MA Musical Theatre

In this advanced training programme, we create the circumstances – through class work, rehearsal and performance – that drive you to develop specialised skills in acting, singing, the spoken word, dance and movement.

With it, you can bridge the gap between a degree earned in a different subject (or other previous acting experience) and the standard expected by employers in the musical theatre industry.

Your training combines hands-on experience and specialist tuition led by prominent tutors, directors and coaches. From week one, you’ll delve into an intensive schedule, which include individual singing lessons and repertoire coaching, acting, dance and vocal skills classes, workshops and rehearsals.

You’ll then test what you’ve learned in a series of public performances. Held in a setting that reflects the professional theatre environment, they include an orchestral concert, at least one cabaret and two fully staged musical productions.

Your course finishes with showcase presentations in Cardiff and London’s West End to an invited audience of agents, casting directors and potential employers. Our American students have an additional showcase in New York following their graduation.

• With only 18 places available each year, you’ll experience an exceptional level of individual attention and career coaching, and all the benefits of working as part of a small ensemble.
  
• Our course doesn’t conform to any single philosophy of musical theatre training. Instead, you’ll be introduced to many influences and strategies, allowing to make educated choices about the methods you’d like to incorporate into your own work.
  
• Your training features a comprehensive range of acting, vocal and dance lessons, offering you a range of industry-led approaches that you can use in your professional career. 
• You’ll have Acting skills classes and projects with experienced tutors from our acting programmes, working with improvisation, character, relationships and text.
• Singing classes are held one-to-one with both technical tutors and vocal repertoire coaches, focusing on developing safe and sustainable techniques and repertoire. These will cover in depth knowledge and command of vocal approaches for performance, as well as vocal physiology.
• Dance and movement training will help you explore and develop a range of core disciplines, including jazz, movement and ballet. You’ll also discover physical approaches to the development of character and methods for the safe, economical use of your body.
• You’ll work with an established team of professional practitioners drawn from across industry. They offer you not only first-rate teaching but mentoring and networking opportunities too.
  
• You’ll also have opportunities to meet and work closely with renowned directors, musical directors and choreographers, as well as visiting artists. These connections help you build links with the musical theatre industry and offer valuable insight into how the profession operates.
  
• These strong ties with industry ensure that your training aligns with current professional practice.
• Numerous opportunities to perform run throughout the programme. You’ll have chances to take part in a variety of roles, including Cabaret, an orchestral concert and at least one fully staged musical theatre production; vitally mirroring industry practice and protocols.
• Our annual showcase performances take place in Cardiff and London’s West End, giving you the opportunity to perform in front of an invited audience of agents, casting directors and other potential employers.
  
• You’ll take part in practical sessions on audition techniques in preparation for professional stage and television auditions.
  
• You’ll closely collaborate with the music, production and design departments, placing you at the very centre of our creatively diverse community.