The Foundation was established by Lady Meriel (Mu) Richardson after the untimely death of the Richardsons' only son, Charles, to relieve the need, hardship or distress of British actors and actresses who have professionally practised or contributed to the Theatrical Arts (on stage, film, television or radio) and their spouses and children.
It was Lady Richardson's wish that the assets and collections which had been put together by Sir Ralph and herself should be sold for the benefit of the Foundation so that, with the help of donations and the ongoing royalties from their work, a meaningful fund could be established and maintained.
The Foundation has made grants for wheelchairs, for hospital treatment, residential care, surgeons fees, medication and a variety of short term help to a large number of those seeking assistance. An applicant's request for a grant, (with a CV and letters in support) is assessed on its merit in light of the objects of the Foundation. A majority of the Trustees is required for approval of every application. Applicants must have been active in the profession for a minimum of 15 years, save in exceptional circumstances.
Acting for Others exists to provide both financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need, through our network of 14 member charities. If you need us, please get in touch.
We offer modest grants for Capital Building Projects that benefit actors directly.
ArtsEd provides the definitive triple threat musical theatre training, enabling students to become confident, creative and committed performers accomplished in each of the three core disciplines of dance, singing and acting. Students are trained in all three disciplines throughout their three years at ArtsEd.
DANCE
teaching features intensive training in the core dance disciplines required by today’s industry: jazz, ballet and tap (supported by weekly classes in pas de deux) and in the first year, contemporary.
SINGING
Students singing is developed in weekly one-to-one technique and repertoire tuition, whilst group sessions prepare them for ensemble work.
ACTING
Teaching encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques, developing students’ confidence in performance and an understanding of the practices behind a well-supported and expressive voice.
PERFORMANCE
Throughout the first and second year, students have the opportunity to apply two or more of the core disciplines in performance in regular ACTING, SINGING and DANCE Projects as well as Acting through Song, Lift Off and short song and dance presentations.
In their final year, each student performs in public productions of two FULL SCALE MUSICALS in either the studio theatre or our state-of-the-art Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre. The performance season culminates in a SHOWCASE production for an invited audience of industry figures including casting directors, agents, producers, directors and choreographers.
A final term of PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE WORKSHOPS provides the opportunity to work on new musicals with professional creative teams, and to gain a wide range of additional performance skills. During their graduating year, ArtsEd actively promotes each student to the industry, providing a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate the skills they have developed during their training. In addition to public productions, opportunities include ArtsEd exclusive AUDITIONS for major casting directors and creatives, which frequently lead to students’ first professional work immediately after graduating. ArtsEd graduates can be seen in musicals across the West End and UK in major producing houses and touring productions. Seven of our 2018 graduates are making their professional debut in the West End production of Les Miserables including Amara Okereke and Toby Miles, as Cosette and Marius.
Please note that applications made directly to The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation will not be considered.
The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship will be awarded by the Conservatoire as part of the audition/selection process on the combined basis of merit and financial need. The Scholarship will cover course fees only and will be reviewed on an annual basis.
The BA Musical Theatre programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland offers practical, high level vocational education for exceptionally talented students who are dedicated to becoming highly skilled and employable professional artists. We are unique because we offer a quadruple-threat, conservatoire-level tuition in acting, singing, dance and music.
The Conservatoire offers an extraordinary combination of world class facilities, professional connections, and opportunities for collaboration, at a level and intensity that’s not available elsewhere. Class sizes are small so every student is nurtured and advanced through individual teaching and mentoring.
Students will spend time working with directors and writers on new musical theatre, as well as traditional and contemporary productions and are given as many opportunities as possible to
This is a very special opportunity to obtain an outstanding, relevant and practical Musical Theatre training for those who wish to make Musical Theatre their chosen career.
Please note that applications made directly to The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation will not be considered.
DCD support is available to all professional dancers, from all genres of dance and at any stage of your career.
These grants of up to £1,250 support dancers to ‘dip your toe in the water’ by taking a short course in a potential new career field of interest.
The grants are allocated towards course fees only, including, for example:
This flexible top-up year is designed to follow on from our Foundation Degree in Music & Sound...
Equivalent to the 3rd year of a degree, this flexible top-up year is designed to follow on from our Foundation Degree in Music & Sound, but would also suit any applicants studying a music related HND, Foundation Degree or indeed those with recognised industry experience backed up with qualifications. Validated by the University of West London, the course has been developed to mirror the modern music industry, allowing students to learn the skills to become independent, multi-skilled music practitioners, fluent with various forms of multi-media.
Study Vocals at the Academy of Music and Sound and increase your expressive powers, technique and musicianship through 1-1 tutorials and small group settings taught by a professional vocalist who is still current and working in the music industry.
Our vocational, hands-on courses prepare graduates for life-long careers in the creative industries.
Mountview Technical Production graduates enter a strong network of successful professionals working in lighting, sound and technical production as well as senior management roles. Their work spans large-scale national, West End and regional theatres as well international touring productions, festivals & events, as well as TV, film and media companies.
The Technical Production Foundation Degree is a full-time two-year course with 30 contact hours per week over 36 weeks in each year. With continuous assessment across all the compulsory modules based on coursework and practical show roles, students work alongside professional lighting designers, sound designers, senior technicians and programmers.
Specialisms in Sound, Lighting and Technical Management are built on a robust foundation of transferable skills. Strong emphasis is placed on learning through practice, with workshops in all areas of production arts.
Students can then take third year BA (Hons) top-up in a specialism. This provides greater experience in their chosen field and the responsibility of senior lighting, sound and technical roles. This top-up year is open to non-Mountview Foundation graduates with relevant qualifications or experience.
Technical Production training covers:
- Hands-on training with contemporary equipment
- Technical stage craft skills including rigging and flying and installation of live productions
- Sound studio skills including recording and editing technology and techniques
- Lighting Studio skills including computerised drafting and visualisation software’s
- Understanding and designing lighting and sound systems
- Prepping, fitting, and monitoring radio mic systems
- Planning, prepping and managing lighting equipment for live productions
- Programming and mixing industry standard sound desks on plays and musicals
- Programming and operating lighting desks, including working with generic and moving lighting equipment
- Technical and maintenance skills such as power distribution, soldering and other skills needed by the modern production professional
Mountview’s one-year Diploma in Stage and Production Management enables experienced students and practitioners to gain an advanced qualification and enhance their employability.
Students on this course experience the challenge of a fast-paced production environment, working on a broad range of projects while developing theoretical, creative, critical thinking and practical skills.
The Diploma is a great opportunity for those with existing experience to gain a formal qualification in Stage and Production Management. For applicants currently working in the industry, it also offers the chance to advance their skills, expand their network of contacts, and progress on to the next stage of their career.
GRADUATE DESTINATIONS
Graduates enter a strong network of successful professionals working in lighting, sound and technical production. Their work spans large-scale national, West End and regional theatres, international touring productions, festivals and events, as well as TV, film and media companies.
Production Arts graduates have gone on to work with a diverse range of companies including the National Theatre, Secret Cinema, Hamilton, Mamma Mia and Matilda the Musical.
COURSE LEADER AND GUEST PRACTITIONERS
Our resident team of tutors for this course are supported by industry professionals who work alongside the students on productions. Previous guest tutors have included professionals from:
• Punchdrunk
• Hamilton
• The Globe
• The National Theatre
COURSE DELIVERY
This is a one-year full-time vocational course and is ideal for students who wish to develop their experience and skills in management, theatre production arts or technical theatre through practical work in professional theatre environments.
The course is delivered through:
• Workshops
• Collaborative and independent project work
• Regular appraisals that examine learning methods and set objectives
• Self-directed study
• Practical experience in diverse performance environments, including plays, showcases, site specific projects, large scale musicals and film
Students also undertake work placements with external organisations, allowing them to develop a network of professional contacts and gain valuable experience. Previous placement destinations have included Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Globe, Wiltons Music Hall, National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Park Theatre and the Barbican.
SHOWCASE
Students are given integral roles on both Mountview productions and professional placements. This provides excellent opportunities to showcase skills, gain important industry contacts and develop personal networks, all of which are key to your career progression.
