Stratford-upon-Avon College will now be running the Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts – Musical Theatre.

The College has had numerous successes in Musical Theatre with ex-students Lauren Samuels|, Ashley Nottingham| and Nathaniel Morrison| to name but a few! Lauren recently came third in BBC’s Over The Rainbow and is very shortly due to star as Sandy in Grease in London’s West End. Ashley is currently starring in Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to The Phantom of the Opera and Nathaniel has appeared in numerous musicals including Joseph and Dancing in the Streets.

Edward Pinner, Curriculum Area Manager for Performing Arts, commented “I am thrilled that the College has successfully secured additional HEFCE funding which allows us to run this course in September. Our fantastic alumni including Lauren, Ashley and Nathaniel highlight the success our students have had in Musical Theatre. We are looking for students who are passionate about Musical Theatre and who can sing, dance and act as this course will prepare them for drama school training and entry into the industry.”

The Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts – Musical Theatre course is a Level 5 course that runs for two years. In the first year, students will develop their existing performance skills through technique classes in voice and singing, dance and acting, with supporting studies exploring the historical and cultural background to the art of Musical Theatre. Students will build on these foundations in the second year whilst experimenting with the traditions of performance practice.

Stratford-upon-Avon College has a close working relationship with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Birmingham Hippodrome.

For more information on the new Musical Theatre course, visit www.stratford.ac.uk| or contact the Admissions team on 01789 266245.