Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama - 3 year BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

College Details

Location: Castle Grounds, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3ER

Phone: +44 (0)29 20391 361

Course: BA (Hons) in MUSICAL THEATRE - 3 years, full-time

Course Details

The BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programme is designed to equip you with a comprehensive, highly developed and fully integrated set of technical skills that will enable you to adapt to the diverse opportunities and wide-ranging demands of today’s rapidly expanding musical theatre industry. Distinctively, the programme also incorporates modules dedicated to exploring the creative process involved in the development of new work, in order to further extend your professional potential.

Practical classes and workshops focused on singing, voice, speech and text run throughout the first two years, supported by individual tutorials. Dance classes cover jazz technique and repertoire including street and commercial forms as well as ballet and tap, Latin and ballroom styles.

Acting classes in the first term guide you through practical explorations of approaches to improvised performance, working with texts, developing character and building relationships through the rehearsal process. The second year Acting module comprises of two components focusing on a) approaches to Shakespeare and other heightened texts and b) an investigation of the specific practices and demands of the film and television industry.

A series of performance-based projects runs throughout the first two years providing opportunities for practical exploration of the integrated and creative processes involved in the rehearsal and production of new and known works.

A ‘Bridge Project’ at the end of the second year places you in a professional rehearsal environment working alongside stage managers, lighting and sound designers towards a short run of performances of scenes, or an abridged work, for an invited audience.

In the final year, you will take part in rehearsals and public performances of two consecutive, fully staged productions working under professional conditions as part of the College’s Richard Burton Company.

Regular seminars running throughout the course offer insights into the professional context, identifying key developments within the industry and offering strategies for finding employment, with particular emphasis on audition technique.

Towards the end of the third year, you will perform in Showcases in Cardiff and London to an invited audience of industry professionals including agents and casting directors.

Entry Requirements

Normal entrance requirements include A levels, BTEC or equivalent qualifications, including WBQ, Scottish Highers, BTEC National Diploma/Certificate, International Baccalaureate, Advanced GNVQ, AVCE or Advanced Diploma (Level 3), or recognised international qualifications. However, candidates with an exceptional level of practical ability may be accepted without formal qualifications.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship will be awarded by the College as part of the audition/selection process on the combined basis of merit and financial need. The Scholarship will cover course fees and an annual contribution towards maintenance costs. The scholarship will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Please note that applications made directly to Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation will not be considered.

For more details on the course and how to apply for a place at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama visit their website here.