Levi Tyrell Johnson
Actor. Levi graduated from RWCMD in 2022 with an MA Musical Theatre.
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MA Musical Theatre
Award:
MA Musical Theatre
Awarding body:
University of South Wales
Location of study:
Cardiff (RWCMD, Llanishen Studios and Old Library)
Start date:
19 September 2027
Duration:
10 months full time
Course code:
713F – UCAS Conservatoires
Introduction
This one-year course blends advanced technical training, current professional practice and research‑informed learning to help you meet the demands of the ever-evolving musical theatre industry.
You’ll train alongside some of the industry’s leading practitioners while building your artistic identity in a safe, welcoming conservatoire environment.
Choose from one of three distinct pathways – Performance, Musical Direction, or Singing Teaching – all of which provide qualifications and a diverse skill set that are currently in very high demand worldwide.
Why choose the MA Musical Theatre at RWCMD?
Develop your artistry at one of the UK’s top musical theatre conservatoires
RWCMD is considered one of the best places to study musical theatre in the UK. Our MA Musical Theatre course provides world-leading tuition combined with professional training that can help you sustain a career in the industry.
Targeted pathways for performance, musical direction or singing teaching careers
These vocational routes into the musical theatre industry provide you with the training you need to expand your range of skills or change careers.
Intensive, practice‑based tuition that reflects contemporary industry expectations, with daily rehearsal and performance-training work, forms the foundation of your learning.
Specialist tuition from expert practitioners from across the industry
You’ll be guided by an internationally recognised team with expertise in performance, teaching and musical theatre practice, including Estill Voice Training. The team offer not only first-rate tuition, but mentoring and networking opportunities as well.
You’ll also experience an exceptional level of individual attention and career coaching, and all the benefits of working as part of a small ensemble.
Gain professional insight and connect with industry
Our strong ties with industry, both in Wales and further afield, ensure that your training aligns with current professional practice.
You’ll also have opportunities to meet and work closely with renowned directors, musical directors and choreographers, as well as visiting artists. These connections help you build links with the musical theatre industry and offer valuable insight into how the profession operates.
Immerse yourself in a creative, collaborative conservatoire community
You’ll closely collaborate with RWCMD music, production and design departments, placing you at the very centre of our creatively diverse community.
Train in a welcoming arts centre environment
You’ll study in the heart of Cardiff at a working arts centre that’s home to an internationally recognised public performance programme. Every year, we welcome acclaimed artists from around the world, and we encourage you to attend as many of these events as possible (which you can do for free or at a discounted student rate).
Study and live in Wales’ dynamic capital city
Cardiff is a friendly, affordable and creative place to be a student. You will be part of a thriving music and arts scene, with major venues on your doorstep and chances to get involved in performances, community outreach and professional events.
You can choose to specialise in one of three areas, which we call ‘pathways.
Pathways
What you'll study - MA Musical Theatre course structure
In this advanced training programme, we create the circumstances – through class work, rehearsal and performance – that drive you to develop specialised skills in your chosen pathway.
With it, you can bridge the gap between a degree earned in a different subject (or other previous experience) and the standard expected by employers in the musical theatre industry.
Focus on artistic and professional development
This MA course doesn’t conform to any single philosophy of musical theatre training. Instead, you’ll be introduced to many influences, practices and strategies, allowing you to make educated choices about the methods you’d like to incorporate into your own work.
It prioritises employability, professional readiness and artistic individuality, helping you to build a sustainable career pathway.
A blend of practical, technical and research-led training
Your training combines hands-on experience and specialist tuition led by prominent tutors, directors and coaches. From week one, you’ll delve into an intensive schedule, which includes individual and group lessons, workshops and rehearsals.
You will demonstrate your skills in acting, singing, musical direction, or vocal pedagogy through a range of public‑facing events, supervised teaching placements and ensemble leadership opportunities. For some of these experiences, you will engage directly with employers, agents and casting professionals.
Alongside this, you will develop the vital critical reflection and research skills that will actively fuel your creativity.
The core module in Professional Studies helps you learn how to navigate freelance work, contracts, financial planning and sustainable professional practice.
Discovering Wales’ vibrant culture
You will also have the chance to explore contemporary and historical Welsh musical theatre works, and contemporary Welsh compositions. The course also includes opportunities to engage with Welsh-speaking artists, composers and writers on new musical theatre works that reflect Welsh themes and narratives.
Learning to work as a team
Throughout your course, you will gain an understanding of how trust, collaborative teamwork, and shared artistic goals form the foundation of effective professional practice in musical theatre. You’ll also analyse how these dynamics shape creative processes, company culture, and production outcomes across diverse working environments.
Performance and collaboration opportunities
Students from all pathways can take part in a range of external performance opportunities, which bridge the gap between classroom training and the professional industry. These opportunities deepen your technical skill, help you to expand your artistic identity and enhance your employability.
You will work closely with students from other RWCMD programmes, developing vital industry skills and knowledge, and working towards common production goals. These collaborations provide a chance to build lasting and meaningful artistic partnerships while learning about best practice in performance careers.
Cabaret performances
You may also have the opportunity to create and stage your own self-directed work at local performance venues such as Wales Millennium Centre, Muni Arts Centre and Penarth Pavilion.
Concert performances
You may be invited to participate in external performance opportunities, such as Remembrance Day concerts or events staged by events management companies.
Professional employment opportunities
We occasionally get requests for our Musical Theatre students to take part in professional employment opportunities – recent examples include Theatre-in-Education work and touring with Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre.
Frequently asked questions
What our students say
Need advice before applying?
Our admissions team are happy to help with any questions about entry requirements, auditions or life at RWCMD. Email admissions@rwcmd.ac.uk to get started.
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