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LAMDA

What is LAMDA

LAMDA stands for London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. 

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A LAMDA exam is the speech and drama equivalent of a music grade, which begin at basic levels and culminates at Grade 8. The exams use performance to develop self confidence, physical presence and a strong speaking voice.

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LAMDA exams cover a range of disciplines including

  • Acting

  • Speaking Verse & Prose

  • Miming                                                                      

  • Reading for Performance

  • Speaking in Public

  • Shakespeare

  • Musical Theatre

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At The eSENtial Theatre Company we teach Acting and Musical Theatre, exams can be taken at different levels

  • Introductory

  • Entry

  • Level 1 - Grades 1, 2 & 3

  • Level 2 - Grades 4, & 5

  • Level 3 - Grades 6, 7 & 8 (known as Bronze, Silver & Gold)

Why should my child take a LAMDA Exam

Bench Marking

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Through the grades, LAMDA offers an ongoing measurement of speech & drama progress which benchmarks every stage of a students development. They support a steady improvement in self confidence, vocal and physical technique.

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LAMDA exams are strictly accredited and monitored by OfQual. The exams are created to  suit abilities of children of all ages, from a young child being able to recite a short poem from memory, to a teenager delivering a meaningful Shakespearean monologue - all ages and abilities should be celebrated and recognised with national recognised qualifications.

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Inclusivity

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Many students will benefit from taking LAMDA exams.

  • Anyone who loves drama

  • Existing students with an aptitude for drama and want to polish technique and prepare for auditions

  • Anyone who wants to work on their presentation skills

  • Students who wish to gain more UCAS points for university level.

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LAMDA has a Reasonable Adjustment Policy. This policy makes allowances for students with educational needs or those for whom English is a second language.

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Objectivity

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All students are examined by a LAMDA examiner.

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This means that all students, families and teachers can all be assured that the students will be examined fairly.

What happens in a LAMDA exam?

A LAMDA exam will last for between 10 minutes for a lower grade and 30 minutes for the highest grades. The exam has two parts, first the student performs chosen pieces to the examiner and then the examiner has a discussion with the student. 

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The number and type of pieces that are performed and the nature of the discussion depends on the level and grade being examined.

How is a LAMDA exam Marked?

The maximum mark for an exam is 100. This is divided into three sections

  • Interpretation

  • Technique

  • Knowledge

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The Interpretation mark reflects the student’s imaginative engagement with the written word – how well has he or she grasped and communicated

  • the surface message

  • the underlying emotional content?

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The Technique mark reflects the students’s vocal and physical performance – how well does he or she use the voice and body to

  • engage the listener

  • give a sense of conviction and truthfulness?

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The Knowledge mark reflects the student’s

  • theoretical understanding of language and/or performance

  • ability to share their ideas in discussion. 

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The total marks then provide the overall grade

80+ Distinction

65-79 Merit

50-64 Pass

 

Further information about LAMDA can be found on their website.

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