How much does the course cost?

It’s FREE! There are no fees for this programme. All materials and out of pocket expenses are also covered by Peer.

You will however, need to fund your own transport to Peer Place, food and living expenses.

How are you able to offer this course for free?

We are a registered charity, founded by a working class theatre-maker and playwright and we believe that everyone has the right to high quality arts education. For actors who join us before their 19th birthdays we receive funding from our college partner JACE training. As we want all our actors to access Peer for free, training for those over 19 is subsidised by a range of trusts and foundations and from earned income from our touring and outreach work. All materials, touring costs, masterclasses and theatre trips are fully funded. There are no hidden course costs!

I don’t live near Woking, can I still apply?

Yes. Every year young people relocate from across the UK to take part.

Does Peer have any accommodation?

We do not have any accommodation or halls of residence. Those who relocate rent privately in Woking or in other surrounding towns (Guildford, Farnham) and often live with other Peer actors in shared accommodation.

Is the Peer Actor Development Programme eligible for a student loan?

No. The PAD programme is not a degree and is not eligible for student finance.

Can I work part time whilst on the Peer Actor Development Programme?

Yes. Most of our actors work part time in evenings and weekends.

I don’t have much acting experience. Can I still apply?

We are looking for raw talent and potential. Previous experience is useful but we base our decisions on how you perform in audition and interview. Lack of experience is not a barrier to acceptance on the course.

Is there a deadline for applications?

We give out places as and when we meet suitably talented young actors throughout the year so would recommend you apply sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

I don’t have my maths or English GCSE, can I still apply?



This answer is a bit complicated. If you are still 18 when you start the course then you will need to already have your Maths and English GCSEs (level 4+) or be willing to work towards these qualification in your own time whilst training with us. If you are over 19 then you do not need the qualifications but we will still be looking for a fair standard of written english.

Where do you go on tour?



We tour mainly to schools, colleges and community settings in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. These are almost always commutable in a day and do not require over night stays. On the rare occasion that an overnight stay is needed Peer will fund your accommodation. If you drive for tour you are able to claim mileage.

What are the hours?



Our core hours are 10am - 5pm Monday to Friday. Peer Place is open from 9.30am each day and actors are expected to be in the room ready to warm up at 10am.

When touring hours can vary with early starts. These are compensated with early finishes. 

Can I do the Peer Actor Development Programme while I am applying for Drama School?

Yes! We will also provide lots of help with your application.

I’m currently on a waiting list or reserve list for drama school. Can I still apply?

Yes. We completely understand that you may have to wait until you know the final outcome of your drama school auditions. If we want to offer you a place then we will hold that place for you. We just ask that you stay in touch and let us know if you receive an offer so we can release your place.

Can I still apply for Peer Actor Development Programme if I am not sure if I want to go to drama school?

Of course. We are looking for young people committed to a career in the arts but that doesn’t have to mean that you will be looking to move on to drama school.

I have a disability, can I still apply?

Yes. Please contact us to discuss any access needs. We are positive about disability and actively seek a varied and diverse range of actors to represent the young people in our audiences.

If you are Autistic or have moderate learning disabilities you might find that our sister course the Peer Employment Pathway is more accessible and suitable for you.

If you are not sure which course is for you, just give us a call.

Will i be working with people with learning disabilities?

Our Peer Actor Development Programme is not specifically for learning disabled people but people with learning disabilities are welcome to apply. The Peer Employment Pathway is our course specifically target at young people with learning disabilities. The two programmes work in the same building. 3 days per week the two cohorts warm up together and some specific projects involve actors from both cohorts. Aside from this the courses are taught separately. You do not need any experience of working with people with learning disabilities. All our current PAD actors say that working with the PEP actors has been a really rewarding and enriching experience.

How will Peer support my mental health whilst training?

Peer take the mental health of our whole team very seriously. All actors have access to the Health Assured App which provides advice on a range of wellbeing topics as well as the opportunity to confidentially self refer for counselling if required.

Mental health and wellbeing is talked about openly at Peer and is embedded into all projects at every stage with everyone having the opportunity to express their needs. All actors also have monthly 121s with designated staff mentors and this is a forum in which mental health can be discussed too.

Is the Peer Actor Development Programme accredited?

All actors on the PAD programme undertake an RSL Level 4 Creative Practitioner Diploma.



What’s included in the Peer Actor Development Programme?



For a full overview of the PAD programme click here.

What is the balance of written and practical work?

This is a vocational programme and the vast majority of the work is practical. As part of the RSL Level 4 Creative Practitioner Diploma, PAD actors are asked to critically reflect on and actively develop themselves as an artist. This does require coursework. The majority of our actors choose to write their portfolios but this is not mandatory. Evidence of your learning can be submitted in any format - film, audio, photos etc.

What have previous graduates from the Peer Actor Development Programme gone on to do?

83% of our graduates go on to drama school. Graduates of this course have gone on to study at LAMDA, GSA, LIPA, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, RADA, RWCMD, Rose Bruford and East 15, amongst other notable institutions, and many alumni have established and illustrious careers.

How many people do you take on the course?

This year we aim to take a maximum of 20 young actors on the PAD programme.

Do you have a uniform?

No! We ask that our actors where comfortable clothes in which they can move. There is no uniform or expensive clothing to purchase.

What is the audition process?

Applications are open throughout the year and are made via our website.

Round 1 - There’s a short form to fill in on our website and we will also ask you for a google drive link to a self tape of you performing a two minute monologue of your choice.

Round 2 - After we have reviewed your tape we will contact you to let you know if we would like to progress your application.

Round 2 will be an in-person workshop audition at our base in Woking.

Everyone who attends a round 2 audition will receive written feedback about their self tape and their in person audition.

Offers and waiting lists - After round 2 we will contact all applicants with an outcome. This outcome will be either:

• Offer - Offers are made throughout the year so early applications are advised.

• Waiting list.

• Unsuccessful.

If we make you an early offer, we understand that you may be in the process of applying to Drama Schools. You will be able to hold your place with Peer whilst you wait for an outcome. We just ask that you let us know if you choose to accept another offer so that we can contact the next person on our waiting list.