Musical theatre has never been so popular. Last year a record
14,257,922 people saw a West End show, and films such as
Chicago and High School Musical, as well as TV’s
Glee, Over the Rainbow and Maria mean
that there has never been a better time to work in Musical
Theatre.
In order to make the most of this rise in employment
opportunities Royal Welsh College has developed a new MA Musical Theatre. The course is part of a
range of new masters programmes, developed for performing arts
professionals wishing to further their careers in the creative
industries.
The course will incorporate the three core disciplines of
musical theatre – acting, singing and dancing. Expert lecturers and
industry professionals will focus on vocal technique and
repertoire, dance and movement, and acting techniques. Public
performance opportunities range from intimate to large-scale
productions, and all students take part in a series of public
showcase presentations in Cardiff and London – a chance to perform
for agents and casting directors.
This new MA builds on the College’s proven track record in
musical theatre. Just a year after graduating, Aneurin Barnard was awarded the Olivier
for Best Actor in a Musical for his West End debut as
Melchior in Spring Awakening. Katy Treharne is currently
understudy for Christine in The Phantom of the Opera in
the West End and recently had to take over the role half way
through the performance. She is joined on stage by Melanie Gowie
who is understudy for Carlotta and Tabaitha Webb who plays
Alternate Christine.