Musical Theatre/Children’s Theatre Company

Musical Theatre combines all three theatre disciplines (Acting, Singing and Dance) into one exciting class. Students explore musicals, (some popular and some specially written by Katie) within a ‘Children’s theatre company’ atmosphere, collaborating all musical skills- script, song and dance/movement. Students learn what its like to become a ‘Triple Threat Performer!’ whilst being taught about stage craft, directing and performance. Each year, AMT students are invited to appear in a theatrical venue with full costumes and lights etc, allowing them to experience an audience within the concept of ‘Real Theatre!’

Voice/Singing

Learning to sing or develop one’s voice is essential, not only theatre but in everyday life. Students will gain knowledge on how to improve their own vocal capabilities, whilst also learning how to harmonise and blend sound with other students. Individual sessions are also available, for any pupils wishing to improve on a ‘one to one’ basis. These sessions are scheduled during term time with our visiting vocal tutor.

Creative Improvisation/Drama

During Improvisation students partake in ‘role play’ using characterisations and various situations. The freedom to create scenarios through improvisation allows youngsters to explore their own imaginative worlds and have fun developing ideas and individuality. Improvisation practice is essential for trainee performers and also very effective for improving social skills.

Modern Dance

Within the past decade ‘Modern Dance’ has aided the development of Theatre dance in a tremendous way. ‘Modern’ covers a variety of valuable dance elements/exercises to enhance technical ability, co-ordination and flexibility; all of which are necessary for improving motor skills, and acquiring vocabulary. This style of dance is also an excellent ‘springboard’ into ‘Jazz dancing’, allowing basic technique to evolve and strengthen versatility within movement. *I.S.T.D. Exams in this genre are optional and provide a fun progressive structure especially for children.

Jazz (Classical/Street/Commercial)

A technical class covering styles from various eras involving both dynamic and lyrical movements from classical Jazz to Street Dance. Jazz dancing is recommended for those striving to become musical theatre performers.

Jazz Tap

Tap is simply a great way to enjoy dance whilst making clever noises with your feet! This class is designed to teach vocabulary, technique and a ‘sound’ understanding of rhythm. No exam curriculum is studied, instead time is spent learning various tap steps and using them directly into choreography thus allowing the dancer freedom to develop progressive tap movements in many styles.

Classical Ballet

Classical training is essential for general strength, core stability, and deportment. It also provides tremendous mental stimulation, self discipline and euphoria. During the session practice is spent on slow controlled movements allowing the student time to focus on individual actions and classical technique, eventually graduating to greater movement within turns, jumps etc. Regular ballet practice is essential for any aspiring dancers. *Exams optional

Boys squad (Involves -Jazz, Street dance, Body conditioning & Jazz Tap)

It is important that young male students are given the opportunity to focus on separate elements of theatre, especially in dance, where there is need for more muscular strengthening and endurance based exercises. This training relates to developing stronger use of elevation, floor work and partner work in Jazz Pas De Deux. This time also allows boys the freedom and confidence to accomplish various aspects of movement at their own speed and in their own originality.

Class Presentations

Class presentations are a chance for students to bring out their individuality, discover confidence and conquer nerves. Allowing students to ‘showcase’ their talents and chosen material, to a familiar and supportive audience, is a great way to expand performance skills. There are various ways in this can be experimented through solo, duet or group work, in song, script, improvisation or choreography. Pupils are encouraged to contribute however they are free to decide how involved they wish to be.