Established in 1904 by Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, a leading Shakespeare producer. The managing council included Sir Johnston Forbes Robertson, Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, Sir James Barrie, W.S. Gilbert, Irene Vanbrugh and George Bernard Shaw.
In 1950 Shaw left a third of his royalties to RADA.
Past students include John Gielgud, Albert Finney, Tom Courtenay, Devika Rani, Glenda Jackson, Harold Pinter, John Hurt, Michael Williams and Anthony Hopkins.