our training and facilities.
Watch our video with RADA graduates Tanya Moodie, Bertie Carvel, Rosie Sheehy and Jai Morjaria talking about the impact RADA has on the creative industries.
For seven days only, from midday on Tuesday 2 December to midday on Tuesday 9 December, any donations you make through the Big Give website will be doubled — at no extra cost to you.
Your support will help us ensure every RADA student leaves ready to make a lasting impact: as artists, innovators, and creative leaders driving progress and inclusion across our society.
What is the Big Give Christmas Challenge?
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK’s largest online match-funding campaign.
For one week, supporters have the opportunity to see their donations doubled via theBigGive.org.uk, thanks to generous match funding from trusts and individuals.
Why we’re raising funds for training and facilities
RADA is a world leader in dramatic arts education; but maintaining that standard requires ongoing investment. Our training is highly specialised and resource-intensive — and current financial pressures threaten our ability to provide our students with exceptional teaching, up-to-date facilities and industry-standard equipment.
We urgently need to invest in equipment and spaces that reflect professional standards, ensuring our students are prepared for the demands of the industry.
“RADA’s world-leading reputation goes before it. I can say as a graduate, as an artist, and now as Artistic Director of the National Theatre that RADA is an essential part of the cultural fabric of our country, our creative industries, and is one of the handful of British institutions that helps to shape our reputation in the world.”
– Rufus Norris, Acting Diploma graduate 1989
What your gift could fund
- A contribution of $20 could cover the purchase of a newly published play script for the RADA library.
- A donation of $65 could pay for a session with a trained counsellor from RADA’s Student Wellbeing team.
- A gift of $653 could pay for an experienced, industry-leading artist to lead a masterclass for our students.
- A donation of $5,225 could fund a scholarship for a student facing financial hardship.
- A gift of $15,600 could fund a designer, director and crew to work with our students on RADA’s annual musical.
Our Goal
We’re aiming to raise $91,000 (£70,000) during the Big Give week.
Thanks to our generous match funders, every donation will have double the impact, helping RADA nurture the creativity of our students and uphold the excellence of their training.
Match funders: Lucy and Zac Barratt, Cecilia and Stuart Boyd, Aidan Clegg, Alan and Ros Haigh, Richard Lissack, John Romeo.
Remember: Only donations made via the Big Give platform between 2 and 9 December will be matched.
Please make your pledge now by emailing development@rada.ac.uk, mark the dates in your diary, and stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks.
OTHER PROJECTS WE FUND
LONDON TRAVEL AID FOR AMERICANS
US Students Called to London for Final Auditions
Financial support is available for travel to London for the final round of callbacks, contingent upon submitting a request to ASRADA at asradastudentaid@gmail.com. The request should explain the need for assistance and include a preferred flight choice along with a copy of the callback invitation. ASRADA will review the materials and, if necessary, suggest a more cost-efficient flight as an alternative. If the request is granted ASRADA will arrange payment for the flight.
US Students Accepted to RADA
Financial support is available for travel to London for US students accepted to RADA to begin the BA course, contingent upon submitting a request to ASRADA at asradastudentaid@gmail.com. The letter should explain the need for assistance and include a preferred flight choice along with a copy of your acceptance invitation. ASRADA will review the materials and, if necessary, suggest a more cost-efficient flight as an alternative. If the request is granted ASRADA will arrange payment for the flight.
PLEASE HELP FUND RADA’S AMERICAN STUDENT BURSARY
RADA and ASRADA continue to search for avenues of support for talented American students of limited financial means who secure a place at RADA. Sadly, there are no scholarships in place at this time to aid Americans. Research into available funding continues, as logic defies why Americans who want to study abroad at one of the world’s most highly regarded institutions, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, can’t find aid whilst other students can at places such as the Royal Academy of Music. Please contact ASRADA or RADA if you would like to be involved in helping young Americans with limited means take their place at RADA. Across the USA there are many more talented American RADA acting and technical graduates successfully working in the theatre, film and television industry. Please help us send the equally talented but less fortunate to RADA!
FUTURE PROJECTS
RADA’s American Masterclass Series
RADA has a long tradition of inviting the most influential figures from the creative industries to work with its student cohort. Each year a host of workshops and masterclasses is delivered to students in addition to their regular timetabled commitments. RADA draws on celebrated directors, designers and specialists to enhance the training of students by sharing valuable insights and experiences. By supporting RADA’s American Masterclass Series, ASRADA will be ensuring that students benefit from bespoke workshops and classes from experts residing or working for extended periods in the States.
PAST PROJECTS
RADA’s Musical Theatre Intensive Course Summer 2016
RADA offered an innovative five-week course for experienced performers intending to pursue a career in Musical Theatre. This Intensive was developed from RADA’s acclaimed, week-long Musical Theatre course, which rapidly achieved a distinguished reputation among Musical Theatre professionals. The rigorous program encompassed numerous elements of training taught on RADA’s other performance courses. Participants worked with the Academy’s staff on singing, voice, movement, acting, combat, clown, dance and much more.
RADA’s Summer Residency at Martha’s Vineyard
In 2011 ASRADA supported RADA’s unique opportunity to take up a collaborative artistic and educational residency for acting graduates in the United States. Six acting graduates (Justin Adams, Annika Boras, O-T Fagbenle, Katie Krane, Lauren Swann and Kett Turton) along with RADA Associate Director Nona Shepphard embarked on this two-week residency at Vineyard Arts Project, Martha’s Vineyard from 16 to 30 August 2011. The company worked on a new play called RIOT written by David Simpatico and Savianna Stanescu which focused on the riots in London. The piece was performed publicly to the local community in Martha’s Vineyard. This program is now closed.
RADA’s Sara Sugarman Bursaries
In 2007 ASRADA received a generous grant from The Annenberg Foundation which afforded ASRADA the opportunity to help with the creation of and funding for RADA’s Sara Sugarman Bursaries – a writers-on-attachment program providing two annual scholarships for young writers in honor of RADA graduate and producer Sara Sugarman. This program is now closed.