Royal Academy of Music, University of London

What you'll study

Training covers the core disciplines needed for contemporary musical theatre and integrates voice, acting, movement and industry practice.

• Singing: weekly 60-minute individual singing lessons plus a 40-minute individual repertoire coaching session, supported by group coaching, ensemble singing projects and audition technique classes; work is informed by up-to-date physiology research.
• Acting: classes and tutorials include improvisation, acting through song, text work, sight-reading, character building, rehearsal process and audition practice, applied in scenes, plays, musicals and revues.
• Spoken word: voice science and application to speaking and singing with a weekly 20-minute individual tutorial; coverage includes speech and accent, text and language (including Shakespearean verse) and vocal health, with an emphasis on integrating speaking and singing voices.
• Integration of acting and singing: weekly classes focused on matching vocal quality to dramatic demands, extended voice technique and assembling an audition repertoire ‘bible’.
• Dance: work on musicality, empathy and technical ability with an emphasis on learning and translating choreographic combinations and appropriate stylistic movement.
• Movement: creative classes to build physical confidence, solo and ensemble work, contact and partnering, with early-term focus on storytelling through movement and later integration of text and song.
• Industry development: practical sessions with professionals in performance, direction, casting, musical direction, choreography, coaching and performance psychology to develop strategies for entering the industry, including preparation for work as a Musical Director.
• Masterclasses: visiting performers, composers and directors lead workshops and mock auditions; recent guests have included Claude-Michel Schönberg, Pippa Ailion, Hadley Fraser, John Bucchino, Jenna Russell, Imelda Staunton and Cynthia Erivo (2021–22).
• Projects and productions: students rehearse and perform a variety of projects (musicals, revues, concerts, cabaret, plays, devised work, recordings), and take part in an agents’ showcase and end-of-year full-scale productions in the Susie Sainsbury Theatre accompanied by the Academy Musical Theatre Orchestra.

Entry requirements

Applicants must demonstrate a performance standard at least equivalent to a recognised music performance diploma. Academically, candidates should hold a Bachelor degree at RQF Level 6 with at least lower second-class honours (or an international equivalent). Application proceeds in two stages: a UCAS Conservatoires application plus an Acceptd profile with video recordings for round one; successful applicants are invited to a live recall audition.

Career prospects

The course is designed to lead directly into the musical theatre industry. Most graduates work as performers or as musical directors depending on pathway choices, leveraging agent and industry contacts made during the final terms. Alumni also pursue non-musical theatre and screen roles, create original work, teach singing or work in other stage and screen roles.

Scholarships & funding angle

The Academy offers the Disney Scholarship for Musical Theatre students who identify as from underrepresented backgrounds; successful applicants invited after audition may receive a full tuition fee waiver plus living-cost support. Applicants should check the Academy for application timing and eligibility details.