Actors and actresses are celebrities. And in Nigeria, the name “celebrity” is a heavy one. For aspiring actors, the general consensus is that you must have the inborn talent to display on stage. While that’s not all untrue, talent without working hard, they say, is nothing.
So, whether you have the inborn acting talent, training is consequential to becoming the best version of your acting self. You can train to be a better actor by enrolling in a good acting school. And there are many of those in Nigeria.
Our target on this post is aspiring actors and actresses in Lagos. Lagos, as you already know, is Nigeria’s commercial and entertainment centre. So, you’ll find hundreds of acting schools in Nigeria.
We’ve made it easy for you to choose one to enrol in. Hence, check out the top 7 best acting schools in Lagos in 2023.
1. Royal Arts Academy
Royal Arts Academy is a name you’ll frequently hear if you watch Nollywood movies. It’s famous and renowned as an acting school that breeds some of the best actors in Nigeria. In that regard, Royal Arts Academy is not just one of the best acting schools in Lagos, Nigeria, but also in West Africa.
You’ll find this acting school at 4 Adebisi Close, off Ogunlana Dr, Surulere, Lagos. As you can see, it’s in a relatively famous area, so it won’t be difficult to locate.
When you register with Royal Arts Academy, you can enrol in the three months practical acting programme. Another option is the two-year diploma in film and television production. So, you can learn how to act or how to record at this acting school.
You can register with Royal Arts Academy online but must be in Lagos to undergo the training. Thankfully, the acting school takes multiple batches of students every year. Also, Royal Arts Academy has branches in other Nigerian cities, so there might be one in yours.
Opening Hours
Royal Arts Academy stays open on weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. The school is usually not open on weekends, unless for particular reasons.
2. Del-York Creative Academy
Del-York Creative Academy exists for all-round creativity education. So, being an actor or actress is just one of the many things you can study to be at this school. In particular, the school aims to train creatives that will do well anywhere in the world.
To fulfil this, Del-York Creative Academy enlists professional instructors from Nollywood and Hollywood. Also, it’s a course that won’t take your time.
To be an actor or actress at Del-York Creative Academy, you must take the Acting For Film course, which lasts just four weeks.
You’ll learn how to successfully comprehend, internalise, and relate to scripts. You are introduced to fundamental acting techniques that will improve your ability to perform dramatic work naturally, honestly, and convincingly.
This acting school is located at 3B Sapara Williams Close, Victoria Island, Lagos. So, it’s a good option if you live in one of Lagos’ most luxurious areas. If you’ve been to Victoria Island, you’ll agree it has a serene environment for comfortable learning.
Opening Hours
The doors of the Del-York Creative Academy are open from 9 AM to 5 PM from Mondays to Fridays. Sometimes, they’re also open on Saturdays and Sundays.
3. Lagos Film School
From its name, you can easily guess that this acting school is famous, which is true. Located at 70 Ajibulu St, Mafoluku Oshodi, the Lagos Film School not only trains actors and actresses but also features them in top productions.
After completing your acting course at this school, you may get to act with Nollywood celebrities. However, only the best students get to feature in such movies.
You have two course options at the Lagos Film School. The first is the Teen Acting Hub, which costs N100,000, while the second is the Actor Polishing Course, which costs N65,000.
The Teen Acting Hub is essentially for teens and young actors. You must be between sixteen and twenty-one years to qualify. On the other hand, the Actor Polishing Course is open to all age groups.
Aside from acting, you can also learn cinematography at the Lagos Film School. So, you have multiple options to work in the filmmaking industry.
Opening Hours
Lagos Film School opens from 8 AM to 5 PM every day except Sundays. In other words, it’s an acting school you can attend from Mondays to Saturdays.
4. Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts
Performance arts capture the very essence of acting, and Lufodo Academy actualises that. So, it does deserve a spot on this list of the best acting schools in Lagos.
Known simply as LAPA, this is an accredited acting school, so you get a recognised certificate when you graduate.
You can locate the school at No. 7, Harmony Crescent, Lekki Peninsula II, Lekki. The acting school also has an office at Ibrahim Odofin Street, Agungi Ajiran Road.
Some courses available at LAPA include acting, audition technique, on-camera technique, and improvisation. All these are acting courses that can catapult your career.
Suppose you want to study something different. In that case, you can opt for the research course. The research course deals with the History of Theatre and Film in Nigeria. There’s also a script analysis course.
To join this academy, you must have completed secondary school. So, you’re mandated to present a WAEC, NECO, GCE, or other secondary education certificate. The application fee is only fifty thousand naira.
Opening Hours
The Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts is open every day except Sundays. You can visit them from 9 AM to 4 PM.
5. PEFTI Film Institute
PEFTI Film Institute is another renowned acting school in Nigeria on this list. Founded in 2004 by Wale Adeguna productions, it’s also one of the oldest. It’s the acting school behind popular Nigerian TV series like Papa Ajasco and Super Story.
You will find the school at 5/7 Joy Avenue, Ajao Estate, Off Osolo Way, Isolo, Lagos. As one of the best acting schools in Lagos, PEFTI has produced some of the best actors and actresses in Nigeria. And you may just be the next if you sign up with them.
At PEFTI Film Institute, you can study for National Diploma (ND) Programs. Alternatively, you can take the one-week, three months, or six months professional courses. Whichever you go for, you get the best training experience.
Note that you must sit for and pass JAMB exams if you are taking an ND program. But not to worry, the cut-off mark is low – 100. ND programs usually cost ten thousand to apply. If you get admission, then you’ll pay eighty-five thousand naira per semester.
Opening Hours
PEFTI Film Institute opens by 8 AM and closes by 5 PM from Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays, the opening time is the same, but the closing time is 2 PM. On Sundays, the doors are shut.
Read Also: How To Become A Successful Comedian In Nigeria
6. Yul Edochie Academy
Yul Edochie is one of Nollywood’s foremost actors. The actor has an acting school – The Yul Edochie Academy – in Lekki, and it’s one of the best in the area. At this acting school, you can train, as a youth, to have a career in acting.
Training is not all you get from the Yul Edochie Academy. Subsequently, you get chances to feature in top films and make yours. For an actor of Yul Edochie’s standard, it’s logical that you can get connected to other top dogs in Nollywood.
The Yul Edochie Academy features courses of length. However, most of the courses take less than a month. It may appear small, but with the intensity of the classes, you learn a lot. Note that classes are daily.
To enrol in this acting school costs around eighty thousand naira. The amount can be more or less depending on the duration of your training. Furthermore, the school is not only operational in Lagos. If you’re in Anambra, you can also apply.
Opening Hours
As aforementioned, the school is open daily. However, that’s only on weekdays. The doors are open from 9 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Friday. But on Saturdays and Sundays, the doors are closed.
7. Zamantee Africa Ikeja
Zamantee Africa is an acting school in Red Lens Centre. The full address is 21 Ajanaku street Ikeja, Opebi, Lagos.
You can join this school if you want recognition in the acting industry in Nigeria and beyond. The school will help you take your talents internationally and become recognised across Africa.
Zamantee Africa is not just an acting school but also a discovery platform for singers, TV hosts, and all entertainers. So, there’s more to gain after you apply.
Opening Hours
Unlike other acting schools that close on the weekend, Zamantee Africa stays open daily. You can visit the school from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays. On weekends, you can visit the school from 10 AM to 2 PM/
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Acting Schools In Lagos
Which university is the best for acting in Nigeria?
To learn acting in Nigeria at the university, you have to study Theatre Arts. Many Nigerian universities offer this course, but the best, according to rankings, is the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
This ranking isn’t surprising, considering the University of Ibadan is renowned as the best university in Nigeria. Nevertheless, theatre arts is still worth studying at other Nigerian universities. The University of Lagos, Akoka, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and University of Port Harcourt, Choba, are all top options.
How much does Acting School cost in Nigeria?
The cost of acting school in Nigeria differs from school to school. You’ll pay around fifty to a hundred thousand naira for some schools. For others, you’ll pay more than a thousand naira.
Factors that influence the cost of acting school in Nigeria range from the duration of the training to location, training type, and certification. For example, if you’re studying to get a degree in acting (theatre arts, for example), you will naturally pay higher than someone studying to get a diploma.
The good news, however, is that you will always find an acting school that fits your budget. The above list of the best acting schools in Lagos will help you choose if you’re in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
How can I join Funke Akindele school of acting?
The Funke Akindele School of Acting is one of the most affordable yet comprehensive in Nigeria. Known as the Scene One School of Drama, the acting school is located off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. And how to join is simple.
You only need to watch out for adverts calling for applicants. Such adverts usually gain heavy online traction, as Funke Akindele herself will publicise them. Usually, you’ll need to pay an application fee and fill out and submit an application form.
However, note that the Funke Akindele School of Acting has not been accepting applicants in recent years. Applications were not open in 2021 and 2022 in particular. In any way, this doesn’t mean the school is shut down; far from it. They may reopen soon, so monitor the news if you plan to join.
Bottom Line
Acting has been an attractive career in Nigeria since the early days of Nollywood. Now, it’s not just attractive but also opulent. In other words, the term “rich and famous” can easily become your de facto tag if you join the industry. You can start today if you’re in Lagos by joining any of the best acting schools listed above.