RADA Studios facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RADA Studios |
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| Chenies Street, London | |
RADA Studios
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 RADA Studios
Location within London
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| Coordinates | 51°31′14″N 0°07′57″W / 51.520556°N 0.1325°W |
| Type | Drill Hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1882 |
| Built for | War Office |
| Architect | Samuel Knight |
| In use | 1882–present |
RADA Studios (also known as The Drill Hall) is a special place in London where people learn about acting and theatre. It is located on Chenies Street in an area called Bloomsbury, near Tottenham Court Road. The building belongs to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Inside RADA Studios, you can find rehearsal rooms where actors practice their lines. There are also meeting rooms and a theatre called the Studio Theatre. This theatre can seat up to 200 people, making it a great place for performances.
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History of RADA Studios
The building that is now RADA Studios was built in 1882. It was designed by an architect named Samuel Knight. The building was first used as the main office for a group called the St Giles's and St George's Bloomsbury Rifles. This was a military group, and the building was their "drill hall" where they practiced.
Early Artistic Connections
Even in its early days, the Drill Hall had links to the arts. In the 1900s, a famous dance company called the Ballets Russes used the hall for their rehearsals. Their leader was Sergei Diaghilev. Imagine famous dancers practicing in the same building!
Military Use and World Wars
The Bloomsbury Rifles moved out in 1908. Another military group, the 12th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (The Rangers), took over the Drill Hall. This group was called to action here in August 1914. They then went to fight in World War I on the Western Front.
During World War II, the hall was used for special shows. These were called Gang Shows and were put on by Ralph Reader. These shows helped entertain people during the war. After the wars, the military groups based at the hall changed names a few times. However, in 1960, the hall became empty when the Rangers joined with another group.
Becoming an Arts Centre
In the 1960s, the building had a brief life as an art gallery. It showed a collection of art from the Tate Gallery. Then, in 1977, it started to be used as an arts centre for the local community. It became a proper theatre, known as The Drill Hall, in the 1980s.
The Drill Hall was home to The Musical Theatre Academy from 2009 to 2011. This college taught students how to be "triple threat" performers. This means they learned to sing, dance, and act. The college later moved to a different location.
RADA Takes Over
In January 2012, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) took over the lease of The Drill Hall. RADA is a very famous school for actors. They wanted to use the building for their own students and also rent out the space. This helps RADA earn money to keep running their charity.
Today, the entire RADA Studios venue can be rented out. The 200-seat Studio Theatre has even been used by the BBC. They have recorded radio shows there, like Cabin Pressure, in front of a live audience.
