Musical Theatre, BA (Hons)

Prepare yourself to be a ‘triple threat’ musical theatre performer as you train in the disciplines of acting, singing and dancing while exploring the traditions and contemporary practices of musical theatre on stage and screen.

This course aims to develop versatile, imaginative and employable performers and will instil in you the skills needed to flourish both on and off the stage. You will enhance your practical skills in acting, singing, movement and dance, and also gain an understanding of the theatre industry and how to market yourself and secure professional roles or succeed in related fields.

As well as developing your artistry and creativity, you will gain an understanding of core musical theatre disciplines from a theoretical perspective by examining their key practitioners and pieces.

A host of industry experts contribute to this course alongside our experienced lecturers with specialist workshops and guest lectures. These have included working with some of the most exciting writers, directors, agents, actors and dancers from both the UK and abroad.

On this course you will also benefit from being part of Creative Arts Weston. Here you will join our exciting and passionate creative community, and you will be perfectly placed to join the arts industry, leading the way as part of the next creative generation.

Duration:

Full-time: 3 years (5 days a week)

Start date:

September 2022

Location:

UCW Academy of Performing Arts at Knightstone Campus

Course codes:

Institution: B20

Course: UCW3

Campus: C

Course fees:

Full-time: £8,900 per year

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Assessment

Written

0%

COURSEWORK

0%

PRACTICAL

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The UCW Academy of Performing Arts aims to replicate the professional workplace environment, so you will utilise our rehearsal studios and work individually and as part of an ensemble to perform in regional theatres and also further afield.

The numerous opportunities to perform in professional venues is what sets us apart. In the past three years, our students have performed week-long runs of Sister Act, A Christmas Carol and The Secret Garden at the Theatre Royal, Windsor. We also hold a spectacular end of year show every summer to give our students the chance to showcase their talents to theatre-lovers closer to home.

The UCW Academy of Performing Arts is part of our Knightstone Campus in the centre of Weston, but you will also be able to use all of our facilities at no extra charge. This includes access to the University Centre in the Winter Gardens on Weston seafront. The new facility has a higher education library, a café and modern learning spaces.

Please contact the course leader Kyle Davies or UCW’s HEART student services team if you have any questions. It would also be great to meet you and show you around at our next Open Day.

All of the modules on this course are compulsory and worth either 20, 40 or 60 credits each. Successful completion of all three years is worth 360 credits and will lead to the award of a degree at Level 6.

Year 1:

Acting and Voice 1 (20 credits)
Ballet and Jazz Dance (20 credits)
Musical Theatre History and Repertoire (20 credits)
Musical Theatre Singing 1 (20 credits)
Personal Development (20 credits)
Tap and Musical Theatre Dance (20 credits)

Year 2:

Acting and Voice 2 (20 credits)
Musical Theatre Dance Skills (40 credits)
Musical Theatre Performance Processes (40 credits)
Musical Theatre Singing 2 (20 credits)

Year 3:

Musical Theatre Independent Study (20 credits)
Professional Musical Theatre Project (60 credits)
The Professional Musical Theatre Performer (40 credits)

This course is taught and assessed via a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, skills classes, in-class performances of devised work, presentations, individual and group work, written assignments and public performances. UCW’s Higher Education Library Plus (HE.LP) team also deliver a series of sessions on degree-level research and academic writing to all first-year students. When not in scheduled lectures and seminars, students are also expected to continue learning through independent self-study.

This course has an average of 30 hours of scheduled teaching per week.

Assessment is via a combination of practical exams and coursework, with an assessment breakdown of 25% coursework and 75% practical exams. There are no written exams on this degree.

Students who pass this course are eligible to apply for postgraduate study, such as the Master’s Degrees in Classical Acting, Performing Shakespeare or Directing at Bath Spa University.
Graduates can also seek roles with touring theatre companies and employment in various positions in the wider entertainment industry.

Industry insight

£1.28 billion was generated in ticket sales for performances in theatres in 2018 (UK Theatre).

Quick Stats

Immerse yourself in the ‘triple threat’ disciplines of acting, singing and dancing while exploring the traditions and contemporary practices of musical theatre.

Learn more

Meet our Team

Sylvia Lane

Section Lead - Performance

Sylvia is currently the HE Section Leader Performance at University Centre Weston (UCW). She oversees the BA Hons degrees in Musical Theatre, Performing Arts and Dance for Commercial Performance which are validated by Bath Spa University. Sylvia holds a graduate diploma in Musical Theatre and Theatre Dance from the London Studio Centre, a PGCE from Bath Spa University and most recently, completed a MA Professional Practice in Higher Education at Bath Spa University. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is an accomplished singing/voice coach but also teaches ballet and jazz technique, fitness, physical theatre and movement for theatrical practice. Sylvia regularly attends industry events to keep up to date with recent developments and has many high profile connections in the world of show business. Sylvia has over 20 years’ experience on the professional stage as a singer, dancer and actor. Originally from Munich, her career began with the Munich National Opera and credits include Lead Dancer/Singer for “Spirit of the Dance”, roles in tours including “A Chorus Line”, “Chicago”, “Starting here, Starting now”, “West Side Story”; she performed as Lead Production Singer on major cruise ships, and appeared in TV programmes and dance videos internationally.

Joe Miller

Lecturer - Performing Arts

Joe made the career move from professional dancer to lecturer in 2018 by joining the team at UCW and Weston College. Joe made his professional debut in “Spirit of the Dance” in 1999 and danced the lead of role of Danny Boy, soon taking on the role of Dance Captain, Company Manager, Choreographer and Resident Director for Spirit Productions Ltd. Other performance credits include: “Broadway! A Star Spangled Celebration” (USA), “One World” (UK Tour), “The Osmond’s Christmas Spectacular” (USA), “Tap Dance Fever” (Israel Tour), “Red Hot Broadway” (China Tour), “New Jersey Nights” (UK, Australian and China Tour), “The 12 Tenors” (China Tour), “Shake, Rattle n’ Roll” (USA), “Hooray for Hollywood” (USA) and “Spirit of the Dance” (World Tour), amongst many others. Joe has worked with a variety of celebrities during his career such as Dolly Parton, Tom Jones, Pink and Barbara Windsor and has also choreographed and featured on “The X-Factor” (Israel). Choreography credits include: “Sister Act the Musical” (Theatre Royal, Windsor), “Spirit of the Dance” (World Tour), “A Christmas Carol” (Theatre Royal, Windsor) and “Revolution” (Israel Arena Tour). Since becoming a lecturer at UCW, Joe has excelled in his teaching qualifications and is thrilled to be able to pass on his skills and knowledge

Abigail Green

Lecturer - Voice, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre

Abigail is currently Head of Voice and Singing at University Centre Weston (UCW). Abigail teaches on the BA Hons degrees in Musical Theatre, Performing Arts and Dance for Commercial Performance which are validated by Bath Spa University. Abigail has also worked as a guest lecturer at other institutions around the UK. Abigail holds a BEd Mus (Hons) from the University of Plymouth, is an Estill Master Trainer (EMT) and has a MA Ed from the University of the West of England which focused on the vocal health of Musical Theatre undergraduates. Abigail is also a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the British Voice Association. Abigail is a self-confessed voice anorak, with a passion for the human voice and its development. Abigail is fascinated by vocal research and vocal scientific developments and regularly attends courses, summits and symposiums in both the UK, Europe and Australia. Abigail is committed to instilling confidence in her students and believe everyone can sing; it is just a matter of giving them the tools to do so!

Georgina Green

Associate Lecturer

Georgina has appeared in many different corporate events including performing with Strictly Come Dancings Anton Du Beke, Pink, Kylie and Robbie Williams to name but a few. 'Le Haggis' Big Burns Festival (Scotland), Moulin Rouge Dancer- Madejski Stadium (Reading), Paddys Day- Irish Dancer- 5 Star Live Entertainment, Aditya Birla Awards (Mumbai), Flashmob and Rock n Roll- (Harrogate Conference Centre), Great Gatsby (The Luton Hoo Hotel), Corporate event for DHL- (Oman), Lindy Hoppers Jive- Sofitel Hotel (Heathrow), HSBC Tradeshow- (Birmingham NEC and London Excel), Salon International, Las Vegas 50th- The Vegas Showgirls, Moulin Rouge- (Brighton Marina Casino), Chill 2000 (Kent), The Secret Garden- Combination Dance, The Big 70’s for the Princess Diana Foundation, Grease- Sandy (Manchester City Stadium)- Dynamix Company, Red Hot In Rio- Underwraps (Reading), Beyonce 100 Single Ladies- Piccadilly Circus (London), Trident Unwrapped, Irish dancer (Cheltenham Races)- Channel 4 and Sky Tv. Georgina is a fully qualified and registered dance teacher with the RAD and ISTD and has adjudicated for festivals and competitions all over the country. As a Performing Arts Lecturer at Weston College, she is passionate about passing on her knowledge and wealth of experience to the next generation.

Nicola Rose

Associate Lecturer

Nicola was fortunate to begin her musical training as one of the founding girl choristers at Salisbury Cathedral. She then went on to study piano at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where she received the accompaniment prize and the Mansel Thomas award for Music in her final year. She continued working at the college as a Junior Fellow before completing her studies at the National Opera Studio in London. Nicola has a passion for education, outreach and community work and has worked as a pianist for Welsh National Opera, The Royal Opera House, Garsington Opera, English National Opera and Holland Park youth and community departments. She also works as a pianist and conductor for the Forget-me-not Chorus which is a group of choirs in South Wales for people with dementia and their carers. She is a former member of the Live Music Now scheme and a current member of Lost Chord. Both charities take music into the community, specifically to areas that are unable to access live performance. Now based in Cardiff, Nicola works as a vocal coach at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and enjoys a freelance career as an accompanist and repetiteur throughout the UK.

Neil Haigh

Lecturer - Performing Arts

Neil is an Actor, Director, Theatre Maker/Writer & Educator with many years professional experience in Theatre & TV. He has performed in main house productions at the Young Vic (The Trial), Almeida & West End Transfer (The Twilight Zone), Bristol Old Vic (A Christmas Carol; World Cup 66) & worked with many of the UK's leading independent companies including SHUNT, Sound & Fury, Inspector Sands, Third Party & Gonzo Moose. As a theatre maker/performer Neil was Co-Artistic Director of the acclaimed Cartoon de Salvo Theatre Company - making work for 15 years for Lyric Hammersmith, BAC, Soho Theatre & their work performed everywhere from Allotments in Surrey to Latitude Festival to Hong Kong & the Kennedy Centre Washington DC; productions attained "Top Ten shows of the Year" status for The Daily Telegraph & Observer. He co-wrote & performed The Summer House with FUEL Theatre (UK Tour/Gate London) published by Oberon Books (Time Out Show of the Week). For TV he has had featured roles on Dalziel & Pascoe, No Angels, The Bill, Casualty, Manhunt with Martin Clunes. His role in Doctors was nominated for Best Villain & Best Storyline at the British Soap Awards. Neil has had numerous roles in advertising for TV & Radio.

Kyle Davies

Programme Coordinator - Musical Theatre

Kyle has worked extensively as a freelance director in the US and UK and is the associate director of the State of Play Theatre. Recent directing credits include A Christmas Carol starring Paul Nicholas at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool; Puss in Boots and Cinderella at the York Theatre Royal’s De Grey Ballroom; The Fantasist’s Waltz, The Revenge of Mr Trout! and The Unholy Trinity for the State of Play Theatre; and RashDash’s The Ugly Sisters at the Soho Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse. In New York, his work as a director includes the development and world premiere reading of Howard Emanuel’s Last Supper, Survived By… at Theatre for a New City, and the creation of the cabaret review There Goes the Ballgame: The Music of Kander and Ebb for two of New York’s preeminent cabaret venues, The Duplex and Don’t Tell Mama’s. Kyle worked as an assistant director on the Emmy Award-winning production of Sondheim’s Passion, and his direction on The Ugly Sisters was nominated for a Total Theatre Award in 2012. Along with receiving a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University, he attended L’Ecole Internationale de Theatre Jacques Lecoq in Paris and is also a graduate of their Laboratoire d’Étude du Mouvement.

Student Spotlight

Meet our team

Sylvia Lane

Section Lead - Performance

Joe Miller

Lecturer - Performing Arts

Abigail Green

Lecturer - Voice, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre

Georgina Green

Associate Lecturer

Nicola Rose

Associate Lecturer

Neil Haigh

Lecturer - Performing Arts

Kyle Davies

Programme Coordinator - Musical Theatre

Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs.

Sylvia Lane

Section Lead - Performance

Sylvia is currently the HE Section Leader Performance at University Centre Weston (UCW). She oversees the BA Hons degrees in Musical Theatre, Performing Arts and Dance for Commercial Performance which are validated by Bath Spa University. Sylvia holds a graduate diploma in Musical Theatre and Theatre Dance from the London Studio Centre, a PGCE from Bath Spa University and most recently, completed a MA Professional Practice in Higher Education at Bath Spa University. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is an accomplished singing/voice coach but also teaches ballet and jazz technique, fitness, physical theatre and movement for theatrical practice. Sylvia regularly attends industry events to keep up to date with recent developments and has many high profile connections in the world of show business. Sylvia has over 20 years’ experience on the professional stage as a singer, dancer and actor. Originally from Munich, her career began with the Munich National Opera and credits include Lead Dancer/Singer for “Spirit of the Dance”, roles in tours including “A Chorus Line”, “Chicago”, “Starting here, Starting now”, “West Side Story”; she performed as Lead Production Singer on major cruise ships, and appeared in TV programmes and dance videos internationally.

Joe Miller

Lecturer - Performing Arts

Joe made the career move from professional dancer to lecturer in 2018 by joining the team at UCW and Weston College. Joe made his professional debut in “Spirit of the Dance” in 1999 and danced the lead of role of Danny Boy, soon taking on the role of Dance Captain, Company Manager, Choreographer and Resident Director for Spirit Productions Ltd. Other performance credits include: “Broadway! A Star Spangled Celebration” (USA), “One World” (UK Tour), “The Osmond’s Christmas Spectacular” (USA), “Tap Dance Fever” (Israel Tour), “Red Hot Broadway” (China Tour), “New Jersey Nights” (UK, Australian and China Tour), “The 12 Tenors” (China Tour), “Shake, Rattle n’ Roll” (USA), “Hooray for Hollywood” (USA) and “Spirit of the Dance” (World Tour), amongst many others. Joe has worked with a variety of celebrities during his career such as Dolly Parton, Tom Jones, Pink and Barbara Windsor and has also choreographed and featured on “The X-Factor” (Israel). Choreography credits include: “Sister Act the Musical” (Theatre Royal, Windsor), “Spirit of the Dance” (World Tour), “A Christmas Carol” (Theatre Royal, Windsor) and “Revolution” (Israel Arena Tour). Since becoming a lecturer at UCW, Joe has excelled in his teaching qualifications and is thrilled to be able to pass on his skills and knowledge

Abigail Green

Lecturer - Voice, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre

Abigail is currently Head of Voice and Singing at University Centre Weston (UCW). Abigail teaches on the BA Hons degrees in Musical Theatre, Performing Arts and Dance for Commercial Performance which are validated by Bath Spa University. Abigail has also worked as a guest lecturer at other institutions around the UK. Abigail holds a BEd Mus (Hons) from the University of Plymouth, is an Estill Master Trainer (EMT) and has a MA Ed from the University of the West of England which focused on the vocal health of Musical Theatre undergraduates. Abigail is also a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the British Voice Association. Abigail is a self-confessed voice anorak, with a passion for the human voice and its development. Abigail is fascinated by vocal research and vocal scientific developments and regularly attends courses, summits and symposiums in both the UK, Europe and Australia. Abigail is committed to instilling confidence in her students and believe everyone can sing; it is just a matter of giving them the tools to do so!

Georgina Green

Associate Lecturer

Georgina has appeared in many different corporate events including performing with Strictly Come Dancings Anton Du Beke, Pink, Kylie and Robbie Williams to name but a few. 'Le Haggis' Big Burns Festival (Scotland), Moulin Rouge Dancer- Madejski Stadium (Reading), Paddys Day- Irish Dancer- 5 Star Live Entertainment, Aditya Birla Awards (Mumbai), Flashmob and Rock n Roll- (Harrogate Conference Centre), Great Gatsby (The Luton Hoo Hotel), Corporate event for DHL- (Oman), Lindy Hoppers Jive- Sofitel Hotel (Heathrow), HSBC Tradeshow- (Birmingham NEC and London Excel), Salon International, Las Vegas 50th- The Vegas Showgirls, Moulin Rouge- (Brighton Marina Casino), Chill 2000 (Kent), The Secret Garden- Combination Dance, The Big 70’s for the Princess Diana Foundation, Grease- Sandy (Manchester City Stadium)- Dynamix Company, Red Hot In Rio- Underwraps (Reading), Beyonce 100 Single Ladies- Piccadilly Circus (London), Trident Unwrapped, Irish dancer (Cheltenham Races)- Channel 4 and Sky Tv. Georgina is a fully qualified and registered dance teacher with the RAD and ISTD and has adjudicated for festivals and competitions all over the country. As a Performing Arts Lecturer at Weston College, she is passionate about passing on her knowledge and wealth of experience to the next generation.

Nicola Rose

Associate Lecturer

Nicola was fortunate to begin her musical training as one of the founding girl choristers at Salisbury Cathedral. She then went on to study piano at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where she received the accompaniment prize and the Mansel Thomas award for Music in her final year. She continued working at the college as a Junior Fellow before completing her studies at the National Opera Studio in London. Nicola has a passion for education, outreach and community work and has worked as a pianist for Welsh National Opera, The Royal Opera House, Garsington Opera, English National Opera and Holland Park youth and community departments. She also works as a pianist and conductor for the Forget-me-not Chorus which is a group of choirs in South Wales for people with dementia and their carers. She is a former member of the Live Music Now scheme and a current member of Lost Chord. Both charities take music into the community, specifically to areas that are unable to access live performance. Now based in Cardiff, Nicola works as a vocal coach at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and enjoys a freelance career as an accompanist and repetiteur throughout the UK.

Neil Haigh

Lecturer - Performing Arts

Neil is an Actor, Director, Theatre Maker/Writer & Educator with many years professional experience in Theatre & TV. He has performed in main house productions at the Young Vic (The Trial), Almeida & West End Transfer (The Twilight Zone), Bristol Old Vic (A Christmas Carol; World Cup 66) & worked with many of the UK's leading independent companies including SHUNT, Sound & Fury, Inspector Sands, Third Party & Gonzo Moose. As a theatre maker/performer Neil was Co-Artistic Director of the acclaimed Cartoon de Salvo Theatre Company - making work for 15 years for Lyric Hammersmith, BAC, Soho Theatre & their work performed everywhere from Allotments in Surrey to Latitude Festival to Hong Kong & the Kennedy Centre Washington DC; productions attained "Top Ten shows of the Year" status for The Daily Telegraph & Observer. He co-wrote & performed The Summer House with FUEL Theatre (UK Tour/Gate London) published by Oberon Books (Time Out Show of the Week). For TV he has had featured roles on Dalziel & Pascoe, No Angels, The Bill, Casualty, Manhunt with Martin Clunes. His role in Doctors was nominated for Best Villain & Best Storyline at the British Soap Awards. Neil has had numerous roles in advertising for TV & Radio.

Kyle Davies

Programme Coordinator - Musical Theatre

Kyle has worked extensively as a freelance director in the US and UK and is the associate director of the State of Play Theatre. Recent directing credits include A Christmas Carol starring Paul Nicholas at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool; Puss in Boots and Cinderella at the York Theatre Royal’s De Grey Ballroom; The Fantasist’s Waltz, The Revenge of Mr Trout! and The Unholy Trinity for the State of Play Theatre; and RashDash’s The Ugly Sisters at the Soho Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse. In New York, his work as a director includes the development and world premiere reading of Howard Emanuel’s Last Supper, Survived By… at Theatre for a New City, and the creation of the cabaret review There Goes the Ballgame: The Music of Kander and Ebb for two of New York’s preeminent cabaret venues, The Duplex and Don’t Tell Mama’s. Kyle worked as an assistant director on the Emmy Award-winning production of Sondheim’s Passion, and his direction on The Ugly Sisters was nominated for a Total Theatre Award in 2012. Along with receiving a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University, he attended L’Ecole Internationale de Theatre Jacques Lecoq in Paris and is also a graduate of their Laboratoire d’Étude du Mouvement.

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