Music Theatre

Music Theatre, MA students come from many and diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Combined skills far exceed the traditional areas of acting, singing and movement which, however, remain fundamental. Diversity is regarded as a core ability, not only to enter the course, but also to survive the marketplace afterwards. The course encourages no division between creators and performers, establishing collaboration as the central ethic of performance.

You should normally have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, (drama, theatre or performance studies), though applications from students of other disciplines will be considered, as will candidates who do not have a degree but do possess significant prior experience. Experience as a performer is essential. Entry is by audition; we look for potential and sustainable employability after the course.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to prove their English language proficiency by gaining an overall score of 7.0 in an IELTS test. We do accept equivalent English language qualifications. Applicants are advised to gain this certification as early as possible.

If you are selected for an audition for a place on the Music Theatre, MA course, we will require you to prepare the following:

• A written document of approximately 600 words, to evaluate and contextualise music theatre and/or musical theatre and its potential, from the point of view of your own experience and imagination
• Two songs and two monologues which may be taken from any genre or style, or be original, to be performed from memory. Songs should be presented with a piano score. An extra copy of the songs should be brought for the accompanist (be sure that any relevant material is properly presented for the accompanist to turn pages and read), and copies of the monologues. You will be asked to perform some but probably not all of the material you prepare.

The course objectives are to explore, research and present the widest possible interpretation of the definition of music theatre. A diverse range of performance and creative skills is targeted specifically in relation to performance, alongside developed musical and physical skills. The audition day seeks to find students who may best benefit from these objectives, and be potentially employable after the course. Therefore, as well as an existing degree or professional experience equivalence, we are inviting prospective students to demonstrate expertise in the following skills:

• singing; acting; movement or dance.

In addition you may be able to demonstrate experience in the following areas:

• composition; writing for stage; choreography; instrumental performance.

Please be sure to give us every opportunity to evaluate your abilities by bringing evidence.

The following activities, as appropriate, will take place during the session:

• group movement activity
• individual singing performance presentation, in front of the group (accompanist provided; work under direction)
• individual monologue presentation, in front of group (work under direction)
• individual skills performance or evidence assessment \xc2\x96 informal interview as necessary
• question and answers.

Please bring clothes to move freely in and a change of clothes if you require. The length of the audition session will generally be about three hours.