Brand new coming-of-age Netflix drama series, The Letter for the King has just announced their casting, with two ArtsEd BA Acting graduates playing Novices in the plot.

 Based on Tonke Dragt’s bestselling medieval adventure novel, this story follows fifteen year old squire, Tiuri (Amir Wilson), who is tasked with delivering a top-secret letter to the King; the contents of which the whole future of the kingdom depends on. Wilson is joined by stars, Ruby Serkis and Mary Poppins Returns actor, Nathanael Saleh.

On this deadly mission, Tiuri is joined by a group of Novices, including our very own 2018 BA Acting graduates, Thaddea Graham as Iona and Islam Bouakkaz as Arman.

Thrilled with his role in this exciting new drama, Islam shares with us:

“This is a very exciting project and an incredible story. We have been filming in the most stunning locations with a very talented cast and crew. From fight training to learning to ride a horse, everyone has been working hard to make this the best that it can be and to be a part of it is truly an honour.  I can’t wait for everyone to see this epic tale come to life.

The camera used to scare me. ArtsEd gave me patience and honesty in my training so I could push to the best of my ability. I really started to feel myself grow as an actor and every lesson would unlock more potential. The camera is now my friend.”

Equally excited about this new series, Thaddea tells us:

“It’s an honour and absolute pleasure to work on such a collaborative project with really talented, hardworking, hilarious people. Shooting can be long and very exhausting, it take a lot of mental energy and focus, but being on horseback with a sword and dagger in your belt, in the middle of a beautiful location in New Zealand isn’t a bad way to pass the time between takes at all!

I felt very equipped going into the shoot because of the screen lessons we had at ArtsEd. I found myself implementing the training automatically, from how I break down my script, to how I prepare myself and stay focused between takes. As part of the course, we would also crew for each other when filming, which meant I already understood the terminology and language used on a professional set. It made it feel a lot less daunting and foreign to step into.”

Shooting has just wrapped up in New Zealand, and they will continue to film in Prague in early 2019 – Netflix will release globally in 2019.

Applications for our 50/50 Screen and Stage BA Acting training OPEN NOW. Auditions in both London and Manchester. APPLY HERE.

Five of the UK’s leading musical theatre conservatoires are collaborating to form the Alliance of Musical Theatre Conservatoires (AMTC), to raise the profile of musical theatre as a specialist art form in the UK and abroad.

The AMTC will share best practice in training, work together to increase diversity and participation in musical theatre and will campaign for more appropriate funding for the sector.

The alliance comprises ArtsEd, Bird College, GSA (The Guildford School of Acting at the University of Surrey), Mountview, and Urdang Academy: world-class organisations that share a similar history and vision and are committed to delivering outstanding musical theatre education and vocational training.

AMTC Principals say:

“The arts and culture contribute £27 billion towards the UK economy*2 – West End theatre represents a substantial element of this. Musical theatre is a significant export. It is important to note that the sector is growing very much faster than the wider economy.  The AMTC colleges are represented in every musical in the West End, and many on Broadway: their collective contribution is immeasurable. 

“This Alliance is exciting and has great potential.  It combines the best of the UK’s musical theatre conservatoires providing talented students with even more opportunities to enhance their training – leading to very successful careers in musical theatre.” 

Combining resources, the AMTC will share best practise in musical theatre training between the Conservatories and deliver networking events, as well as masterclasses and workshops for students and staff. This will provide value and access for everyone to ensure and sustain a high quality of excellence whilst raising standards across the industry.

International Award-Winning Director and Choreographer, and Bird College President, Stephen Mear says about the AMTC:

“This is such a great development for Musical Theatre.  I am very proud to be the President of one of these five leading colleges and I welcome the opportunity to further support the AMTC colleges who are wholly committed to sharing best practice.

“This collaboration is important and will help secure the future of good vocational musical theatre training, ensure that it is accessible to a diverse range of students and hopefully this development will help ensure that the sector is more appropriately funded.

“I have employed many graduates from this elite Conservatoire group and they are the very best innovative artists who are at the forefront of musical theatre.”

Forming a ‘unified voice’ for the musical theatre sector, one of the AMTC’s core aims will be to champion diversity in all forms across the industry raising awareness of the obstacles to participation that students face during their musical theatre training, and creating joint initiatives to overcome them.

Giles Terera, 2018 Olivier Award Winner for his role in Hamilton, and Mountview Alumnus, says about the AMTC:

“Raising the awareness of diversity within Musical Theatre is vital for the industry’s future. I’m delighted that the AMTC will be an important forum for raising the profile of diversity in this incredible, specialist artform.”

With several AMTC graduates employed in every West End musical in London – currently 43% of those employed in Kinky Boots are graduates of AMTC schools along with 55% of cast members of Heathers and 67% of the cast of Les Miserables. The AMTC begins with a clear track-record of success.

Bonnie Langford, iconic actress, dancer and entertainer, and ArtsEd Alumna says about the AMTC:

“The AMTC is such a great idea. This collaboration will definitely benefit so many Musical Theatre students and support the staff as well. Five brilliant conservatoires coming together will raise the bar (or Barre!) in Musical Theatre for the future and help keep it thriving.”

The specialist training that these Conservatoires provide has stimulated the musical theatre industry for over 75 years, and so championing the importance of musical theatre as an art-form will continue through the voice of the AMTC.

Famous faces from London’s West End theatre shows, including Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia, Book of Mormon, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Dream Girls, Wicked, Hamilton and Les Miserables, gathered to launch the Alliance of Musical Theatre Conservatoires (AMTC), with staff and students from all five institutions within the alliance hosting the event at Crazy Coqs, Brasserie Zedel, in London today.

Amber Davies, Urdang Academy Alumna, winner of Love Island 2017, and making her West End Debut as Judy in Dolly Parton's 9to5 The Musical in January 2019 at The Savoy Theatre, says:

“It brings me such joy to see such incredible schools come together as one voice on behalf of students and graduates who's dream it is to be on the stage. Urdang's support system and encouragement will stay with me forever and it's this type of student development the industry needs to make a difference.”

Plans over the next year will see the AMTC deliver a series of industry events led by high profile experts before the end of 2019. The alliance also aims to develop a forum for staff where best practise in musical theatre training can be shared and any dilemmas facing the industry discussed.

The AMTC website www.AMTC.uk.com launched today where members of the public can sign up to receive a regular newsletter.

Keep up to date on the launch via the ArtsEd and AMTC Twitter accounts: @ArtsEdLondon and @The_AMTC

Our international team will be delivering innovative bespoke performing arts training across the UAE to international partner schools – working with them to achieve their strategic goals, including increasing enrolment, harnessing creativity, building self-esteem and confidence, and developing vital skills amongst their students and teachers.

We are proud of the expertise and gravitas of all our staff and the calibre of their performance credits in the West End and internationally.  This depth of experience means they understand first-hand the challenges of achieving success in the industry, and we are thrilled to be taking our inimitable expertise and delivering it internationally.

The combination of talented individual minds meeting young talent creates a truly dynamic environment for teaching and learning. Our staff build warm and constructive learning relationships with pupils, creating a strong ethos of nurture and individualism that enables each student to flourish and make a success of adult life.

Our Principal, Chris Hocking says:

“We are thrilled to be bringing ArtsEd to Dubai. Our fantastic teachers, brilliant graduates and talented students will work with our UAE partner schools and their students to deliver world-class bespoke programs helping to develop a full range of performance skills internationally.”

For more information about ArtsEd in the UAE, or how to become an ArtsEd partner school, please contact Director of ArtsEd International, Jonathan Goodwin direct via Tel: +4420 8 987 6654 or via Email: jgoodwin@artsed.co.uk

To make contact with Dr Andrew Lee in Dubai: Tel: +971 56 135 4704 Email: Alee@artsed.co.uk

Yesterday, ArtsEd’s BA Acting and BA Musical Theatre students came dressed in caps and colourful gowns to celebrate the completion of their higher education courses, all qualifying with flying colours.

Surrounded by supportive family members, friends and ArtsEd staff, this year’s graduation was a joyful and memorable occasion with everyone enjoying the prospect of a new and bright future for the ArtsEd graduates.

The ceremony began with an opening speech from ArtsEd’s Principal, Chris Hocking, who addressed the grads with his witty and inspirational words:

“I’m absolutely convinced that you will all go on to brilliant, varied, interesting and stimulating jobs in your journey through the business-of-show.

“As you enter the ‘Theme Park’ of proper adult life you will see lots of different career rides that you didn’t choose. Careers that just go round and round like on a ‘Merry-Go-Round’; careers that push you from pillar to post – like Dodgems; careers that are scary – but then turn out to be quite dull – like a Haunted House. Now you are trained for the best Theme Park ride. You are on the one that everyone wants to go on – but many are far too scared to try. It is of course: THE ROLLERCOASTER!”

The opening speech was shortly followed by addresses from the Head of the Department of the School of Acting, Gareth Farr, and Musical Theatre graduate, Oliver Corbett, and Acting graduate, Thaddea Graham.

Guest Speaker, the amazing triple-threat star of stage and screen, Sharon D Clarke addressed the students with inspirational words sprinkled with practical career advice:

“Make sure you acknowledge everyone working with you along the way with a friendly hello – the cleaners, stage managers and even your dressers!

A ripple of laughter ran through the crowds as Sharon added:

“And remember! Don’t leave your sweaty costumes on the dressing room floor for someone else to clean up!”

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The students were awarded individual certificates by City, University of London, and continued celebrations back at ArtsEd where many graduates signed up to become part of the ArtsEd Alumni Network – ensuring their legacy at ArtsEd lives on.

For the second year running, The Stage Debut Awards celebrate emerging UK talent, showcasing cast and creatives who have made their stage debut over the last twelve months. This year, the categories include: Best Actress in a Play, Best Actor in a Play, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Director, Best Designer, and the Joe Allen Best West End Debut Award.

Last September, Miriam-Teak Lee, 2017 Musical Theatre graduate, took home the award for 'Best Actress in a Musical' for her outstanding performance in On the Town at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. In her acceptance speech Miriam-Teak shared her mother’s advice: ‘what you put in, is what you get out’, and that’s certainly the case with our graduate nominees this year.

We are delighted to announce that three of our 2018 Musical Theatre graduates have been nominated for The Stage Debut Awards 2018. Toby Miles and Amara Okereke for their performances as Marius and Cosette in Les Misérables, and Simon Oskarasson for his Ariel in Return to the Forbidden Planet at the Gatehouse Theatre. Thrilled with his nomination, Simon Oskarsson says:

“Playing Ariel in Return to the Forbidden Planet was exciting, challenging and a lot of fun. Working with such lovely cast, creatives and producers was an amazing first experience in the industry for me, which I’m very thankful for. I feel very honoured, grateful and absolutely over the moon to receive this nomination.”

Shocked and delighted, Toby Miles says:

“Playing such an iconic role in the longest-running musical continues to blow my mind. I am truly honoured to have been nominated for Best Actor in a Musical at The Stage Debut Awards – it was certainly a shock!”

And Amara commented:

“I feel so honoured and very lucky to have been nominated for a stage debut award. I am of course so grateful for my training at ArtsEd, without which I wouldn't be in the situation I am in. I am loving every minute of being in Les Misérables so this nomination is really the cherry on top of a truly wonderful experience.”

Principal and Director of Musical Theatre, Chris Hocking says:

“The Stage Debut Awards are such an exciting way of recognising young talent fresh out of drama school. I am so delighted that 2018 graduates, Amara, Toby and Simon have been nominated for their outstanding contributions. We wish all the nominees a wonderful evening celebrating their debuts.”

The winners will be announced on Sunday 23 September. Find the full list of nominees here.

Looking to support new talent? Then why not become an ArtsEd Friend? By becoming a Friend of ArtsEd, you will ensure that talent and passion will win out over financial hardship. Your support will directly enable our extraordinary gifted young students to fulfil their true potential as artists and performers. Find out more and sign up today!

Once again, ArtsEd’s Day School has produced an excellent set of GCSE results with 100% of students securing six GCSEs with many students securing eight, nine, and even ten.
 
With the introduction of the new Top Grade of ‘9’, equivalent to A** (compared to the 8 previous grades from A*- G), ArtsEd has seen a third of students achieve this new grade in one or more subjects, and over 30% of all exam results were the highest grades of 7, 8, or 9.
 
Adrian Blake, ArtsEd’s Day School and Sixth Form Headteacher said:
 
“We are delighted that our Year 11 students have done so well in their exams especially with the changing landscape of GCSEs. To achieve so many Top Grades just shows how multi-talented our students really are, and I am enormously proud of each and every one of them”.

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Day School Student Matt Oliver said:
 
“I’m over the moon with my results. I’ve put my heart and soul into my studies and it’s really paid off.
 
“Our teachers at ArtsEd don’t just teach, they support us with other vital aspects, such as organisation and managing stress. I could not have achieved this without the support of my teachers.”
 
Day School Student Francesca Causer said:
 
“ArtsEd is a stepping stone not just in education but also in how you change as a person – I’ve learnt how to feel confident in myself and how to do well.”
 
“The teaching is excellent – it is a principal factor in the high levels of achievement at all levels”.  ISI Report
 
Current ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form students have recently performed in West End productions of Matilda, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Kinky Boots alongside countless alumni. Alumna Samantha Barks takes on Julia Robert’s role in the premiere of Pretty Woman on Broadway, alumnus Thomas Dennis is playing the lead of Albert in the National Theatre’s UK tour of War Horse, Elena Skye is playing Eponine in Les Misérables on the West End and Hollywood’s new Charlie’s Angels line-up features alumna Ella Balinska.
 
If you are interested in joining our Day School or Sixth Form, sign up for ArtsEd’s upcoming Open Evenings.

Sixth Form (Yr 12 Entry) – Tuesday 25 September at 6pm
Day School (Yrs 7-10 Entry) – Wednesday 26 September at 6pm

We are delighted that, for the second year running, ArtsEd has been ranked as the top drama school for overall student satisfaction in the 2018 National Student Survey.

Over 320,000 students from right across the UK take part in the survey, answering questions about their course, institution and learning experience in general.

ArtsEd are delighted to have maintained the title of top drama school for overall satisfaction in NSS 2018, with 95% saying that they were happy with their training.

Industry preparation is key in the performing arts and this year’s survey results demonstrate ArtsEd’s success in this area, with 100% of respondents agreeing that  have received good career advice during their time here and that their time at ArtsEd has provided them with the practical skills to learn and achieve. 

Principal Chris Hocking said: “We are continually reviewing and refining our acting and musical theatre courses to ensure that the training we provide is of the highest quality and prepares students for the particular demands of today’s industry. Our students have always had a strong and positive voice within ArtsEd, and the 2018 NSS proves that: 90% of students feel that their voice is heard, compared to the sector average of 69%.”

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