ArtsEd alumni are delighted to be taking part in a musical extravaganza at The Other Palace to celebrate the Orpheus Centre's 20th birthday. Recent ArtsEd graduates Alex Wheeler, Ben Stacey, Simon Bolland, Lauren Oakley, Georgie Westall, Sarah Day, Hampus Engstrand, Poppy Andrews, Siobhan Diffin and Benjamin Mundy will present present Sir Richard Stilgoe's 'Orpheus – The Mythical' alongside alumni and current students from this pioneering disabilities charity in a bid to highlight their work with young disabled adults who have a passion for the performing arts.

Sir Richard Stilgoe said, 'We are performing with Arts Educational because we do inclusive stuff and not disabled stuff; the whole purpose of Orpheus is to mix young disabled people up with the real world and not separate them. These are terrific and confident performers who concentrate on what they can do rather than what they can't. Orpheus changes young disabled people's lives. It changes the lives of the staff and the 98 volunteers who work with them. It changes the lives of everyone who attends one of their shows. It has changed my life immeasurably.'

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Sir Richard Stilgoe founded the Orpheus Trust in 1998 in his former family home in Surrey to inspire young disabled people to greater independence though performing arts experiences.

The Orpheus Centre offers a personalised study programme for students aged between 18 and 25 with learning or phyisical disbilities, with the focus on maximising lasting independece. Students can stay up to three years at the centre and learn

This witty musical comedy of a Greek tragedy follows Orpheus on an expedition hindered at every stage by bored, capricious gods and a dodgy satnav. Orpheus joins the heroic Argonauts in order to steal the legendary golden fleece. But on his return, his quest is not over. He has to descend to the Underworld to rescue his wife Eurydice from the depths of Hades. Guiding the narrative, the Greek Chorus will be played by Jane Asher, Rob Brydon, Bertie Carvel and more.

Fri 23 – Sat 31 Mar, 7:30pm (3pm Matinee on Sat 31 only)
Wed 28, Thu 29 and Fri 30 will be signed performances.

For more details and to book tickets go to https://www.theotherpalace.co.uk/

On Friday 2 March, ArtsEd became one of the five leading UK drama schools to partner with the Diversity School Initiative, delivering a three year commitment to address under representation and a lack of diversity in performing arts training.  

Diversity Schools, born in 2017 and led by co-founder, Steven Kavuma, aims to encourage and support drama schools in the improvement of diversity in every area of their work, including student and staff bodies and works studied.

Yusuf Khamisa, Equality, Inclusivity and Diversity Officer at ArtsEd, attended the Diversity School Initiative launch last Friday, along with current BA students, Georgina Onuorah and Michael Workeye. Here’s what he had to say about the event:

“The Diversity School Initiative represents everything we believe in when it comes to young people – a Grass roots movement that speaks the voice of those who demand change. Diversity is no longer a buzz word, it’s a reality. Real change is on the horizon and we at ArtsEd are proud to stand up with those demanding change!”

ArtsEd is committed to its role as a leading light in this arena. The proportion of ArtsEd students from BAME backgrounds has been steadily increasing over the last five years and currently stands at 23%, significantly higher than most other drama schools. Principal, Chris Hocking supports the initiative whole-heartedly:

“Equality and diversity is the very essence of ArtsEd, and joining the Diversity School Initiative underpins our commitment to inclusiveness and to welcoming talented young people from all walks of life.”

Alumni and current students are equally supportive of the commitment:

But ArtsEd’s mission does not stop there. Another major barrier for young people who wish to pursue a career in the arts is the cost of training.  We strive to recruit young people on the basis of talent and not ability to pay and nearly 50% of our student body require significant financial support, through means-tested government grants or our own scholarships and bursaries, in order to take up their places or complete their studies.

“I have two friends from back home that I still see. One of them got an apprenticeship and the other one sells windows. I’m not knocking what they do, but I know I’d be doing the same if I hadn’t got the scholarship to ArtsEd. I just feel so lucky.” – Kristian Wall, BA Acting Alumnus

ArtsEd has been passionate about driving this change in the performing arts for a long time, and we are delighted that our partnership with the Diversity School Initiative will help to accelerate the process. Changes needs to start at the base of the pyramid and we are proud to be at the forefront of this very necessary transformation.

Please spread the word about what ArtsEd is achieving and share this article on Twitter or Facebook!

If you would like to help us in our mission please become an ArtsEd Friend and enjoy a lead role in creating the next generation of exceptional talent.

Talented ArtsEd alumni Marc Antolin (Musical Theatre, 2008) and Daisy Maywood (Musical Theatre, 2010), pictured (photo Steve Tanner), have announced plans for a US tour of their Kneehigh production of The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk. Currently playing at London's evocative Wilton's Music Hall, audiences are drawn into the magical world of artist Marc Chagall and his wife Bella, partners in life and on canvas, with captivating performances by Marc and Daisy.

Written by Daniel Jamieson and directed by Kneehigh's Artistic Director Emma Rice, the lovers' compelling story is interwoven with dance and live klezmer music inspired by Russian folk tradition, composed and performed by Ian Ross and James Gow.

Marc is all set for LA: “I’m really looking forward to taking the show to the US. Emma Rice’s work and Kneehigh have a big following internationally and there’s lots of Marc Chagall’s work in America. Also, the Oscars are being held in LA while we are there and Vanity Fair have their party at the theatre we’re performing in, so we’re hoping for an invite!”

The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk will make its US debut on February 24 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Following the LA tour, the stage lovers will fly back to West Yorkshire Playhouse, Salisbury Playhouse, the Spoleto Festival and more.

Catch this 4-star show at Wilton's while you can! – https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/395-the-flying-lovers-of-vitebsk

A whirl of colour and surreal humour… The Guardian

A visual gem… The Stage

Gloriously romantic… The Times

Winner of the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award 2017.

ArtsEd is all ready for Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which opens in The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre on Friday 2 February and runs until Saturday 10 February – more details here

The story: Drag queens Tick and Adam, and a trans woman, Bernadette, go on a road trip through the Australian outback when Tick's estranged wife calls in a favour. Their unreliable tour bus, Priscilla, takes them on a voyage of discovery – encountering redneck homophobia, new love and self-acceptance on the way to giving the performance of their lives. Based on the award-winning 1994 film, Priscilla Queen of the Desert has a contagiously upbeat soundtrack of disco hits. 

And the cast can't wait for opening night!

“Working on a production of this scale has been a very thrilling process. It isn't every day that you get to strut around on the stage in heels impersonating Tina Turner. Colin Mayes and P.J. McEvoy, the two designers on the show, have incredible creative images which they are applying to costumes, set and projection. It isn't easy to transform a cast of young adults into a whole array of crayons, paintbrushes and rollers but they are doing a fantastic job. Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a massive feel-good show which carries a strong message of acceptance and love; topics which are very relevant to the world we live in today. I am extremely excited to be able to go out and share this heart-warming story to a new audience each night.”

Harry Winchester (Miss Understanding)

“Being part of such an extravagant musical has been a dream to be in. Priscilla Queen of the Desert shares a very important and relevant message to all people and it has been an honour to be able to express all the different topics the show covers, from friendship, parental love, acceptance and LGBT community. The role of Cynthia is not only a comical character which I’ve LOVED portraying every second, it also illustrates a message to always be true to yourself and carry on doing what you love. To be given this opportunity has been a real blessing and I will be forever grateful for all the life lessons I have learnt throughout this process.”

Jessica Lee (Cynthia)

“Working on Priscilla has been an absolute dream for me creatively. The show has an incredible soundtrack and a hilarious book, so the rehearsal process has been masses of fun. Really loving the music and knowing how much I'm going to laugh makes it such a joy to go to rehearsals!

The show also has a really moving storyline with some very complex characters and it's been a great pleasure to delve into what the heart of the story is really about. I am playing Tick, a drag queen who struggles with anxiety and fear of a world that seems to not accept him as he travels across Australia to meet his son. Tick has been a real challenge for me as there are many facets to his character and the role demands a great deal of emotional range. I've absolutely loved rising to these challenges and working with the creatives to really get to know this character.

Overall the show is a non-stop barrage of energy, jokes and great music, with a truly moving story of love, parenthood and acceptance. I'd encourage everyone to come and see this glorious show performed by such a wonderfully talented cast!”

Ben Tyler (Tick/Mitzi)

Don't forget to tell us how much you enjoy the show – join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

ArtsEd is looking forward to a dazzling new production opening in the Studio Theatre on Friday 19 January. Show runs until Saturday 27 January.

Top Hat* is a fabulously witty, light-footed farce featuring some of Irving Berlin's most famous songs, including Puttin' On the Ritz, Cheek to Cheek and Let's Face the Music and Dance. Broadway star Jerry Travers, arriving in London to perform in producer Horace Hardwick's latest West End show, accidentally dances into the life of glamorous model Dale Tremont and falls instantly in love. Pursuing her from London to Venice, he is thwarted by a case of mistaken identity and a rival suitor – flamboyant Italian fashion designer, Beddini. But can Hardwick's sneaky valet, Bates, help save the day?

Our Marketing Officer, Tess Henderson has been out and about behind the scenes at ArtsEd talking to cast and creatives.

Director Richard Fitch is full of infectious enthusiasm:

“This production of Top Hat is likely to be a version of the show that you have never seen and won’t ever get to see again. Whilst keeping hold of the sharp wit, incredible score and endearing love story at its centre, we aim to showcase what it is to fall in love in a way that resonates with both a 1930’s and contemporary audience. The students inject this show with infinite charm, class and precision and along with the stunning choreography, the show is guaranteed to have you laughing out loud, humming and tapping long after the show ends.”

While members of the cast are equally excited:

“The entirety of rehearsals have been truly splendid. We are exceptionally lucky to have such a hard working creative team on board, who have given us a motivating and professional environment to work in, preparing us for the industry. Playing Dale has been an absolute dream of mine and I have loved embracing her gutsy yet angelic personality. We are very thankful of the school, especially Chris Hocking for having faith in us to pull off such iconic material. I am so excited for opening night and to be able to share our work with the public, we hope everyone enjoys the performance.”

Hannah Lawson (Dale Tremont)

“The rehearsal process for Top Hat has been an absolute joy. There's a wonderful sense of collaboration and camaraderie in the room. The show is old school musical comedy – there's mistaken identity and big ensemble tap numbers that have been beautifully crafted by our choreographer, Ashley Nottingham. I'm already not looking forward to letting go of Madge. She's blunt, feisty and she knows her own worth; stepping into her shoes has been really empowering. I also get to wear some fab dresses thanks to our designer and the costume department!”

Clancy Ryan (Madge Hardwick)

“The process of this show has been bliss. Horace has been a real challenge for me! He has such fast qualities and an anxiety that took me a while to connect with. I think everyone’s in for a good night of light hearted 

comedy!”

Charlie Ellerton (Horace Hardwick)

So to all the lucky ticket holders out there, we look forward to welcoming you to ArtsEd!

And don't forget to tell us how much you enjoy the show – join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

*Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Based on RKO’s Motion Picture
Book by Matthew White & Howard Jacques
An amateur production by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe

ArtsEd's famous foyer was buzzing last night as guests enjoyed a pre-show drinks reception to celebrate the launch of a ArtsEd Friends, our new annual giving scheme. Principal, Chris Hocking spoke about the high calibre and dedication of all the students who train here in Acting and Musical Theatre, and invited everyone to consider becoming an ArtsEd Friend to ensure that we have the support that our students need to keep future talent thriving. 
 
There is a Friend level to suit all budgets. You can start as a Fan at just £10 a month, or become an Admirer (£500 pa), an Enthusiast (£1,500 pa) or a wonderfully generous Champion at £3,000 pa. We are determined that the most talented young people in the country should be able to benefit from the outstanding training here. Every year, financial pressures mean that students of great promise face the prospect of turning down their place or even leaving their course before finishing. By becoming an ArtsEd Friend you will help keep ArtsEd at the forefront of UK drama schools and ensure talent wins out over financial hardship.
 
Miriam-Teak Lee, a 2017 graduate who went straight into On The Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and will soon be in the musical Hamilton, spoke enthusiastically about her time at ArtsEd and how it prepared her for a successful West End career. Director of Bullets Over Broadway, John Brant, ended the speeches with praise for ArtsEd students and graduates for being the best to work with in the industry – hardworking, polite and respectful. And of course, immensely talented.
 
The audience left Bullets Over Broadway on a high – following a wonderful demonstration of the success of ArtsEd’s unique triple threat training, not to mention a fantastic set design, costumes and band. It's a team effort!
 
We welcome all new Fans, Admirers, Enthusiasts and Champions!

ArtsEd's Youth Dance Company gave a stunning performance at the Royal Albert Hall in November as part of this year's Dance Proms, which marked the final Proms. 

Dance Company Director, Christopher Reynolds was delighted with their performance:

'ArtsEd Youth Dance Company were fantastic, they worked incredibly hard during rehearsals and this was seen in their professional attitude and performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Huge congratulations to all the dancers and thank you to all the parents for their continued support of the Day School and Sixth Form.'

While Headteacher Adrian Blake said: “I’m enormously proud of all the students in Dance Company, and Mr Reynolds the Company Director – performing at The Royal Albert Hall is such an incredible opportunity! With students singing at The London Palladium last week, and students dancing at The Royal Albert Hall just a few days later, this is a wonderful time to be part of ArtsEd!”

The Dance Proms brings together dance teachers and their students, aged between 5 and 21 years, from around world to create original dance pieces using any style of dance in their own schools or studios.Since 2011, when three of the world’s leading dance examination boards, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA), and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) joined forces with the Royal Albert Hall, Dance Proms has been an international celebration of dance, dancers and dance teachers. The first ever Dance Proms involved 450 young people performing in front of an audience of 3,000 and was a huge success with both performers and audience.

Technology is now used to encourage the sharing of ideas and experience and the opportunity to interact with respected dance professionals and high-profile names in the industry. It also allows the wider public to engage with and shape the project by offering an online public voting element. For more details see http://www.danceproms.co.uk/

American actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth is known for her outstanding performances across both stage and screen. Winning a Tony Award for her performance in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Kristin went on to originate the role of Glinda in Wicked on Broadway, securing her status as one of musical theatre’s finest.

An Intimate Evening With Kristin Chenoweth at the London Palladium on Friday 20th October further cemented her reputation among the star-studded London audience. ArtsEd’s Sixth Form students had the honour of joining Kristin on stage, with theatre greats including Elaine Paige, Leslie Bricusse, Michael Mayer and Andrew Lippa watching on.

The students rehearsed for the performance under the guidance of teachers Rob Bannon and Joe Wilson.

Mr Bannon was delighted to see the students shine on stage: “What a special evening this was! The students had the experience of a lifetime working under Musical Director, extraordinaire, Michael Orland as well as performing with Kristin on stage at the Palladium. Kristin had the extraordinary ability to treat the students like her peers rather than her backing ensemble and the students really stepped up to the plate! Professional, talented and passionate are three words that come to mind when describing how our students approached the rehearsals and performance. It is an experience that neither I nor the students will forget in a long time. I am incredibly proud of them.”

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Applications are open to join ArtsEd Sixth Form in 2018 – click here to find out more.