Postgraduate Diploma Course Specifications

• History

You will study the history of Musical Theatre & Acting in order to give yourself a greater understanding of their origins and how they developed.

• Improvisation, Devised & Physical Theatre

You will develop skills in many different types of drama, with a large emphasis placed upon imagination and character creation.

• Contemporary & Classical Texts

You will study numerous plays throughout your study year, including classical texts such as Ancient Greek and Shakespeare through to more modern-day plays.

• Screen Acting

You will study the art of Acting for Television and Film, creating your own materials working with cameras. You will learn how to self-tape for auditions, which is slowly becoming standard practice for first-round auditions in the TV & Film industry.

• Acting Technique

You will learn a variety of acting techniques over your study year to help with thought process and character building. You will also study a variety of accents including UK Regional, American, International and RP. You will build a repertoire of monologues, both classical and contemporary.

• Acting Through Song

You will study text in a song and will use your acting skills to really understand your character, analysing lyrics to portray feelings and emotions whilst singing.

• Ballet

You will study Classical Ballet, developing individual posture, technique, knowledge, performance and pas de deux skills. As part of this we also teach Progressing Ballet Technique.

• Jazz

• Tap

• Fitness

You will take weekly classes in Body Conditioning and Flexibility. You will be encouraged to place a healthy and active lifestyle at the heart of your time with us.

• Contemporary

You will work on Cunningham and Graham techniques in your study year learning how to engage mind and body.

• Solo Singing

All students receive private 1-to-1 coaching. You will develop individual vocal skills, working on technique, repertoire and performance. Regular showcases and open classes will give you the opportunity to perform in front of audiences to try out new materials and gain valuable feedback.

• Vocal Technique

• Group Singing

You will have weekly classes working on a variety of materials in vocal groups – soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Regular concerts will be given which will allow you the opportunity to perform different materials.

• Industry

Each week students have the opportunity to study different aspects of the industry. This includes types of performance work available to performers, expected professional behaviour and standards, industry insight into contracts, payments, insurance, representation and tax affairs. Students are encouraged to discover everything they can to make sure they are fully prepared for the career ahead of them.

• Audition Technique

We invite a variety of performers, directors, choreographers and casting directors into the Academy to offer regular masterclasses to help you perfect your audition technique and gain experience working with new creatives. Question and answer sessions take place, giving you a real insight into the professional world of musical theatre, acting and dance.

• Agency Representation

• Musical Theatre Production

You will perform in one full-scale musical theatre production during the academic year.

• Dramatic Play

You will perform one dramatic play during the academic year.

• Backstage Experience Project

You will have the chance to discover additional aspects of theatre such as stage management, lighting, sound, choreography, direction, musical direction, costumes, props and set design.

• Concerts

You will perform several closed and open showcases during the academic year.

• Studio Teacher Evaluation

• Closed House Presentations, Cabarets and Performances

• Open Public Performances

• Individual and Group Projects

• Individual and Group Research

• End of Year Principal Appraisal

• How do I apply?

Complete our online application form.

• Do I need to have studied all areas of performance before (Singing, Acting and Dance) ?

No, as a postgraduate student our aim is to give you additional skills in order to have a better chance in the entertainment industry. All we ask is that you are advanced in either Singing or Dance. Whilst we give an equal amount of time to Acting to make sure students are fully prepared for a career, in order to be successful in Musical Theatre you will need either many years of dance training behind you or an excellent singing voice. If Acting is your main skill and you don't feel your Singing or Dance have professional potential then this course would not be the right one for you.

• What qualification will I receive?

This is a one year Vocational course and all graduates are awarded the Sharpe Academy Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre & Acting.

• Can I apply for a bursary?

Yes. If you are offered a place on the course you can then apply for a bursary.

Do you award scholarships?

No, not for the Postgraduate Course. Our full scholarships are only available for our 3 year Diploma course.

• What Accomodation is available?

Postgraduate students usually house share with other students or find their own living accomodation in the local area. Sharpe Academy can help advise you with this.

• Where is Sharpe Academy?

Hatch End, North West London

• What is the nearest train station?

Hatch End station is 2 minutes from college and has a direct train line into London Euston.

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