New MA in Musical Theatre Set to Take to the Stage
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Royal Welsh College is building on its recent success in
Musical Theatre and its excellent links
with the industry, to launch a new MA, specifically designed to
meet industry demands for musical theatre practitioners who are
strong in the interdependent disciplines of acting, singing and
dancing.
The College has a history of musical performance; the last few
years have seen productions of Quadrophenia, staring
Kimberley Nixon (Cranford, Angus, Thongs &
Perfect Snogging), West Side Story, featuring
Aneurin Barnard, who went on to win an Olivier for
Best Actor in a Musical for his West End debut in Spring
Awakening, and Thoroughly Modern Millie which
launched Clare Dunne’s career, recently seen in
Three Sisters at the Lyric. Recent graduate Ryan
O’Donnell was nominated for a TMA (Theatrical Management
Association) Award for Best Performance in a Musical for his part
in the recent professional production of Quadrophenia.
Newly appointed Course Leader Vivien Care says, ‘As one of only three
Conservatoires that provide both music and drama training, the
College provides a unique environment to study musical theatre with
opportunities to perform in both intimate and large scale musical
performances.’
‘At Royal Welsh College we have always aimed to produce a fully
rounded, grounded actor who makes the most of their skills,’ agrees
Head of Acting Dave Bond. ‘While staying true to these core values,
the Musical Theatre course will also offer specialised
training.’
Vivien’s experience as a performer and teacher, her work as a
vocal consultant and coach, together with her extensive industry
links, inform an approach to the training of musical theatre
practitioners at the highest level. She studied at Royal Welsh
College herself and is currently playing Sister Margaretta in
The Sound of Music. ‘As a performer myself, I’m so looking
forward to leading this highly focussed course here at my old
College. I’m thrilled to be able to help generate this dynamic and
long awaited new venture that promises to meet industry needs for
greatly specialised and thoroughly integrated performers.’
Olivier award winning Aneurin Bernard adds, ‘I am
so glad to hear that the College is now launching an MA in Musical
Theatre, giving a wider choice of range for applicants to be more
specific in what they choose to train in. The College helps you to
become the best you can be, if you allow it to. I know the course
will be a success, and encourage people from all over the world to
train there!’
The course starts in January
2011.