Liverpool is home to a vibrant performing arts culture, respected theatres, and renowned creative academies. Whether you want to pursue a full-time acting degree, join a part-time acting studio, or prepare for screen auditions, the city offers excellent training options for all skill levels. This guide explores the top 15 acting schools in Liverpool, complete with fees, courses offered, program strengths, and the type of students each school is best suited for.

Top 15 Acting Schools In Liverpool And Fees

1. Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts stands as Liverpool’s most prestigious performing arts education centre. Founded by Sir Paul McCartney, LIPA provides elite-level acting and performance training grounded in both theory and practical professional experience. Its industry connections, state-of-the-art studios, and experienced faculty make it highly competitive among UK drama schools.

Courses Offered:
– BA (Hons) Acting
– Foundation Acting Certificate
– Screen Acting Workshops
– Summer Acting Program

Fees:
– BA Acting: £9,250 per year (UK) / £17,500+ (International)
– Workshops & Summer Courses: £350–£900

Students at LIPA receive extensive training in movement, stagecraft, voice projection, character development, and screen tasks. The school is known for its emphasis on preparing actors for both traditional and modern performance industries.

2. Liverpool Theatre School

Liverpool Theatre School is widely recognised for producing high-calibre theatre and on-stage performers. It is among the longest-running drama academies in the region, with highly structured diploma programs endorsed by industry bodies.

Courses Offered:
– Level 6 Diploma in Professional Acting
– Musical Theatre Diploma
– Audition Technique
– Children’s Acting Courses

Fees:
– Diploma Programs: £13,000–£14,500 per year
– Workshops: £150–£450

Students learn camera techniques, improvisation, classical theatre, and script interpretation. Many graduates go on to secure roles in major theatre productions and UK television.

3. ActUpNorth Liverpool

ActUpNorth is Liverpool’s top platform for screen acting and casting preparation. The school is particularly popular among aspiring TV and soap opera actors.

Courses Offered:
– TV & Film Acting
– Self-Tape Coaching
– Audition Skills
– 1-to-1 Acting Coaching

Fees:
– Monthly Training: £75–£95
– Private Sessions: £40–£60 per hour

This school is perfect for learners aiming for real industry exposure, especially in British TV dramas. The teaching style is modern, practical, and aligned with current casting requirements.

4. Rare Studio Liverpool

Rare Studio attracts global attention for its professional-level acting and musical theatre training. The academy has built a reputation for propelling young talent into film and theatre careers.

Courses Offered:
– Acting Diploma
– Screen Acting
– Performance Workshops
– Youth Acting Programs

Fees:
– Diploma: £6,000–£8,500 per year
– Workshops: £50–£200

Rare Studio emphasises hands-on performance work, including monologues, scene study, casting simulations, and on-screen training.

5. Everyman & Playhouse Young Actors Programme

The Everyman Theatre is a cornerstone of Liverpool’s theatrical history. Its acting programmes offer unmatched exposure to live theatre and professional stage productions.

Courses Offered:
– Young Actors (14–22 years)
– Adult Acting Classes
– Theatre Production Courses

Fees:
– £300–£450 per term
– Adult Classes: £120–£250

Students gain real stage experience, rehearsal training, directing practice, and access to professional theatre spaces.

6. The Studio – Liverpool’s Screen Acting School

The Studio specialises in on-camera acting and provides professional production-grade training environments.

Courses Offered:
– Screen Acting Diploma
– Film Acting Skills
– Self-Tape Professionalism
– On-Camera Masterclasses

Fees:
– Diploma: £3,500–£5,000 per year
– Monthly Classes: £80–£120

The Studio is ideal for actors focused on TV, film, advertisements, and digital content creation.

7. Liverpool Media Academy (LMA)

Popularised through its links with entertainment brands, Liverpool Media Academy offers degree-level acting programs backed by hands-on training.

Courses Offered:
– BA Acting & Performance
– BA Musical Theatre
– Acting Workshops
– Digital Performance Training

Fees:
– Degree Programs: £9,250 per year
– Short Courses: £100–£400

LMA integrates classroom lectures with live projects, acting reels, directing tasks, and storytelling techniques.

8. North West Actors Studio

North West Actors Studio is known for small-group classes focused on actor development. Their sessions blend classical and contemporary acting methods.

Courses Offered:
– Adult Acting
– Screen Acting
– Monologue Coaching
– Script & Character Work

Fees:
– £15–£25 per session
– Intensives: £200–£400

Students benefit from practical training built around real-world acting challenges.

9. Merseyside Academy of Drama (MAD)

MAD is one of Liverpool’s most accessible and beginner-friendly acting academies. It caters to adults of all ages and skill levels.

Courses Offered:
– Acting for Beginners
– Improvisation
– Acting for Camera
– Creative Writing for Actors
– Audition Training

Fees:
– £100–£160 per course block

Their classes encourage confidence-building, creativity, teamwork, and early-stage screen skills.

10. Liverpool Arts Academy

Liverpool Arts Academy provides affordable evening and weekend acting classes suitable for busy adults and young learners.

Courses Offered:
– Acting & Drama
– Voice Training
– Screen Acting Basics
– Performance Workshops

Fees:
– £10–£20 per class
– Workshops: £80–£150

The academy is perfect for learners seeking flexible schedules and non-intimidating performance environments.

11. Stagecoach Performing Arts Liverpool

Stagecoach is a global network with high-quality acting programs for children and teens.

Courses Offered:
– Drama & Acting
– Musical Theatre
– Performance Technique
– Screen Acting (selected centres)

Fees:
– £350–£450 per term

The school helps young performers build stage presence, confidence, and audition skills.

12. PQA Liverpool – Pauline Quirke Academy

PQA is known for its strong emphasis on film and TV acting for young people.

Courses Offered:
– Film & Television
– Comedy & Drama
– Theatre Skills
– Holiday Acting Camps

Fees:
– £25–£30 per session

Students regularly produce screen projects, giving them early exposure to real camera work.

13. MAX Talent Academy Liverpool

MAX Talent Academy trains young performers in acting, modelling, and on-camera presentation.

Courses Offered:
– Acting for TV
– Drama Workshops
– Casting Prep
– On-Camera Scene Work

Fees:
– £200–£500 per course

This academy is ideal for children, beginners, and aspiring commercial actors.

14. The Atkinson Theatre Performing Arts

Located in Southport but widely used by Liverpool residents, The Atkinson offers part-time acting training.

Courses Offered:
– Adult Drama
– Youth Acting
– Acting Workshops

Fees:
– £10–£15 per class
– Workshops: £80–£150

The Atkinson specialises in stage-based acting and community theatre.

15. Performers Theatre School Liverpool

Performers Theatre School offers long-standing children’s and teens’ acting programmes with a strong track record.

Courses Offered:
– Acting & Drama
– Theatre Skills
– Musical Theatre
– Screen Acting (selected groups)

Fees:
– £12–£25 per session
– Workshops: £60–£120

Students often participate in productions, competitions, and auditions across Merseyside.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s acting schools offer diverse training for beginners, youth performers, and advanced actors targeting professional careers. Whether you prefer prestigious degree programs, screen-focused studios, or affordable part-time classes, you’ll find strong options across the city.