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1. EMIL DALE ACADEMY

My first plan is to attend an independent drama school or conservatoire to extend my education of Musical Theatre to Degree level. My primary choice for Plan A is Emil Dale Academy on Broadway in Letchworth Garden City SG6 3NX.

Emil Dale Academy is my top choice as they specialise in triple-threat Musical Theatre training, treating all three aspects of the degree with the same level and passion. I want to receive all round training and become a definite triple threat. Students at Emil Dale Academy also receive West End tasters with workshops and masterclasses from performers on the West End. Emil Dale also has their own talent casting agency 'Dale Hammond Associates which students have the opportunity to be scouted for in their final year. The keys elements of training Emil-Dale offer are: MT jazz, individual singing technique, ensemble singing, performance technique, acting for stage and screen, commercial dance, audition prep and many more.

Emil Dale Academy was founded in 2009 by Emil Dale, who was the first person of colour to found and own a UK Drama School. EDA delivers intensive, triple threat musical theatre training with high contact hours, private weekly singing lessons, industry-focused masterclasses and strict all round training. For the 3 Year degree BA(HONS) course, in students' final year EDA have a guarantee of agency representation with a London showcase performance in front of casting directors and agencies from across the UK.

Emil Dale is partnered with the University of Bedfordshire for delivery of the BA(Hons) Musical Theatre course. This means that students that attend Emil Dale's degree course are enrolled as University of Bedfordshire students. The partnership also means that students have access to all of the services and facilities that the University have, this includes: clubs, sports, library access, online services and student services. Having a University pairing also means students have access to a university education as well as receiving exceptional Musical Theatre training.

Due to the founder and owner of EDA, Emil Dale also owns The Factory Playhouse Hitchin, final year degree students perform a full scale musical with a live west end band at this theatre. The theatre is a 200 seat, immersive theatre where the audience surrounds the stage. It is located 10 minutes away from Emil Dale at 60 Wilbury Way, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 0TA. Previously, the theatre has produced 19 sold out productions including: West Side Story (2015), Oliver (2016), Grease (2016) and Les Miserables (2016). The next full scale musical Emil Dale will be performing is 'Carrie' in 2024.

Entry onto the course at Emil Dale is based both on a successful audition process and academic qualifications. The audition process consists of two contrasting monologues, two contrasting songs, and participation in a jazz class. Through a Level 3 Extended Diploma, the applicant must have 80 UCAS points to qualify for the course. They also offer online auditions submitted through videos for those who are unable to make it to the campus.

There is no on-site accommodation at Emil Dale, so the best option for a student is to rent a room in the surrounding areas. Many students also opt to house share to keep costs down. It is possible to rent a private double room with a small kitchen within the shared house, although this would increase the expense.Bus fares around the area are £2 per trip,so even if my shared house was further away from the academy, it would be easily located through public transport. Driving to Emil-dale takes 1 hour 10 minutes and the train from Kettering (where I am located) to Hitchin is 1 hour 23 minutes costing around £50-£70 with a railcard.

Student finance is available for those eligible at Emil-Dale, covering £9250 per year towards the school fees. Students are also given a maintenance loan of up to £9200 across the year. Additional fees such as private lessons, costumes and showcases apply at Emil-Dale, but you will still pass the course without investing in these added costs.

2. Performers College Essex

My second choice for an independent drama school is Performers College based in Essex. This campus is a part of BIMM University, ICT THeatre and other colleges in Manchester and Birmingham. It is my second choice school as when I went for an Open Day I received a welcoming atmosphere and I know I would be able to push my training to the highest level with their training. Performer's college Essex was the first campus to be established in 2003. The address of this campus is Performers College, South-end Road, Corringham, Essex, SS17 8JT.

Performers offer a Musical Theatre and Dance pathway which allows the students to explore every aspect of the evolving industry. The programmes are tailored by the founders Brian and Jan Rogers, whose aim was to create intense, high quality vocational training in dance and Musical Theatre. In a degree student's final year the college shift the focus onto preparation for the industry, with a full week of casting directors and agents sitting behind a panel where the students have the opportunity to be scouted. Throughout the three years, Musical Theatre and dance degree students also have the opportunity to choose an extra two hours of extracurricular. Options include Gymnastics, Heels, Ensemble tap, Ensemble ballet and many more.

Their facilities at the Essex campus are purpose-built and state of the art, having different departments focused on the different aspects of Musical Theatre. They have eighteen dance studios with built in Harlequin Cascade floors, full height wall mirrors, barres and speaker systems. They also have two 'Black Box' acting studios which are kitted out with sound, film and lighting technology, used for solo or group acting classes.The college also have acting through song rooms, and a singing suite which consists of five studios completed with a piano, small mixer and mirrors. The campus also has a Gym which is free for students to use Monday - Saturday. There is a computer space with over 25 PCs and a library which allows time for coursework to be completed. I felt that the environment at performers was distraction free and ideal for immersive, focused training. They also have a local theatre which is used for their full scale musical and showcases throughout the year.

The faculty is expert, being composed of industry professionals including dancers, singers, directors, musical directors, actors, choreographers and producers. These lecturers and mentors also have strong industry connections and ties to other leading performing arts organisations and companies. This allows students to experience workshops from West End stars such as Kerry Ellis and actress Dame Imelda Staunton which enhances their career opportunities.

Accommodation options at Performers include host families, private residences and the most popular, house sharing. Performers have a team of people dedicated to guiding new students through housing around Corringham and surrounding areas. For me, commuting is not an option as the college is around a 2 hour drive with good traffic away from where I live, so I would need accommodation arrangements. The train from Corby to Essex is 2 hours and 36 minutes long but only an hour from London via train. There is also public transport such as busses around the area to make access to the campus easier.

All of Performers College three-year undergraduate courses are priced at £9250 for UK students which is covered by students finance. They will also receive a maintenance loan to cover additional costs from housing. They also offer DaDa Scholarships which, if successful, would cover the entire three year cost of the course.

The in person audition is composed of two parts: Practical Component and a Q&A interview process. The audition is 9am - 4pm with four sessions throughout the day. The four sessions consist of Dance Tech, Dance Performance, Singing and Acting. Performers also offer on- line auditions for those who cannot get to their campus. An applicant must also have a minimum of 80 UCAS points.

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A SWOT analysis is a device used to evaluate and define a person's performance in order for them to improve in their chosen subject. The word SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

My strengths are:

I have determination to thrive in the industry

Some danced styles I have received training in are: Ballet, Tap and Jazz

I can perform as different characters

Correctly accenting a character whilst performing

Confidence whilst dancing

I have shown professionalism within lessons

My reactions to other actors in performances

Versatility as a performer

I have ease with Choreographing lyrical and contemporary style dances.

My weaknesses are:

I struggle with my flexibility in dance which restricts me from certain moves.

My diction within singing is weak which makes words in songs numbered and hard to understand.

When asked to improvise in a dance I lack the confidence and struggle to come up with moves.

Whilst performing, connecting to the song I am singing is a weakness which means the audience may not fully understand the emotions I am portraying.

I lack confidence in singing due to the subject being the least focused on throughout my training.

I struggle to sing in front of large crowds due to the insecurity that I am off tune or singing incorrectly.

I suffer from audition anxiety/nerves which means I often freeze up in an audition room.

The opportunities I have been given are:

I receive external dance lessons in Ballet, Tap and Modern

I have volunteered as a dance teacher at my local dance school

I am a member of a theatre school called WATS (Weldon Amateur Theatre School)

Previously, I have performed in multiple dance shows and musicals a year

I recently achieved the role of Dance Captain at my theatre school

I am a member of a netball team outside of college which allows me to track my fitness levels

I have taken part in four pantomimes from 2014-2018 with the role of junior dancer.

After auditioning, I was given the role of 'Roxie Hart' in a dance number for 'Corby Pride', my first paid performance.

I receive external 1:1 singing lessons bi-weekly

I have past experience with auditions at my theatre school.

I have precious experience with choreographing dances in the style of contemporary, lyrical and jazz.

The threats which may halt my progresses are:

Laziness outside of college may cause a lack of coursework being completed or not meeting my assessment deadlines.

My lack of flexibility may halt which audition dances and movements I can achieve in an audition.

A lack of money may reduce my enrichment

My organisation skills may stop me from being prepared for the day and also becoming overwhelmed easily.

Not focused on the task given could result in a less engaged performance.

A lack of time management may lead to un-organisation which results in a lack of concentration in lessons

Having a negative attitude in rehearsals may bring down others around me.

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Works Cited- Emil Dale Academy

Academy, Emil Dale. “Emil Dale Academy.” Emildale.co.uk, 2015, www.emildale.co.uk/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Crowd, Student. “Musical Theatre (Emil Dale Academy) BA Hons.” StudentCrowd, 2016, www.studentcrowd.com/university-of-bedfordshire/musical-theatre-emil-dale-academy-ba-hons-c54267. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Dale, Emil. “Emil Dale Academy Showreel.” YouTube, 5 Feb. 2019, youtu.be/lh1n-M4I2G8?si=1IoyYBtC_bk3kRlF. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

“Emil Dale Academy | LinkedIn.” Linkedin.com, 2024, uk.linkedin.com/company/emil-dale-academy-official. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

“Study Musical Theatre (Emil Dale Academy) at University of Bedfordshire - the Uni Guide.” Theuniguide.co.uk, 2024, www.theuniguide.co.uk/university-of-bedfordshire-b22/courses/musical-theatre-emil-dale-academy-ba-hons-2025-8025fb6a2ce8. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Works Cited- Performers College

“CDMT - Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre.” Cdmt.org.uk, 2024, cdmt.org.uk/accredited-schools/performers-college/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

College, Performers. “Performers College Essex Virtual Tour.” YouTube, 8 July 2022, youtu.be/DRZK9qymFHM?si=SZI4CndtKgZYKk16. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

“Performers College - Perform This.” Performthis.com, 2024, performthis.com/school/performers-college. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

“Performers College | the Stage Training Directory.” The Stage, 2023, www.thestage.co.uk/training-directory-institutions/performers-college. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Team., Communications. “Performers College - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted.” Ofsted.gov.uk, 6 Sept. 2024, reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/38/50067. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

The. “Performers College.” Performers College, 5 Nov. 2024, performerscollege.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA88a5BhDPARIsAFj595iJW5LfLME9bdL8ApibfARqMsaBCbzbT4-RQK_gupyfnMdW-sZFAYcaApEtEALw_wcB. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

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My Plan B is to attend a University which offers a Musical Theatre course. This will give me multiple choices in case I have not gained acceptance into an Independent Drama School.

1. University of Chichester

My first choice for a University Degree course is the University of Chichester, who offers two prominent Musical Theatre programs: BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Triple Threat) and BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Music). The triple-threat course is primarily located at the Bognor Regis Campus, Upper Bognor Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 1HR, United Kingdom.

The triple threat course is designed to develop students into versatile performers skilled in acting, singing and dance.

For acting, training includes techniques such as Meisner and Stanislavsky, improvisation, script work, dialect, acting for camera and Shakespeare. This allows development of fundamental skills in theatre performance, connection to and understanding of self, truthfulness and character.

Dance development focuses on exploring ensemble skills with additional examinations of different performance styles of jazz, tap, contemporary and ballet. The focus will begin on the correction and development of alignment, posture, core and upper body strength through the regular engagement with dance tutors and choreographers. Students then move on to prepare for a fully-staged production.

The University offer one-to-one singing lessons, acting through song, ensemble singing and choir lessons. This vocal development focuses on technical study where students explore a variety of skills particular to their individual voice.

At the end of the students' first year, students participate in an ensemble showcase and informal auditions for a guaranteed second-year company placements. Throughout the three years students have performance opportunities such as regional tours, major art festivals and working with professional production teams.

In the triple-threat course there are also modules on theatre production, stage management, sound, lighting, design, costume, arts management and producing. This allows a wider knowledge and understanding of the performance industry and training in production roles as well as professional Musical Theatre training.

The lecturers at the Musical Theatre programs are highly experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in the performing arts industry. Andrew Wright is the Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre; he trained at Laine Theatre Arts and has a rich background in the industry. Other faculty for the MT degree include dance leads, vocal coaches and acting coaches who aim to provide an excellent standard of teaching and mentorship throughout the three year course.

The Bognor Regis Campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and performance spaces specifically tailored for Musical Theatre students. Facilities include sprung floor dance studios, rehearsal rooms, vocal studios, practice rooms, costume and set design workshops, a library, and stage management technical equipment. This campus also has a 350-seat performance venue, providing studios with the experience of performing in a professional theatre setting. There is also a 100-seat theatre space which is ideal for smaller performances and workshops.

Student finance covers the fees of this degree course, at £9250 per year for full-time undergraduate programmes. Some courses have additional fees of course materials and there may be costs for trips and equipment. The university also offers various scholarships and bursaries to help with tuition and living costs. These are available based on academic merit, financial need, or a specific criteria related to the course of study.

The Bognor Regis Campus has catered and self-catered options for accommodation. Catered with En-suite rooms offer convenience with nearby facilities such as restaurants, the campus gym, Costa and Starbucks. Self-catered options include single rooms with shared facilities, providing a more independent living experience. On Campus accommodation is ideal for MT students as they are closer to rehearsal spaces, performance venues and campus amenities. Off-Campus accommodation includes University-Managed Housing which provides a balance between campus life and the independence of living off-campus in the local area. Students can also opt for private rentals in Chichester or Bognor Regis, often shared with other students to reduce costs. Most accommodations include common areas, laundry facilities and high speed internet access. On-Campus accommodation also has 24/7 security to ensure a safe living environment for all students.

The costs for University managed housing vary, with options ranging from around £4000 to £7000 per year depending on the type of accommodation. Maintenance loans are also given to accommodation users to help with basic additional costs such as heating, water and electricity.

2. Bath Spa University

My second choice for a University Degree course is Bath Spa University, located at Newton Park Campus, Newton St Loe, Bath, BA2 9BN, United Kingdom. The university originated as a School of Art in 1852, converting to a University in 2005.

Bath Spa University offers a comprehensive BA (Hons) in Drama (Musical Theatre), designed to develop students into versatile performers with strong skills in acting, singing and dance. The first year focuses on building foundational skills in theatre history, dramatic texts, contemporary performance, and theatre skills. The second year allows students to apply their skills through core drama modules that focus on creating original work. Optional modules such as physical theatre, writing for performance, applied theatre and theatre production allow exploration of specific interests within the subject. In the final year, modules focus on performance, interpretation and creation. Students engage in public performances and workshops, gaining practical experience.

Students at Bath Spa have performance opportunities with workshops and presentations where they participate in campus performance studios and local theatre venues. The University also has an on-site theatre to provide real-world experience in front of a live audience.

The acting department trains in various acting styles and techniques to enhance performance techniques, exploring Classical, Contemporary and Pop texts. Singing training enhances technical and interpretive skills in vocals and dance includes movement and physical training to build performance skills.

I am attracted to this University course as it would prepare me more for a career in Musical Theatre and Drama teaching, which has been a goal of mine to have the opportunity to inspire and teach the younger generation.

The program is delivered by highly skilled, internationally experienced professional Musical Theatre performers, Musical Directors and Choreographers. With state of the art performance studios, rehearsal spaces and access to professional theatre environments. There is also a library, computer rooms and study areas available at the University to allow time for coursework completion. Comprehensive support services including academic advising, mental health resources, and career counselling are available to students on campus also.

Degree courses in Drama, Dance and Cinematics were ranked highly for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2025.

For accommodation, Bath Spa does have on-site housing where students have the option to stay in halls. For Musical Theatre students though, it may be easier to rent an apartment or house-share due to the demanding timetable which requires early mornings and late nights.

The course cost is £9250 per year for the full time undergraduate program, with student loans covering the full cost of tuition fees for UK students. These loans are repaid after graduation once you start earning above a certain threshold. Maintenance loans are also available to help with living costs such as accommodation, food and travel; the amount you can borrow depends on your household income and whether you live at home or away.Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement or talent in areas such as music, drama, and sports.

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Works Cited- University of Chichester

“BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Triple Threat).” University of Chichester, www.chi.ac.uk/stage-and-screen/course/ba-hons-musical-theatre-triple-threat/. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

“Chichester Musical Theatre - the Student Room.” Thestudentroom.co.uk, 10 Mar. 2023, www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7324816. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

UCAS. “Musical Theatre (Triple Threat).” Ucas.com, 2015, digital.ucas.com/coursedisplay/courses/e60d40a1-1313-b021-01ff-5bfa04825a47. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

“University of Chichester.” University of Chichester, 2016, www.chi.ac.uk/. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Works Cited- Bath Spa University

“Musical Theatre.” Ucas.com, 2015, digital.ucas.com/coursedisplay/courses/4304a143-d9c3-4642-a622-90e81ff4255a. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

“Musical Theatre Degree – BA (Hons) – Bath Spa University.” Www.bathspa.ac.uk, www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/ug-drama-musical-theatre/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

“Open Days – Bath Spa University.” Bathspa.ac.uk, 2021, www.bathspa.ac.uk/open-days/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=performance_max&utm_campaign=ec_ug-adh25&utm_content=ug-adh25-open-days-24/25-phase-2_ec101874_gb_ggpmx_e_open-day_null&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA88a5BhDPARIsAFj595iS8s2L3iRzMC4fG8BnG6Z_VORrWjhKgzKlP-fAmAGpppei8HWu7b4aApBdEALw_wcB. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

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If Plan A and Plan B are not successful, I have envisioned a Plan C as a third way to gain access to the industry.

1. Social media and Spotlight

Through social media accounts I can begin to build my platform on Instagram, SnapChat and TikTok. Developing my platforms and becoming more media active will allow different connections to be made to the industry. By posting videos of my singing, dancing and acting repetitively I would have an increased chance at being scouted by agency by simply using social media to my advantage. I would post on all social media platforms to increase the chance that I would be scouted. For example, posting different singing and dance videos on TikTok and Instagram, and joining groups where agencies post Casting calls for productions so I can keep auditioning.

I could also use my accounts to follow industry creatives, drama schools and casting agency’s to create a name for myself. Having an account dedicated only to Musical Theatre is beneficial for creatives to easily see my strengths within the industry.

I would then create a Spotlight account myself to promote my self-employment further. Spotlight is the largest casting resource in the United Kingdom, founded in 1927. It has accounts from actors and actresses to dancers, presenters and voice over artists in its database. It is used by thousands of production companies, broadcasters, advertisement agencies and casting directors. The annual fee for a membership typically ranges from £154 to £199, with additional charges for optional services such as uploading showreels or accessing spotlight contacts. Spotlight would be a great way if I did not have an agent to keep in the loop about casting calls and dnace calls which I could audition for. It would also tell me the casting brief so I know how to dress and prepare properly for the audition.

2. Choreographing, workshops and teaching

A second way I have of gaining access to the industry is taking the opportunity to work with different dance companies as a Giest Teacher. This would broaden my knowledge as a performer in the industry and attract me to other dance companies where I could teach classes in Ballet,Tap or Jazz. Teaching also gives me experience with working under pressure and having to communicate fully which could attract me to roles such as Dance Captain in productions as I have that experience of learning and teaching choreography to people.

Teaching would also give me a way of income if I was in between industry jobs. This is beneficial as it means I am still productively working in performing arts and gaining that experience without physically performing on a stage.

Choreographing different dances would also develop my dance ability and give me more experience on analysing the music and what movements fit with particular beats. This would help with choreography retention as a whole and make me a well rounded performer. Being a choreographer would also attract me to certain conventions such as ‘Move It’ and the ‘CYD?’ annual events where dance classes are a major part of the theatre conventions.

Attending workshops in London at studios such as ‘Dance Box’ and ‘Pineapple Studios’ would also be a way to create a name for myself. By going to these classes, teachers would recognise my dance style and I would have more opportunities to perform. Masterclasses at these studios range in price from £10-£30 depending on who is teaching and how much experience of the industry they have. Pineapple Dance in particular offer classes such as Hip-Hop, MT Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, House and Ballroom.

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Works Cited

Lucas, Holly. “Is Social Media a Good Thing for Performers?” OnStage Blog, 23 July 2019, www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2019/7/23/is-social-media-a-good-thing-for-performers. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Lumosia. “What Is Spotlight for Actors | Can It Help Your Career?” Lumosia, 23 May 2023, www.lumosia.com/what-is-spotlight-for-actors/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Royston. “How Social Media Has Transformed the Performing Arts Industry.” The UK Newspaper, 20 Mar. 2019, www.theuknewspaper.co.uk/how-social-media-has-transformed-the-performing-arts-industry/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Spotlight. “About Us.” Spotlight.com, 2019, www.spotlight.com/about-us/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Spotlight Admin. “What Is Spotlight? | Spotlight.” Spotlight, 22 Oct. 2018, www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/spotlight/what-is-spotlight/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Studios, Pineapple. “Pineapple.” Pineapple, 2024, www.pineapple.uk.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA88a5BhDPARIsAFj595gdYs-zGeVlqWa0MLmvcQswrf172eUYoZvuOXFHw0oraZ88YMpyW3AaAiMnEALw_wcB. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

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Classical Song - I Want To Go To Hollywood

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I have completed my application and I am just waiting for it to be approved and sent off by Tresham College. The schools I applied to on UCAS are :

Performers College Essex (BIMM University)

University of Chichester

URDANG (City, University of London)

BIRD College (University of Greenwich)

MADD College (Coventry College)