Our course is set over the duration of three consecutive years and is split according to qualification and level progression. By the end of year three, our students should hold a level 4 in teaching Musical Theatre, a level 6 in performing Musical Theatre and be industry ready for professional and teaching work. Although there is, understandably, a lot of theory work required for the course, we are practical skills heavy with a 70-30% split, and with third year being entirely devoted to practical training.
During the course of study, we will invite guests in to work with the students. These may range from West End performers, film and TV actors, agents, directors, special effects and more. Students will have the opportunity to take part in workshops, mock auditions and Q and A’s with our guests.
In addition, we will be offering optional extras throughout the course. These are opportunities for students to further their education and skill set, ranging from professional studio recording sessions for voice reels, theatre trips, west end dance audition material, workshops in roller skating for Starlight Express and more.
Alongside their exams, students will have various opportunities to perform throughout their course. At least one performance will be scheduled at the end of each year and additional performances will vary. We aim to record or live stream our performances for future use for student show reels and for ease of access for agents and casting professionals.
Throughout the course, students will be fortunate enough to work with our mental and physical health specialists to ensure whole body well-being and prevention of injury and illness as well as information on correct treatment and how to access it. Specialists on hand include a personal trainer and nutritionist, mental health psychologist, and a physiotherapist (including vocal physiotherapy), to which students will have access throughout the course, either directly or by referral from a staff member.
Year One
First year has a two fold aim. It will largely focus on the Level 4 ATCL qualification in teaching Musical Theatre, but also aims to build students’ practical skill set to ensure a safe and secure grounding across all genres.
Students will spend their first couple of days taking part in some of their scheduled classes, whilst also having the chance to meet their team of staff who will ensure the students know exactly what is expected of them and have all their materials. This is an opportunity for students to write down any deadlines or events for the academic year, ask questions and make sure they are fully prepared for the year ahead. After this, students will hit the ground running by launching in to practical work, initially going back to basics to ensure students have a full understanding of their disciplines. Those who arrive with a sound technique in place will be helped to further develop their skill set. Students will have their weekly one-to-one singing lessons, working on all areas of the voice and will have a personalised warm up and technical set of exercises designed and recorded for them to work on away from class. Students will also have lessons in voice, acting, choral and acro work in addition to their dance classes.
For the Level 4 qualification, students will receive a full, enhanced DBS check (please note that if your DBS does not come back clear, you will not be able to undertake this qualification). They will work on theory for the exam, as well as practical case studies, class planning, and practical work for teaching. There will be several deadlines throughout the year for course work and the summer term will culminate in a practical teaching exam and a written paper.
An end of year performance will be scheduled and will give students an opportunity to show a range of skills they have studied throughout the year.
Year Two
Second year also has a dual aspect. It will work towards completing the Level 6 LTCL qualification in Musical Theatre, whilst also developing practical skill sets to a high level.
It is expected that by now students will have mastered a basic technique in their practical work, that they will understand the health and safety aspects of performing and have developed the stamina required for their next level of training. One-to-one singing lessons will still be taken by all students and time will be given to students in the studio space to work on their chosen pieces for their exams.
As with first year, there will be multiple deadlines throughout the year for students to hand in various aspects of their course work and the summer term will culminate in both a written paper and practical exam. There will also be another scheduled performance, during which, various aspects of students’ work for the LTCL exams will be selected to be performed individually, as well as group pieces.
Year Three
Third year is dedicated solely to preparing students for the professional world of performing. It is entirely practical based, and students are expected to work to the highest level; both in terms of performance and professionalism.
One-to-one singing lessons will focus solely on repertoire folders, ensuring every student has a range of appropriate material to take to auditions. Regular opportunities to work on audition technique will be provided both with regular staff and guest teachers. Industry workshops will be frequent and will include guests such as agents and company directors, as well as hosting workshops on self employment, Spotlight and Equity. Students will also be required to have a professional head shot session which will be organised by the college and advice and training will be given on how to continue with your craft and embark on a successful career after graduation.
The summer term will culminate in a show, alongside a graduation ceremony where students will wear academic dress. We aim to stream this online for ease of access for agents and casting professionals.
Subject Breakdowns
Ballet
These classes will be based on producing a solid classical ballet technique, centred around posture, alignment, core stability and correct use of facility that should carry through to all other dance genres. Classes will follow a traditional structure, covering all aspects of ballet and terminology and, where appropriate, dances and enchainments will be taught.
Tap
Technique will cover a mixture of British and American tap, focusing on clarity of beating and dexterity of footwork, as well as correct use of terminology. Work on incorporating the whole body in order to translate different styles across the ages, from Fred Astaire to Stomp, will be taught through dance routines and amalgamations.
Jazz
Jazz classes will focus on a range of techniques, both classical and modern, with an emphasis on posture, alignment, and correct use of facility. These classes will aim to improve strength and flexibility through technical exercises and combinations. Routines will cover a range of styles from Fosse to Matt Mattox; to produce diverse performers.
Commercial
Commercial classes will be almost entirely routine based, covering all aspects of commercial dance, from pop and fashion to heels classes, street jazz, MT and more. Focus will be on performance and style.
Contemporary
These classes will incorporate a mix of technical exercises and routines, with an emphasis on fluidity and expression. Floor work will be taught regularly, so knee pads are a must!
Body Conditioning
Strength and flexibility as a performer are essential, so these sessions will use a combination of cardio, weighted and body weight exercises to target muscle groups. Students will be regularly assessed on their fitness levels using a VO2 max test and given targets to work towards. They will learn the correct components of a safe and effective warm up and cool down and each session will culminate in a deep stretch, specifically designed to quickly improve flexibility safely; targeting individuals’ weaker areas.
Acro
Acro classes are taught using specialist equipment, for the purposes of dance and performance. Classes will include the build up to and execution of skills such as: hand springs, aerials, walk overs and flips; with a strong emphasis on strength and flexibility to ensure safe working practice.
Voice
Many of the techniques studied in voice classes will carry through to singing and acting. Students will study topics from the list below in order to produce safe, strong and versatile vocals for both stage and screen.
- Vocal anatomy
- Breathing technique and breath to convey emotion
- Vocal safety and care
- Posture and alignment
- Muscle relaxation
- Phonetic alphabet
- Accents
- Resonance and articulation
- Text
Acting
Our emphasis when teaching technique for professional performance will be on the Stanislavski method. However as part of the course, our students will study a range of styles, genres, and techniques for teaching, straight acting and MT.
- Applying breath, projection and text work from voice classes
- Improvisation
- Mime
- Physical Theatre
- TV and Film acting
- Stanislavski
- Brecht
- Shakespeare
- American and British scene study
- MT script
- Monologues
- Devised
Singing and Choral
Students will study singing on a one-to-one basis in weekly private sessions. Each student will be given a tailored warm up and technical exercises to practice between sessions and material will be selected by the teacher and student to cover a variety of styles and techniques, ranging from a legit MT sound to contemporary belt. Safe vocal technique is essential for career longevity and avoiding injury, therefore, students will be progressed in technique at an individual level that is correct for their voice.
Choral sessions are designed to improve harmony technique as well as growing an understanding of Musical Theatre history. Group classes will be a chance for students to practice different vocal techniques while working on a range of material from the Jazz era, right through to contemporary MT and pop/rock.
In third year, students will be taught basic music theory and sight reading, suitable for auditions and professional work.
