- MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION
You will perform in TWO full-scale musical theatre productions each academic year.
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You will perform ONE dramatic play each academic year.
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In 1st Year 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. This is part of our Backstage project. This is undertaken alongside our part-time annual musical in our on-site professional theatre.
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In 2nd Year you will participate in a Swing project where you will swing dance routines and learn how to plan and present a swing folder. You will be expected to demonstrate a good understanding of several performance tracks, which we usually run alongside our college musical.
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In 2nd Year you will work within a team as either a Director, Editor or Script writer to create an original short film.
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In 3rd Year you will plan and film your industry showreels and prepare your professional Spotlight CV ready for agent and job submissions.
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You will perform several closed and open showcases during the academic year |
In 3rd Year you will perform ONE Agency showcase in your final term of study for professional agents and industry guests.
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- HISTORY OF MUSICAL THEATRE & ACTING
From ancient Greece to the Modern Era, you will learn how Acting and Musical Theatre evolved.
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- IMPROVISATION, DEVISED & PHYSICAL THEATRE
You will develop skills in many different types of drama, with a large emphasis placed upon imagination and character creation.
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- CONTEMPORARY & CLASSICAL TEXTS
You will study numerous plays throughout your three years, including classical texts such as Ancient Greek and Shakespeare through to more modern-day plays.
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You will study the art of Acting for Television and Film, creating your own showreels working with cameras. You will also learn how to self-tape for auditions, which is slowly becoming standard practice for first-round auditions in the TV & Film industry.
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- ACTING TECHNIQUES, PRACTITIONERS & VOICE
You will learn a variety of acting techniques over your three years 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. |
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.
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You will study the art of stage combat with weekly classes in Sword, Dagger and Unarmed. End of year examinations are available for those wishing to leave with recognised Stage Combat qualifications.
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Students are encouraged to take their LAMDA Bronze & Gold Medals if they do not already have them. These exams develop the voice, presentation and drama skills, whilst also concentrating on classical, pre-1980 and contemporary monologues.
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You will study Classical Ballet, developing individual posture, technique, knowledge, performance and pas de deux skills.
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You will work with a variety of choreographers and performers, both in weekly lessons and regular masterclasses. |
Our Tap classes focus on Rhythm, Broadway and American street style tap dancing with an emphasis on technique and performance. |
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.
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You will work on a variety of techniques over your three years learning how to engage mind and body.
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Students have a weekly class in Choreography to enable them to develop their own ideas. Creative thinking is an important aspect of our course and this helps skill building and technique in many areas.
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You will work on 'pas de deux' in Ballet and will also concentrate on Jazz partner work, focusing on routines, lifts and tricks.
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Our aim, providing you have the determination, courage and work ethic is to ensure you are producing high quality tricks, flips and tumbles by the end of your training. You will build muscle and will develop better posture, flexibility, balance and core strength.
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Vocational ISTD or RAD examinations can be taken in Ballet, Tap, Modern and we also follow the Acrobatic Arts programme.
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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.
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You will come to understand vocal anatomy, breathing and the science behind the voice. You will develop an understanding of several techniques including the ESTILL voice training method, whilst also looking into artistry and performance styles of 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.
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- VOCATIONAL EXAMINATIONS - Associate Diploma - Trinity
In your second year, you will have the chance to work towards your Associate Diploma with Trinity College London. This qualification encourages candidates to be multi-skilled, reflective performers in Musical Theatre, preparing and performing a programme of work that shows professional potential. The Associate Diploma Trinity College London (Musical Theatre) is a Level 4 qualification. (Optional - Additional exam fees apply) |
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.
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Students have regular workshops with Masterclass teachers, choreographers, directors, casting directors and industry professionals.
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You will have regular classes to work on your dance pick up skills, vocal repertoire and audition technique in order to make you more confident in the audition room.
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All our graduation students are represented by AGENT SHARPE. Agent Sharpe is a Spotlight Registered agency with clients currently working around the world. Please visit the Agency Page for more information. |
Students are assessed on a regular basis in the following ways: |
- Studio Teacher Evaluation
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- Closed House Presentations, Cabarets and Performances
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- Individual and Group Projects
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- Individual and Group Research
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- End of Year Principal Appraisals
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3 Year Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre & Acting
£3,600.00 (Inc VAT) per term
The course fee includes your training, usually split into 30 hours per week, 10 weeks per term. There are 3 terms in an academic year commencing in September, January and April. Fees can be paid yearly, termly, or a monthly payment plan can be arranged for you.
Student Loans are not available for the Diploma, but we do run an in-house bursary scheme (please see below).
Additional Costs can include:
- Uniform, Dancewear & Dance Shoes - £300.00-£600.00
- Theatre Tickets - £50-£150 per academic year (Regular theatre visits are organised)
- Vocational Examinations (Optional) - Approx £100.00 for each Intermediate/Advanced Examination (Options available in Ballet, Tap & Modern)
- Physiotherapy & Sports Massage - Appointments range from £20.00-£40.00 per session
- Accommodation & Living Costs - These costs vary depending on your requirements. Please see our accommodation page for our student house information.
- Spotlight Casting Directory Membership - £110.00 in your Third year of Study
- Professional Photographs - approx £250.00 in your Third year of Study.

Sharpe Academy runs an in-house bursary scheme. We have 16 Bursaries for students commencing training in 2024.
The Academy will agree to pay a set contribution towards a students training if they are unable to afford the cost alone. This is based on household income/savings and proof of income/savings will be required. The Academy will only be able to offer a set amount of bursaries each academic year and we recommend students audition early in the audition season to be considered for this scheme. Once students are placed on our bursary programme they have a reduced fee to pay by monthly direct debit:
Annual Household Income & Savings |
Monthly Fees Sharpe Contribution
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Monthly Fees (36 Payments) Student Contribution
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Income - Under £60,000 Savings - Under £5,000
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£600.00 |
£300.00 |
Income - £60,000-£69,999 Savings - £5,000-£9,999
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£450.00 |
£450.00 |
Income - £70,000-£79,999 Savings - £10,000-£14,999
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£300.00 |
£600.00 |
Income - £80,000-£89,999 Savings - £15,000-£19,999
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£150.00 |
£750.00 |
Bursary Criteria
- Students must be UK Citizens
- Students must be aged 16-23 at the start of their course
- Students must live in a household with a total income of less than £90,000.00 per annum (Proof of income will be required)
- Students must live in a household with a total savings of less than £20,000.00 (Proof of savings will be required)
- Students must pay a non refundable deposit payment of £600.00 towards their fees to accept a bursary
Please Note: This scheme is subject to change and may differ from year to year.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Sharpe Academy does award several part and full scholarships each academic year to students who show great promise in Musical Theatre & Acting. All students who audition are automatically considered for scholarships and may also be entitled to apply for an additional bursary.
Bursary & Scholarship students will be expected to help out during their time at Sharpe with Open Days, Audition Days, Photo Shoots and Production weeks.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum Age: 16 (Average starting age: 18)
- Entry is by Audition only.
- Students should be able to read and write to GCSE standard or above.
Students do not require any formal qualifications to audition or be accepted onto our 3 Year Diploma course.
Entry Requirements - Audition
IN-PERSON AUDITION: All applicants are invited to attend an in-person audition at Sharpe Academy in London. This will involve group classes in:
- Acting
- Jazz
- Ballet
Candidates are also asked to prepare TWO audition pieces to perform for the panel:
1) ONE Musical Theatre Song with backing track (A cut no longer than 90 seconds)
AND Either
2.1) ONE Solo Dance Routine (A cut no longer than 90 seconds). This can be any genre including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary
or
2.2) ONE Dramatic Monologue (A cut no longer than 90 seconds). We would recommend a contemporary monologue written post 2000.
SELF-TAPE AUDITION: During June-August students may submit a self-tape audition. This will involve:
- A Certificate Portfolio (This should include your formal qualifications and any Dance, Acting or Singing Grades.
- TWO Musical Theatre Songs (Contrasting)
- ONE Solo Dance Routine (You may submit your own solo or a dance tape with a short Jazz routine will be sent to you in order to learn and perform)
- ONE Dramatic Monologue (We would recommend a contemporary monologue written post 2000)
Places will be offered to students who we feel can have a successful career as musical theatre performers. All students who wish to be considered for a place must attend an audition. To book a FREE audition please complete our online application form. Once we receive your application you will be invited to one of our audition days.
To apply for our 3 Year Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre & Acting please complete our online application form.
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- Do I need to have studied all areas of performance before (Singing, Acting and Dance) ?
No. You should however be 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.
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- What qualification will I receive?
This is a three year Vocational course and all graduates are awarded the Sharpe Academy Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre & Acting. This course is recognised by SPOTLIGHT and will entitle you to Spotlight Graduate Membership. Please note this is an additional cost.
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- Can I apply for a bursary?
We offer 16 bursaries per academic year. If you are offered a place on the course then you may apply for a bursary providing we still have enpough available. Proof of income and savings will be required.
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- Do you award scholarships?
Yes. As we receive no public funding for the Diploma the scholarships are paid for in full by Sharpe Academy. We will only consider students of the highest professional potential for scholarships. Part scholarships are also available.
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- What Accomodation is available?
Sharpe Academy has a student residence within walking distance of college. Single and Double en-suite shower rooms are available. We can also offer assistance finding suitable rooms to let in the local area.
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Hatch End, Harrow, North West London
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- 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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Sharpe Academy is based in SHARPE HQ, HARROW ARTS CENTRE, 171 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Greater London, HA5 4EA
On-site Facilities include:
Professional Dance Studios |
Theory Rooms |
Rehearsal Spaces |
Outdoor Recreational Spaces |
500 Seat Professional Theatre |
Recording Studio & Editing Suite |
Student Hub with fridges, Microwaves, TV |
Parking |
2 Minutes walk from Hatch End Train Station (Direct line to London Euston) |





Moving away from home can be both exciting and worrying at the same time. We want our students to feel safe, secure and have a real home to relax in when not at college. We have a student residence within walking distance of college which includes both single and double en-suite bedrooms. The house has a communal living area, garden and fully equipped Kitchen.
The Sharpe LOFT Residence is a registered HMO property and includes:
Fire Doors |
Integrated Fire Alarm |
Gas Safety Certificate |
Tv Licence |
Internet - Wifi |
All bills included |
Garden |
Shared Living Area |
24/7 Support & Assistance |
Individual Bedrooms all include:
- Double Bed
- En Suite Facilities
- Chest of Drawers
- Wardrobe
- Bedside Table with Lamp
- Mini Fridge
- Television
ACCOMMODATION COSTS 2024-2025
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Weekly Cost (40 Week Contract)
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Small Double with Ensuite (3 Rooms)
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£205.00 per week |
Double with Ensuite (3 Rooms)
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£215.00 per week |
