Music Theatre, MA

This course will not be accepting applications for entry in September 2023

Course information

Duration
One year, full-time
Course start
September
Award
Master of Arts in Music Theatre (180 credits)

About this course

On the MA Music Theatre at Central, we see performers as creators, and regularly produce new works with professional composers, writers, directors and choreographers.

  • Acting, singing and movement is at the core, but the course also provides opportunities to compose, choreograph, write for the stage and work as an actor-musician;
  • Experience many genres and styles from musicals to music theatre, devised theatre and opera in public productions, emphasising new writing;
  • Alumni successes internationally include West End shows, opera, television, film, live action animation, video-games, theatre, musicals, stand-up comedy, writing, composing and directing.

Our approach

A core team of specialist lecturers and professional artists deliver classes and workshops, joined later by external, established specialist professionals. Our work is multidisciplinary: flexibility and sustainability are at its centre, and collaborative teamwork is the model. Research is embedded, reflecting the specific methodologies required by performers at a professional level.

The course is intense, experiential and conservatoire-based across four extended terms, with high expectations from students. The well-being of the students is fundamental and regular attention to physical, mental and intellectual well-being is uniquely supported.

Accordion

  • Course Detail

    This master’s level, conservatoire-style training provides the opportunity for music and theatre practitioners to develop performance techniques and creative skills and experience some of the diversity of music theatre forms.

    Structure of the Course

    Term One provides acting, dance and movement classes, alongside individual singing lessons that continue throughout the year. Conditioning classes underpin health and well-being for performers. Performance workshops, actor-musicianship and choral ensemble work are activities designed to synthesise skills.

    Term Two includes several performances of an ensemble production in a studio theatre directed by a professional team showcasing the individual-specific skills of the company members. Opportunities to develop composition, writing, choreography and instrumental performance may be integrated into the curriculum. Skills learnt in Term One are targeted towards specialised performance requirements. An industry day brings students in to dialogue with agents and casting directors at the decision-making centre of the performer’s life.

    Term Two concludes with an industry showcase.

    Term Three comprises a full-scale public production of a contemporary work in the Embassy Theatre and the course frequently commissions and premieres new work. Acting, singing and dance/movement continue as part of preparation for that performance. The term ends with a unit which will prepare you for industry-standard audition techniques.

    Term Four is devoted to the Sustained Independent Project, the character of which will reflect your strengths across research, writing, performing or creating. The research, performing and creating experiences from previous units contribute to this final piece of work also faces outwards to your career ahead.

    Specialised pathway

    MA Music Theatre is for performers, but we now offer a specialised pathway for composers and/ or musical directors who are also performers. Each case is taken individually and those interested will be invited to communicate directly with the Course Leader prior to audition.

    Assessment

    Assessment is by public performances, process, examination and written submissions.

  • Entry Requirements and Admissions

    Offers will be based on merit alone. Scholarships are available.

    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.

    We particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented in higher education, such as students with disabilities and members of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups. Find out more information on Central’s commitment to equality and diversity.

    English Language

    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 and more information can be found through the English Language Requirements page. 

    Auditions

    All first-round auditions for entry in autumn 2023 will be conducted online through the submission of a self-tape video. Full details of how to submit your self-tape will be shared with you via email after you have applied. Applicants who are successful following the first-round self-tape audition will be asked to attend a recall workshop either at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London or via a zoom video call.

    You will be asked to submit a recent self-tape that includes the following:

    • One song from the Musical Theatre repertoire that you feel best showcases your vocal abilities as well as your ability to act through song. It can be from any era of musical theatre. Remember, we are just as interested in your ability to act, embody a character, and tell a story as we are in your vocal potential.
    • One monologue from a play written in the 20th or 21st century. A contemporary piece that shows your ability to connect with a character is best. The monologue should be under 2 minutes in length.
    • Please start the video by introducing yourself with your full name and the name you prefer (if different), the course you are auditioning for (MA Music Theatre) and the names of the pieces you are performing.
    • Example: Hello, my name is [insert name], and I am auditioning for the MA Music Theatre course at Central. I will be performing “Mister Snow” from the musical Carousel and a monologue from Lucy Kirkwood’s Chimerica.

    Filming your video

    Once you are ready to film yourself, make sure you choose a background that is not too distracting and as plain as possible. A good tip is to film against a closed door or a plain wall!

    Ensure you are somewhere well lit, for example filming in the day time with light coming from in front of you, to make sure we can see you. Make sure you are somewhere as quiet as possible so that you can be heard clearly in your video.

    Set up your recording device (this can be a camera, phone or tablet) on something stable (this could be a tripod, table or stack of books) so that the shot is either portrait or landscape.

    We need to see as much of you as possible (NOT just your face). A full body shot is ideal, but if that’s not possible, please film yourself from the knees up so that we can see your hands, torso, and full face. Try to get your camera level with your chest or your eyes so that we can see as much of your expressions as possible.

    For example: Shot Options for BA (Hons) Acting self-tapes

    When performing look just off camera so that it looks like you’re talking to someone, and then deliver your monologue or song.

    For further information see the How to Apply section.

    International Students

    Visit the International Students section to view details of English language requirements for Central’s courses.

  • Professional Focus

    The core teaching team reflects diverse performing and creative practice across a varied cultural stage: from musical theatre through to opera; from television to film; from classic acting to actor-musicians; from West-End franchises to innovative exploration; from creating new companies to new media. The course encourages self-motivation and entrepreneurship and brings students into contact with agents and visiting professionals.

    Recent Visiting teaching Staff

    Directors

    Bill Bankes-Jones, Jo Davies, Janie Dee, Joe Deer, Suzy Catliff, Ed Goggin, Kate Golledge, Stephen Clark, Simon Greiff, Thomas Hescott.

    Musical Directors

    David Charles Abell, Derek Barnes, Richard Balcombe, Joshua Rosenblum.

    Producers, Agents etc

    Andy Barnes, Ellie Collyer-Bristow, Jane Deitch, Lisa Hull, Anne McNulty.

    • Beyond Central

      Graduate employment includes:

      West End

      Sweeney Todd (ENO), The Commitments, The Scottsboro Boys, The Book Of Mormon, The Lion King, The Colour Purple, Ghost The Musical, Legally Blonde, Chicago, The Bodyguard, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Exposure: The Musical, Aladdin, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables, Made In Dagenham.

      UK

      Kiss Me Kate (Opera North and Welsh National Opera); Fiddler On The Roof (Grange Park Opera, the Proms); Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (UK tour); Love Story (Southwark Playhouse); On A Clear Day You Can See Forever (Union Theatre); Little Shop Of Horrors (tour); Blood Brothers (tour), Parade (Manchester); Dirty Dancing (tour); Singin’ In The Rain (tour); Calamity Jane (tour).

      Film

      Skyfall; The White King; Perfect Hunch Of An Agoraphobe; Everyone Knows.

      Television

      Casualty, Cuffs, One Child, (BBC); Hollyoaks, The Future Wags of Great Britain (Channel 4); The Girl’s Guide To Depravity (Cinemax, US).

      Video games

      Evie Frye in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.

      Theatre

      The Oresteia, Measure For Measure, 946: The Amazing Story Of Adolphus Tips (Shakespeare’s Globe); Caroline Or Change, The Amen Corner, A Pacifist’s Guide To The War On Cancer (National Theatre); FeastBeen So Long (Young Vic Theatre); Porgy And Bess (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); Posh (Duke of York’s Theatre).

    • Notable Graduates

      Notable graduates of this course include:

      Matthew Atkins (2013) theatre credits include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (UK Tour), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Twickenham Theatre), Hamlet (Open Air Tour) and The Rocky Horror Show (Manchester Palace Theatre).

      Adebayo Bolaji (2008) film and television credits include Cucumber (Channel 4), Les Misérables and Skyfall. Theatre credits include Ghost The MusicalThe Colour Purple (Menier Chocolate Factory) and The Scottsboro Boys (Young Vic).

      Rebecca Jade Hammond (2009) theatre credits include Love Steals Us From Loneliness (Camden People’s Theatre), Sexual Perversity in Chicago (Tristan Bates Theatre) and A Streetcar Named Desire (Theatre Royal Bath).

      Oliver Lidert (2007) West End theatre credits include Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre), Beautiful (Aldwych Theatre), The Lion King (The Lyceum Theatre) and The Book of Mormon (The Prince of Wales Theatre).  

      Andrew Mathys (2006) theatre credits include Philip Pullman’s The Firework Maker’s Daughter (The Bloomsbury Theatre), Die Tote Stadt (The Royal Opera House) and James and the Giant Peach (Polka Theatre).

      Felix Mosse (2013) currently plays Jean Prouvaire in the West End’s Les Misérables, his other theatre credits include The Book of Mormon (The Prince of Wales Theatre), Love Me Tender (No.1 UK Tour), A Winter’s Tale (Oxford Stage Company) andThe Heights (Connections Festival).

      Ruth Clarke-Irons (2006) is a member of the Principal Theatre Company, with productions includingThe Merry Wives of Windsor, The Tempest and As You Like It. She also performed in the award winning UK Tour of Woody Sez. 

      Notable International Alumni

      Tsai Pao-chang (Taiwan); Robin Evan Willis (Canada); Victoria Atkin (UK/US); Windson Liong (Singapore and UK)

    • Recent Visiting Professionals

      Directors

      • Bill Bankes-Jones
      • Jo Davies
      • Janie Dee
      • Joe Deer
      • Suzy Catliff
      • Ed Goggin
      • Kate Golledge
      • Stephen Clark
      • Simon Greiff
      • Thomas Hescott

      Musical Directors

      • David Charles Abell
      • Derek Barnes
      • Richard Balcombe
      • Joshua Rosenblum

      Producers, Agents

      • Andy Barnes
      • Ellie Collyer-Bristow
      • Jane Deitch
      • Lisa Hull
      • Anne McNulty
    • Tuition Fees, Bursaries and Scholarships

      Tuition Fees for 2023 Entry

      UK (Home) students: £22,750*
      Overseas students: £27,500

      Please note that there may be additional costs that you need to incur as part of the training for the course.

      Full information is available on the Tuition Fees and Additional Costs page.


      Bursaries and Scholarships

      Central offers a range of bursaries and scholarships. If you are holding an offer for a place on a course then you will be invited to apply for a bursary or scholarship.

      *If you are a UK student but already hold a qualification at the equivalent or higher level to the one that you are applying for, then you may be classed as an ELQ student and be required to pay the same fee as an overseas student.

    Student Feedback

    “I had an amazing time on the course. It opened my mind to new possibilities in the field of performance and provided me with a spring-board for my career in the West End.”

    Oliver Lidert

    Graduated 2008, credits include The Lion King, and the original casts of The Book Of Mormon and Aladdin.

    “I loved my year at Central. This course enabled me to channel my creativity in many ways, which continues to materialise in unique opportunities that have allowed me a great freedom in my work as an artist.”

    Victoria Atkin

    Graduated 2009, credits include the female lead on sci-fi television show Extinct.

    Staff On The Course

    Stephen Hudson is an acting coach and trainer, director and actor.

    Stephen Hudson

    Broderick Chow is a scholar, educator, and artist whose work focuses on the intersections of theatre, performance, and sport.

    Black and white headshot of Broderick Chow

    The core teaching team also includes

    Steve Elias (dance), Emma Caplan (acting), Hazel Gold (dance), Maria Huesca (singing), Ewa Kolodziejska (coaching), Arthur Kyeyune (movement), David Merriman (music), Rebecca Reeves (research).

    Students On The Course

    Angus is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Angus Benstead

    Lucrezia is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Lucrezia Headshot by Adam Hills

    Roya is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Headshot of Roya - female presenting with brown hair in a bun, blue eyes, wearing a mesh black top

    Reuben is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Reuben Havelock

    Charlotte is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Charlotte Horner

    Alex is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Alex Horton

    Mohab is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Mohab Kaddah

    Jade is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Jade Main Headshot

    Ben is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Ben Osland

    Helena is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Helena Regan

    Charlie is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Charlie Renwick

    Evelyn is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in December 2023.

    Headshot by Cam Harle

    Ashleigh is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Brown hair, green eyes, wearing a denim jacket and white vest underneath

    Alejandro is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Alejandro Teuffer

    Pash is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Pash Trenear

    Josh is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Josh Vaatstra

    Zoe is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Zoe Vegh-Gross

    Lara is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Lara Virtanen

    Abigail is studying on MA Music Theatre, due to graduate in January 2024.

    Abigail Yeo
    • Class of 2022

      Lucy is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Lucy Blunt

      George is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      George Bourne

      Charlie is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Charlie Callaghan

      Rose is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Rose Charmaine Camacho

      Ferdia is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Ferdia Fitzsimons

      Laoise is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Blonde, blue eyed white mid 20s woman with shoulder length hair wearing a white vest top.

      Cesca is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Cesca Grace

      Daniel is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Headshot by Tom Barker

      Avra is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Avra Haraka

      Gloria is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Gloria Huang

      Alexander is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Alexander Law

      Mahalakshmi is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Mahalakshmi

      Elizabeth is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Elizabeth Maties

      Lyds is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Lydia Rae

      Meg is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Meg Russon

      Zara is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Zara Malik-Ryan

      Jenni is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Music Theatre 2022.

      Jenni Simmonds

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