It was established to provide a professional training for actors that went beyond the rather staid traditions of the established drama schools: at the time, the Central School of Speech and Drama would examine prospective students' teeth, like a horse, to see if they had the teeth of a professional actor.

The School established an outstanding national and international reputation due largely to the authenticity and individuality of its alumni, actors such as George Costigan, Richard Griffiths, Bernard Hill and David Threlfall, as well as Dame Julie Walters - and from the postgraduate course run jointly with Manchester University, Sir Antony Sher.

It also offers a multi-strand MA in Performance, including one strand with strong links to the laboratory theatre tradition of Odin Teatret.

The conservatoire BA Acting trains students for work in stage, television and radio industries, and its graduates are eligible for Equity status.

This building maintains the facade of its predecessor, the Chorton-upon-Medlock Town Hall, which hosted the 5th Pan-African Congress in 1945.