It all started with a Tweet. On May 27, 2018, the British actor and musician Robert Pattinson tweeted about how much he was enjoying his time in Dublin, where he was filming Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. “Just wrapped filming Gatsby,” he wrote. “Went to bed last night with a smile on my face and an awful lot of Irish whisky in my hand.”
Luhrmann, who is best known for directing the films La La Land and Moulin Rouge!, replied to Pattinson’s tweet, and the two began discussing the possibility of Pattinson joining him for The Great Gatsby’s Australian premiere in Sydney later that year. Soon enough, Australian film producers were contacting Pattinson about the role, and by July, he was flying to Sydney to begin rehearsals for the role of Ben Franklin in the Australian premiere of Twentieth Century. In August, he was in Singapore filming Midnight Special, the first of a trilogy of films directed by Bradley Cooper, and in early October, he was in London for the premiere of Pattinson’s new film, Cold War.
Now it’s been almost a year since that glorious day in Dublin when Robert Pattinson became an acting school dropout (or, as he likes to call it, an “O.A.D.” – “Other Actor in a Directors’ Shoes”), and the London-born star has not only continued training, but has also become enamored with the craft. In fact, he has so embraced it that he has applied for a masters in acting at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). While the idea of furthering his education might have seemed unlikely a few years ago, today being an O.A.D. is something Pattinson openly discusses as a source of pride.
Why Study Acting at RADA?
Considering his prolific filmography, it’s fair to say that Robert Pattinson is more than ready to tackle the deluge of film roles that his Hollywood career has in store for him. With his acting chops being well-established and his thirst for knowledge clearly visible, it comes as no great surprise that he has chosen to further his studies at one of England’s most prestigious drama schools. But what is the reasoning behind Pattinson’s pursuit of formal training in this field?
It’s a common enough sight to see celebrities training for acting while promoting a film. From the famed Meisner technique to the improv classes beloved by comedians, many big-name stars put in the hours in the hopes of improving their craft.
But what sets Robert Pattinson apart from the rest is his humble beginnings and his unwavering commitment to the craft. Raised in London, England, he began his career as a teen actor in schools and on TV spots, before making his way to film. With just a few short-lived credits to his name, Pattinson’s agent secured him a role in the highly acclaimed indie film Animal Kingdom, opposite Ben Whishaw and Naomi Watts. The turn of events that followed – a near-death experience that almost ended his life – seemed to form an integral part of the twenty-something star’s identity, imbuing him with a newfound appreciation for the artistry of the craft. Animal Kingdom established him as a leading man to watch out for, and since then, he has starred in some of the biggest blockbusters Hollywood has to offer, cementing his status as one of England’s greatest export products.
Formal Training Is a Must
With over 100 years of tradition behind it, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts is one of England’s most prestigious drama schools. Established in 1914, the academy trains some of the country’s most talented young actors for the stage, and it’s well-known for its intensive three-month program that provides a thorough grounding in classical theater practice.
Whether you’re an established actor or a budding performer looking to take the next step in your career, studying at RADA is unquestionably going to provide you with invaluable training. Besides being a drama school, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts is also a school of acting, which offers courses in screen and television acting as well as stagecraft and directing. Courses at RADA range from one to three years, with many students completing the three-year program and going on to further their studies at university or college.
Considering Robert Pattinson’s busy schedule, it’s clear that he has other obligations that conflict with his studies. However, his unwavering support for the craft and his undying commitment to his career suggest that he is more than aware of the priceless training that he is getting and that this is a valuable investment in his future. So much so, that he has no qualms about spending the hours necessary to optimize his craft. In fact, one of the central tenets of Pattinson’s O.A.D. existence is to “always work, never rest,” which he has made it his mission to live by.
Becoming One With the Paper
One of the greatest things about Robert Pattinson’s newfound love for acting is that he has taken the time to really immerse himself in the craft. From studying the masters, to taking acting courses with renowned teachers, to applying what he has learned to develop himself as an acting tutor, this has not been a one-sided process. For someone who has so publicly stated an intention to simplify his life, it’s quite the opposite: it seems that Robert Pattinson has gone above and beyond to ensure that he maximizes the potential of this newfound love.
Not content to simply sit back and enjoy his new-found training, Pattinson is encouraging others to follow his lead. In addition to his formal studies, he has built a brand new acting school, The Element, in London. Besides providing comprehensive training for individuals looking to break into acting, the school also offers Masterclasses and Workshops for those who want to further develop their craft. In his own words, Pattinson aims to create an environment where students can “grow, challenge, [and] inspire each other,” cementing his status as one of the most dedicated and engaged students of acting in the United Kingdom. While we eagerly await the fruits of his labor, it is evident that his studies at RADA have paid off – not only did they provide him with a steady stream of jobs, but they also propelled him to the forefront of an ever-expanding acting world. Indeed, even before he had finished his studies, his talents had been spotted by Hollywood, and the rest, as they say, is history.