The Oxford Drama Summer Schools provide a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the study and practice of drama within a distinguished academic environment. Hosted by reputable providers, including Oxford Royale, Oxbridge Academic Programs, and Lady Margaret Hall at the University of Oxford, these programs are designed to enhance participants' understanding of theatrical arts through rigorous training and collaborative performance experiences.
oxford hosts a distinct range of drama summer courses for motivated learners.
The teaching approach in Oxford’s drama summer schools emphasizes creativity and critical thinking, fostering a deep engagement with performance techniques and theatrical theory. Unlike typical school provisions, which often prioritize standardized curricula, these programs encourage students to explore diverse themes, from classic literature to contemporary issues, through an artistic lens. This method not only cultivates acting skills but also enhances analytical abilities, allowing participants to connect emotionally and intellectually with the material.
Students can expect a dynamic study rhythm characterized by a blend of collaborative workshops, hands-on rehearsals, and individual projects. The classroom atmosphere is often vibrant and supportive, promoting open dialogue and creativity. Independent work allows for personal expression, while group activities foster teamwork and collective problem-solving. This holistic experience immerses participants in the world of theatre, encouraging them to grow as artists and individuals.
While the programs are designed to accommodate a diverse range of participants, they typically appeal to high school students aged 13 to 18. This age group benefits from an environment that encourages both personal development and artistic exploration, aligning well with their educational and creative aspirations.
Oxford drama summer schools stand apart due to their rich historical context and the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Participants gain not only performance skills but also a unique perspective on the arts, informed by Oxford’s literary heritage. The opportunity to engage with a diverse array of influences and the presence of experienced practitioners enrich the educational experience, providing depth and context that is often absent in conventional drama programs.
Observed fees for current intakes start from £3,695, with total cost shaped by duration, accommodation and subject intensity.
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Last updated: 15/02/2026
| Course | Provider | Subject | Location | Duration | Fees | Short Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing (Adults) | Oxford Royale | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature, Drama, Media, Business, Marketing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Immerse yourself in creative writing at an historic Oxford college, exploring novels, speculative fiction, drama, and poetry. Learn from expert faculty and professional writers, studying genres from modern dystopian fiction to Shakespeare and the Romantics. | View |
| Speech and Debate MINOR ONLY (The Oxford Experience) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Drama, Humanities, Social Sciences, Politics | Oxford | 4 weeks | $12,495 | Students explore major debating styles and strategies, engage in daily speaking exercises, orations, and dialogues, and prepare and present regular debates. The culmination of the course is a formal debate in the historic debating chamber of the Oxford Union Society – founded in 1823, it is one of the oldest university debating societies in the world. | View |
| Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies: Shakespeare's Plays and the Book that Saved Them | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Literature, Humanities, Arts, Drama | Oxford | 3 weeks | 4384 | Taking its cue from the First Folio (1623), the book that preserved many of Shakespeare’s plays for posterity, the course spends one week on each of the main genres in which the author wrote and introduces students to key questions raised by plays such as The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Richard III, Hamlet, and Othello, among others. Join this course for a deep dive into the world and words of William Shakespeare with some of the world's most prominent researchers in the field. | View |
| Active English (9-15 years old) with electives: Football & Tennis Coaching, Performing Arts | St Clare’s, Oxford | English, Arts, Drama, Sports, Humanities | Oxford | 2 or 3 Weeks | £3,695 – £5,100 | Grow in confidence in all four English language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), and learn outside the classroom with visits to places of cultural and historical interest in Oxford and beyond. | View |
