The Production Arts programme at Guildhall School equips you with the skills you need to enter the theatre and related industries. We strongly believe that your training should be tailored to your individual career aims. For this reason, you will select one of four pathways, each with a different emphasis:
-Stage Management
-Costume
-Theatre Technology (Sound, Lighting, Video, Automation and Stage Technology)
-Design Realisation (Scenic Art, Scenic Construction and Prop Making)
These pathways are each supported by a first year of broad-based study covering the theory and practice of theatre production. As well as working on public productions you will get the opportunity to learn about the contemporary theatre scene and the history behind it, Health and Safety legislation, specialist software applications, stage craft, period style and much more. You will also work in small groups on project work designed to enhance your learning. Your second year is spent almost entirely on productions, developing your skills within your chosen pathway with a programme of study designed to suit your personal aims. The third year gives you the opportunity to lead and run the School productions working alongside the professional creative team. This provides you with true exposure to professional theatre and the opportunity to make contacts that will be useful to your future career. In this year you also undertake a work placement with a professional company or practitioner.
We want you to learn, grow and succeed as managers in the music, theatre and entertainment industries.
In your first year, you develop a deep understanding of business, management, marketing and how to apply these skills in the theatre, entertainment and music industries. During second year, you start to specialise by taking on work which reflects your own personal career ambitions. You produce and deliver significant commercial events and products. You also gain experience of managing people and projects. We teach you how the contemporary global entertainment industry works and enhance your understanding of how digital software enables theatre, music and events managers to succeed. In your third year, you go on an industry placement and experience the front-line realities of business. Then, in your final term, we help you to bring all of this learning together so that you are fully prepared for the start of the rest of your entertainment, music and theatre industry career.
We want to produce versatile and creative technicians, stage managers and designers capable of working across the whole performing arts sector.
In your first year, you get a thorough grounding in a range of production skills in lighting, sound, stage management and design and construction. From the second year onwards you can specialise in areas that include Stage Management, Lighting, AV, Sound or Set and Prop Construction or continue building a broad skill set. Your training is highly practical. You initially learn the ropes in our performance spaces and in addition to working on our acting shows, you can work on dance performances, music gigs and outside events.
The Millennium Performing Arts Diploma is a private training course that may lead to the Level 4 ATCL Diploma through enrolment onto The Performance Course ToTheCore at the end of the year, or to an internally awarded professional qualification following the successful completion of the full three year course.
The level 4 ATCL is a separate enrolment and adds a further course fee to your costs.
Students elect to follow either musical theatre or dance pathways.
The diploma course focuses on professional-level, work-based, practice designed to ensure graduates are fully prepared for their chosen career. The key subject elements are taught by highly-experienced industry professionals who are also experts in teaching and learning.
Students who wish to pursue an educational qualification may join, in their final year and if their assessment results allow for this pathway, the Trinity College London Level 6 Professional Diploma.
What makes Musical Theatre BA (Hons) with Millennium Performing Arts special?
Our Musical Theatre curriculum will provide a complete practical training experience for students interested in performance. Based at the Millennium Studios in London, the course’s core disciplines are dance, singing and acting, with a focus on excellence in Musical Theatre practice.
Graduates gain immediate eligibility for membership of Equity (the actors’ and dancers’ union) and immediate eligibility for inclusion in Spotlight (the industry casting service).
3 Year Professional Musical Theatre Diploma Course accredited by the CDMT and validated by Trinity College, London.
3 Year Professional Musical Theatre Diploma Course accredited by the CDMT and validated by Trinity College, London.
The Musical Theatre Course is designed to develop the “Triple Threat” performer who can Sing, Dance and Act and develops the artistic, creative, technical and professional skills that is needed to prepare for a varied high level and sustainable career in Musical Theatre. Supporting studies will also enable students to sustain a long-term career in the Performing Arts industry. Students will have ample opportunity to work with guest artists and directors to enhance their training in addition to the high profile staff MADD offers over the 3 years and lots of performance opportunities.
MADD College has charity status therefore Students will also have the opportunity to receive an assisted place based on a means tested financial assessment of parental financial status. Please request an application form.
The College is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS) and students can apply for a Totum Card which entitles discounts from a large number of outlets.
This postgraduate course provides an apprentice performance year for students who have completed their training elsewhere.
It is possible to specialise in classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz dance or musical theatre. Applicants must demonstrate the skills and aptitudes necessary to work in a ‘professional’ context, as the course aims to provide aspirant performers with relevant experience and a portfolio of performance work, so that on graduation they can audition successfully for professional companies.
