At ArtsEd, we believe in the power of diversity to enrich the performing arts. It’s not just about lighting up the stage; it’s about who gets to stand on it, and we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has their chance. That’s why we’re excited to be hosting a series of special events designed to open doors, break down barriers, and build a more inclusive future in the performing arts. 

ArtsEd for All: Creating a More Inclusive Future in Performing Arts 

These unique events are at the heart of our mission to challenge not only our behaviours but those of the wider industry. We aim to create an open and welcoming environment that enhances opportunities for young people from underrepresented backgrounds. We understand that stepping into the world of drama and performance can be daunting, but at ArtsEd, we’re determined to show that our doors are open to everyone, regardless of background. 

Why You Should Join Us 

– Insightful Discussions: Engage in meaningful conversations about breaking into the performing arts and how we can collectively foster a more inclusive environment. 

– Personalised Support: Learn about the range of support we offer our students, from audition preparation to career guidance, ensuring you have the tools and confidence to succeed. 

– Learn About Our Courses: Gain insights into our Higher Educational courses, and how we tailor our teaching to support and elevate each student’s unique journey. 

Your Voice Matters 

We’re not just looking to speak; we’re eager to listen. The event is a chance for attendees to share their experiences, aspirations, and ideas for making the performing arts more accessible and representative of the diverse society we live in. Your insights are invaluable to us as we strive to create an environment where every aspiring artist can thrive. 

Booking Your Spot   

Sign up now to secure your place at our upcoming events. Your comfort and privacy are paramount, we understand identity is sensitive and complex and we encourage you to share only what you feel comfortable with. This is a space for learning, sharing, and growing together. 

Thank you for considering ArtsEd in your performing arts journey. Together, we can make a difference, not just on stage but in the world beyond it. We can’t wait to welcome you and hear your story. 

If you have any accessibility needs or feedback on how we can do better with these events, please do get in touch by contacting marketing@artsed.co.uk. 

Book Your Spot Now

In a heartwarming display of environmental stewardship, following over 2 years of temporary wall fixtures, the ArtsEd community recently came together to create a beacon of biodiversity and beauty with the establishment of a new community garden. This significant initiative saw students from the Day School & Sixth Form, Higher Education cohorts, esteemed alumni, and dedicated staff members rolling up their sleeves in a collective effort to make a tangible impact on their environment and further cement the bonds of the ArtsEd community.

On a day that, despite its dampness, was filled with vibrancy and a shared sense of purpose, the ArtsEd community planted an array of trees donated by the Woodland Trust. This carefully curated variety included the robust hawthorn, the resilient hazel, the graceful downy birch, the evergreen holly, and the captivating crab apple, each chosen not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their contribution to local biodiversity.

The planting was thoughtfully arranged and expertly guided by Abundance London (who also generously donated tools), with each tree finding its home along the garden’s beds, flanked by an impressive row of stately yew trees. This verdant initiative goes beyond merely beautifying the establishment; it is a testament to ArtsEd’s commitment to environmental responsibility and the nurturing of a community that grows together.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all those who lent their green fingers and hearts to this project. Special thanks are extended to Mary Ann Parish, Head of Development and Daisy from the Development office, whose vision and dedication were instrumental in planting the seeds to a long lasting community garden. Their efforts promise not only to enrich our school’s landscape but to instill a legacy of environmental consciousness and engagement among the ArtsEd community.

We are eager to watch our garden evolve, with trees stretching skywards and blossoming flora, we are reminded of the potential for growth and healing green spaces offer. We look forward to welcoming more members of our community to participate in future events, such as flower bed painting and planting days, offering everyone a chance to contribute to this living legacy.

Stay connected with us for updates and opportunities, as we nurture this space and watch both it and our community flourish. The ArtsEd community garden will not just be a symbol of our dedication to the environment; but a vibrant, living canvas where art, education, and nature intersect to create something truly inspiring.

Sign Up To Our Newsletter To Stay Updated With Community Events

The Bush Theatre recently played host to an extraordinary showcase of talent as Year 13 Sixth Form students from ArtsEd took to the stage, presenting a diverse array of plays. Running from the 1st to the 3rd of February, these performances were the culmination of three months of hard-work and preparation that began in the lead-up to Christmas. Demonstrating remarkable creativity, the students themselves took the reins in conceptualising, directing, and editing pre-existing scripted works, in addition to crafting the overall visual aesthetic of their pieces.

This ambitious project is a core element of their A-Level Acting course, significantly contributing to their final examination. More than a mere academic requirement, this experience afforded the students an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in the professional theatre environment. Working alongside professional technical teams, they gained critical insights into the practical aspects of a career in the performing arts.

The showcase featured a rich tapestry of narratives, starting with “Edward Gaunt and his Amazing Feats of Loneliness,” a vaudeville-infused journey through tales of peculiar afflictions and heartache. Caryl Churchill’s “Escaped Alone” followed, presenting a poignant conversation among four women against the backdrop of a world on the brink of apocalypse.

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Edward Gaunt and His Amazing Feats of Loneliness

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Edward Gaunt and His Amazing Feats of Loneliness

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Edward Gaunt and His Amazing Feats of Loneliness

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Edward Gaunt and His Amazing Feats of Loneliness

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Edward Gaunt and His Amazing Feats of Loneliness

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Escaped Alone

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Escaped Alone

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Escaped Alone

“The Memory of Water” explored the nuanced terrain of grief and memory through the lens of three sisters mourning their mother. “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” offered a comedic reprieve with its satirical glance at police corruption.

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The Memory of Water

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The Memory of Water

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Accidental Death of an Anarchist

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Accidental Death of an Anarchist

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Accidental Death of an Anarchist

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Accidental Death of an Anarchist

“Baby Reindeer” blended stand-up comedy and drama to recount a harrowing tale of stalking. “People, Places and Things” delved into the struggles of an actress grappling with the temptations of escapism, and “Dinner” served up a suspense-laden narrative centred around a celebration that promises to be fatally unforgettable.

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Baby Reindeer

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People, Places and Things

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People, Places and Things

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Dinner

Accompanied by a selection of photographs, this article captures the essence and energy of the performances, showcasing the dedication and talent of the ArtsEd Year 13 Sixth Form students. These images, highlighting moments from each play, celebrate the students’ achievements and offer a glimpse into the potential futures of these emerging talents in the performing arts.

You can view and download the full selection of images below:

Full Selection

In an evening marked by talent, creativity, and the promise of bright futures, Arts Ed proudly presented its annual 2024 BA Acting Graduate Showreels. Hosted at the prestigious Chiswick Cinema, the event showcased the exceptional work of its third-year acting students, who have dedicated their year to crafting professional showreels under the guidance of renowned industry professionals.

This exclusive event, traditionally closed to the wider public to maintain an intimate and focused atmosphere, welcomed over 100 guests this year, including students, staff, and the unique opportunity for each third-year student to bring a plus one. The evening was not just a celebration but a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of Arts Ed’s students.

Throughout their final year, these aspiring actors collaborated with industry writers, directors, and cinematographers to create two-minute professional showreels and short films. This hands-on experience prepares them for the competitive world of professional acting, offering a real-world glimpse into the industry’s demands and rewards.

This year’s showcase featured 14 captivating showreels, each a collaborative effort between pairs of third-year students. These pieces were revivals of acclaimed scenes from a mix of films and TV shows, demonstrating the students’ ability to bring fresh perspectives and unique interpretations to established works. The full list of showcased scenes includes titles such as “Survival of the Thickest,” “The Sister,” and “Behind Her Eyes,” among others, spanning genres and styles to highlight the diverse talents of the graduates.

“BA Acting Students at ArtsEd are offered a clear path to learning the craft of acting for screen. Screen acting classes are built into the curriculum from first year, followed by location shoots in second year.

Our graduating students then work with industry writers, directors, and cinematographers throughout their final year to create professional showreels and short films, putting into practise their training, and preparing them to enter the professional world.

The work that the students put in to their showreels this year was incredible, and it was fantastic to see their talent showcased on the big screen at Chiswick Cinema last week.”

Marnie Baxter – Head of Film, TV and Audio

The Chiswick Cinema provided a fittingly elegant backdrop for the event, with its state-of-the-art facilities offering a cinematic experience that allowed each showreel to shine. Attendees were treated to a night of remarkable performances, with each reel underscoring the students’ readiness to step into the professional world.

Arts Ed remains committed to nurturing the next generation of acting talent, providing unparalleled opportunities for students to work closely with seasoned industry professionals. This annual event not only celebrates the culmination of the students’ hard work but also serves as a launchpad for their careers in acting.

For those interested in experiencing the talent of Arts Ed’s 2024 BA Acting graduates, links to their showreels are available below. Each reel not only showcases their acting prowess but also highlights the collaborative effort between students and their mentors, setting a new standard for what is possible in the realm of acting education.

• Survival of The Thickest – Senam Akpokavi & Nia Jordan
• The Sister – Neo Merrel & Eve Murray
• Unstable – Lois Churcher & Jaden Hamilton
• Behind Her Eyes – Mark Bojan & Eliska Milay
• IT Crowd – Jake Rory & Charles Harris
• I Came By – Harry Ferguson & Jude Blake
• The Detectorists – Samuel Jolliffe & Jordan Daley
• Starstruck – Mackenzie Gilbert & Tia Shivpuri
• Rye Lane – Joseph Modebe & Jaylen Roberts
• Happy Valley – Grace Carroll & Garon Akbar Clark
• Love Wedding Repeat – Kevin Donkor & Esther Oladele
• The Break Up – Calum Blanche & Olivia Rembges
• Thirteen Going On Thirty – Sophie Wolstencroft & Brock Warren
• The One – Julia Penteado & Amrita Mangat

A full selection of photo’s for the 2024 BA Acting Graduate Showreels event can be found below:

View and Download

As Arts Ed looks to the future, it does so with the confidence that its graduates are not just prepared to enter the professional world but to redefine it. The 2024 BA Acting Graduate Showreels event was more than a celebration; it was a declaration of the next wave of talent set to grace stages and screens worldwide.

Apply for Our Acting Programmes

Aspiring actors, don’t miss your chance to join ArtsEd’s renowned acting courses! Whether you’re considering our BA Acting Programme for a comprehensive professional journey, furthering your studies with our MA Acting Programme or are looking for a stepping stone to hone your skills with our Foundation Acting Programme, we have the perfect path for you. Immerse yourself in a world of creativity, guided by industry professionals, and build a strong foundation for your acting career.

BA Acting Programme: Learn More & Apply
MA Acting Programme: Learn More & Apply
Foundation Acting Programme: Learn More & Apply

ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form proudly spotlights the recent achievement of one of its distinguished graduates, Scarlet Grace [Churchhouse]. In a significant career milestone, Scarlet stars as Sally, one of the main characters in the Disney+ short film, “The Shepherd.” This role not only highlights her exceptional talent but also underscores the world-class training provided by ArtsEd.

Disney+’s ‘The Shepherd’ is a captivating short film that transports audiences to Christmas Eve 1957, following the harrowing yet hopeful journey of Freddie, a young RAF pilot. Stranded and alone, with his aircraft’s instruments failing over the North Sea, Freddie faces imminent danger. His bleak situation takes a miraculous turn when he encounters a mysterious WWII-era Mosquito Fighter plane, piloted by a guardian angel who guides him to safety. This film weaves a tale of courage, resilience, and unexpected salvation, encapsulating the spirit of hope and the magic of Christmas miracles.

Scarlet’s performance in “The Shepherd,” a film that delves into themes of hope and perseverance, is a testament to the comprehensive hard work and dedication she put into her education at ArtsEd. Our Day School and Sixth Form have been instrumental in shaping the careers of many successful artists, offering courses that blend intensive vocational training with robust academic education.

“We are absolutely delighted that recent students from ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form are thriving within the industry.  Scarlet was an outstanding student, who combined all aspects of the ‘ArtsEd Curriculum’, the vocational and the academic, whilst at the same time being a superb performer and ambassador for the School.  This is a wonderful testament to her remarkable talent, hard work, and professionalism, and demonstrates how these key attributes combine so well with the BTEC courses to enable students to prepare for careers in the industry.  She rightly deserves the accolades that this will bring, and we wish her every success in this and her future career.”

Peter Middleton, Headteacher, ArtsEd.

At ArtsEd, students are immersed in a vibrant and nurturing environment that encourages artistic growth and personal development.  The ‘ArtsEd Curriculum’ is designed to foster creativity and skill, includes a wide range of subjects such as Acting, Musical Theatre, Film Studies, and Dance, as well as the more traditional academic subjects.  This ensures a well-rounded education for our students through Years 7-11 and also into the Sixth Form, where the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts can be taken, or a more traditional A level pathway.

Scarlet’s success in “The Shepherd” is a reflection of our commitment to excellence in performing arts education. Her ability to bring complex characters to life on screen is a direct outcome of the comprehensive training and support provided by our dedicated faculty.

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Behind the scenes of Disney+’s ‘The Shepherd’

This achievement is not only a personal triumph for Scarlet but also a continuation of her family’s legacy at ArtsEd. In ArtsEd’s 100^th year, we unearth memories, pictures, programmes and newspaper clippings to collate the rich history of ArtsEd together. While doing so, we discovered a whole family of ArtsEd students made up of three generations of women: grandmother, Lynn Sawyer, her two daughters Samantha and Claire Sawyer, and granddaughter, Scarlet Grace [Churchhouse], who recently graduated ArtsEd Sixth Form.

Read More

ArtsEd is committed to nurturing the next generation of performers and creatives, providing them with the tools, skills, and opportunities to succeed in the competitive world of the arts. As we celebrate Scarlet’s achievement, we look forward to witnessing the future successes of our current and future students, who are set to follow in the footsteps of our distinguished alumni.

Applications For Our Day School Close 7th February 2024.

Find out more about our Day School curriculum and offer below:

Sixth Form applications are now closed.

Day School