College Preparation Programme

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PREPARATION PROGRAMME

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College Preparation Programme at Berkhamsted School

A new summer school created by industry leading professionals and drama school alumni to support 14-17 year olds planning to apply to UK performing arts schools and colleges. Our College Preparation Programme (CPP) assembles groups of talented and ambitious young performers who are ready to engage in an intensive programme with a collaborative creative community.

The highly trained and professional staff at Spears Theatre Arts make sessions enjoyable whilst developing our pupils’ theatre and performance skills. During the sessions and showcases, our parent community and staff have thoroughly enjoyed seeing our pupils thrive in their confidence with the support of Spears Theatre Arts sessions.

Naomi Egan, Downe House School

Wednesday 6th – Wednesday 13th August

Week 1

Week 2

Wednesday 13th – Wednesday 20th August

The CPP is ideal for students planning on applying for Musical Theatre diplomas, foundation courses and undergraduate programmes in the UK.

High-Profile Coaches

The CPP is delivered by a roster of distinguished instructors from the performing arts industry, offering invaluable mentorship and guidance to participants

Full Immersion

The residential programme at a beautiful British boarding school creates a focused and immersive learning environment that encourages personal growth and artistic development

Powerful Preparation

This programme will guide students through the process of selecting and rehearsing the most appropriate material as well as equipping them with audition techniques and an important insight into the college application and audition process.

Networking Opportunities

Participants will have the opportunity to network with like-minded peers, West End performers, college alumni and other industry professionals ready to share their advice and experiences.

ELIGIBILITY

Aged between 14 and 17 at the time of the summer school
Strongly considering an application to a 16+ or 18+ musical theatre programme
A minimum of 6 months training in acting, dance and singing.
IELTS level of 2.5-3.0

OUTCOMES

Participating in our College Preparation Programme, you will:

Research, select and rehearse all of the audition material you require for your college application with guidance, mentorship and intensive coaching from our highly experienced faculty
Learn more about performing arts colleges and the industry with extensive networking opportunities
Immerse yourself in theatre within a vibrant creative community
Prepare your college application including a new headshot photograph
Develop new skills that you can draw on through your college training and ebyond
Complete the programme feeling confident and fully prepared for your upcoming college application and if we have not succeeded in delivering all of the above, we’ll give you your money back.

What’s Included

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

LOCATION INFORMATION

Intensive Tutorials

Six hours of tutorials per subject (Acting Through Song, Dance and Vocal Technique & Repertoire) with our highly experienced faculty with a focus on selecting and rehearsing your audition material. Tutorial groups are with 5-7 students.

Vocal Technique & Repertoire

Enhance your vocal technique with expert training and receive support with choosing the right pieces, making cuts and rehearsing for your audition.

Acting Through Song

Develop techniques and skills to bring your vocal performances alive and connect with your chosen material. The program will also help you to choose and prepare any monologues that may be required by your chosen college.

Dance

Intensive training designed to level up your dance ability and prepare your audition pieces.

Group Reviews

Three 90-minute reviews to students and faculty. All students will present one audition piece at each showcase.

Masterclass

A fully interactive masterclass and Q&A session with a high-profile West End actor.

West End Shows

Visit London for two popular West End performances

Audition Technique

An audition technique workshop to prepare the skills required for your upcoming auditions including improvisation, ensemble exercises and sight reading.

Alumni Event

A Central London networking event with graduates from some of the UK’s most prestigious performing arts colleges.

Industry Insight

A Q&A and networking event with a panel of industry professionals such as agents, casting directors and managers.

Application Support

Support with your college application documents and a photo shoot to snap a new headshot

Teaching Skills Workshop

Many actors teach between jobs and to supplement their income. We will introduce a foundation of teaching skills that you can draw on should you choose to explore teaching opportunities.

Evening Activities

Enjoy time with your peers and students from other programmes at Berkhamsted School.

Accommodation

Three meals per day and comfortable boarding school accommodation at Berkhamsted School.

STAFF & FACULTY

Spears Theatre Arts has a roster of some of the top instructors in the UK. Our summer program faculty may include:

Andrew Sullivan

SINGING

Andy has worked extensively as musical director, vocal coach, arranger and audition pianist for Bill Kenwright, UK Productions, Bristol Old Vic, LAMDA, Arts Educational, Mountview and Laine Theatre Arts. As Musical Director/Assistant MD he has worked in the West End and on various UK tours. Andy is also an examiner in Musical Theatre for LCM, holds LLCM(TD) in Musical Theatre teaching, FTCL from Trinity Guildhall, LRSM from ABRSM and 1st class BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Winner of the Henry Cotton award - GSA).

Elizabeth Futter

DANCE

Elizabeth Futter is a highly accomplished vocalist and accredited singing teacher with extensive professional experience. She trained in Musical Theatre at Guildford School of Acting and has performed in numerous acclaimed West End productions, including Wicked and Cats. Elizabeth has also collaborated with renowned entertainer Anton Du Beke as his lead female vocalist. As an educator, she has shared her expertise at leading drama schools, universities, and dance academies worldwide, inspiring the next generation of performers.

Bryn Williams

ACTING

Bryn is recognised an innovative and motivational drama practitioner whose career has spanned four decades. He has an extensive career in the performing arts as an actor, director and workshop facilitator. As a director and youth theatre facilitator, he has produced or directed over 400 productions. His work has seen him conduct masterclasses and workshops in the UK, China, Middle East and Australia.

He is a highly sought after coach for audition preparations and film, TV and theatre actors preparing for roles.

Maxwell David

SINGING

Maxwell has over 20 years' experience coaching singers of all ages and abilities and enabling to achieve their full potential. He worked for 10 years in London coaching at some of the UK's most prestigious drama schools before relocating to LA in 2015 where he has coached artists including Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan and Cheyenne Jackson and worked on major projects for Disney, Netflix, Universal, Miramax and 20th Century Fox.

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Anthony Underwood

COORDINATOR

Anthony is a talented practitioner and skilled coordinator who will oversee the logistics of our summer programme. As a director, Anthony specialises in family theatre and musicals. His work involves telling vibrant stories that are full of creativity and life. His directing ethos follows the three branches that he believes great theatre consists of; to entertain, educate & inspire.

Our team are alumni of or have experience preparing students for applications to: