A practical, performance-based programme that helps students who have the potential for full time vocational training but not yet the necessary technical standard required for entry. Students participate in daily classes for ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, singing, acting and musical theatre, in order to equip the individual with the wide range of skills they will need.
Students will also be coached for their vocational auditions, covering topics such as suitability of song, dance and monologue, interview techniques, photographs and application forms. A lecture programme will address issues concerning the healthy dancer/performer.
On successful completion of the course, graduates will automatically be given a free audition for Bird College’s vocational courses through either the FE or the HE route. Developmental advice is provided throughout the course, together with guidance on suitability of other vocational colleges.
The three year diploma course is validated by Trinity, London and has been devised for those who wish to focus on a professional training in theatre arts. It equips students with the technical and creative skills necessary for a successful career in dance and musical theatre.
Dance and Theatre studies are combined with associated areas such as Dance and Musical Theatre History, Music Theory and Appreciation, Fitness and Heath Studies and Employment Skills. In the final year, students undertake a personal project which provides an opportunity to focus on an area of particular interest, encouraging the development of an individual performance style. Many of our Diploma graduates are now enjoying success in the professional business and are promoted through our in-house Employment Agency.
The BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre is an innovative three year course that offers students the chance to develop diverse professional technical and performance skills.
The course prepares students to excel across all disciplines as they engage with an extensive range of vocational disciplines including Musical Theatre, Acting, Singing, Voice, Ballet, Jazz, Tap & Contemporary.
The programme is supported by a range of relevant academic studies which relate practice to theory, encouraging the development of the artist’s personal vision, reflection, and the enhancement of lifelong skills and employment opportunities within a professional context.
ArtsEd has a long history of producing many of the UK’s leading musical theatre performers. Our BTEC in Musical Theatre has been designed to form the foundations of this training.
Students on this pathway rapidly develop the singing, dancing, and acting skills necessary to progress in this demanding genre. Training in each area quickly establishes the level of discipline required and gives students the opportunity to master techniques and gain full control of their performance skills.
Weekly classes include singing, acting, ballet, tap and jazz. These skills are assessed throughout the year in performance projects created by small companies of students.
Recent assessment performances have included:
The course is enhanced by regular theatre trips and workshops run by industry professionals, including music directors, choreographers and West End performers.
Full support is provided to students throughout the application and audition processes for further training, study or professional work.
Some Sixth Form graduates remain at ArtsEd to study on our degree course, many secure places at other leading drama schools including GSA, Mountview, RCSSD, LAMDA, Laine Theatre Arts and Urdang.
Our full time foundation course in Musical Theatre develops your skill and confidence in all three of the essential disciplines required for this demanding training. Delivered by tutors from our BA course, this is an excellent foundation for progression into a full-time training course.
Ensuring that you excel in all three disciplines our Full Time Foundation includes intensive one-to-one singing tuition, ensemble dance training in jazz and ballet and bespoke audition preparation. Throughout the course you will be working with our highly experienced ArtsEd tutors, who have a very thorough understanding of what drama schools are looking for in auditions.
This programme is validated by City, University of London and you will receive a City, University of London award on successful completion.
ArtsEd offers rigorous, exceptional triple-threat training. An exciting and extensive curriculum prepares you to become a world-leading performer across all disciplines and in all genres.
Our tutors are all inspiring and experienced industry professionals, committed to working with you to develop your full potential in singing, dancing and acting.
Dynamic and diverse with a focus on excellence, this vocational three-year BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course will develop your technical skills through practical classes across singing, dance and acting, one-to-one singing tuition, projects in singing, dance and acting, and final year performances.
This programme is validated by City, University of London and you will receive a City, University of London award on successful completion.
As a musical theatre performer you must be passionate, creative, and able to form a deep connection with your story, character and audience.
Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is one of the UK’s leading accredited drama schools, providing dedicated conservatoire training within a purpose-built environment.
Successful entry on to GSA’s MA Musical Theatre means you will be part of a carefully selected and committed ensemble of performers-in-training, equipped with the self-discipline and motivation to master new skills and refine existing capabilities. Building on our international reputation in musical theatre, this course will enhance your skills with opportunities to launch your career.
On our BA Theatre Production course, you‘ll work on a variety of productions including plays, musicals, devised projects and events.
Beginning with a comprehensive introduction to all core subjects relating to professional theatre production, you’ll build experience in a range of skills including sound, lighting, stage management and construction and Scenic Arts. You will also get an overview introduction to video and theatre design. We are proud to have strong industry links, and teaching current industry standards linked and integrated with key organisations is at the heart of our vocational training.
As you progress through the course, you’ll be able to select one dedicated area for specialist development, eventually taking senior Head of Department production-critical responsibility across a range of public performances. Industry placement and professional development modules are also a core part of this course and you’ll have the opportunity to present your work at a final year showcase.
Our BA Musical Theatre course will develop your professional and collaborative sensibilities through a rigorous programme of training. You’ll gain individual technical, critical and evaluative skills, with practical classes in a range of core disciplines.
On this course, your skills are continually developed through integration exercises, scene work, project rehearsals and productions of classic and contemporary musicals. Classes in dance and singing are highly-prioritised alongside acting classes and projects, which will enable you to become multi-skilled and highly versatile, ensuring your appeal to the industry and a flying start to your career.
On our BA Actor-Musician course, you’ll develop performance skills in acting, musicianship, dance and singing, alongside essential critical and evaluative skills.
In your first year, you’ll strengthen core skills in acting, dance, singing and music. In your second year, you’ll work on texts as diverse as Shakespeare, Lloyd Webber, Sondheim, Chekhov and Ibsen, with musicianship skills integrated within your studies. In your third year, you’ll work on three main projects: a play, a musical and a devised piece, alongside a showcase for industry, performed in London.
By developing your skills as an actor-musician, you’ll be able to take advantage of the ever-growing demand for versatile professional performers who can combine superb acting ability with a high standard of musicianship.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60 credits.
The Guildford School of Acting (GSA) delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.
