Last weekend marked the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards, recognising black talent in the performing arts from right across the UK. Full of talented nominees and fabulous performances, the ceremony closed Black History Month with a flourish. And to top it off, Amara Okereke, brilliant alumna of our BA Musical Theatre degree, won the Recent Graduate Award!

Amara shot to fame in 2018 as the first black actress to be cast as Cosette in iconic musical, Les Miserables on the West End. A role for which she won the The Stage Debut Award for Best Actress in a Musical. From Les Mis she went straight on to star as Laurie in Oklahoma at Chichester Festival Theatre and she is currently in rehearsal for The Boyfriend at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

The Recent Graduate Award was collected by Amara’s proud mother, Dr Ebere Okereke, who is delighted with her daughter’s achievement:

“It was a privilege and an honour to represent my daughter at the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards ceremony on Sunday, and a double pleasure to receive the award for outstanding recent graduate on her behalf. She thanked ArtsEd and NYMT for her training and for the opportunities that training has given her. It is thanks  to her training that she has had such a phenomenal start to her career.

Awards such as this bring visibility to the black people in the industry. One of the award recipients on the night said ‘I feel seen’ and that captured for me exactly why this award ceremony is so badly needed. With this event and the database of excellence that it proposes to create, black performers will be ‘seen’. As the parent of a performer it gives me great comfort to know that my daughter has such esteemed company who understand her experience that she can call on. It’s a wonderful thing Solange and Omar have created and they are to be congratulated.”

ArtsEd Principal, Chris Hocking also attended the awards ceremony, and couldn’t be more proud:

“Amara has taken the industry by storm. She is such a kind, generous and talented actor and a brilliant Ambassador for ArtsEd.”

This year sees ArtsEd celebrate 100 years of world-class training in the performing arts by launching in Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Earlier this month, our spectacular launch in the UAE was celebrated with a dinner and performances from our very own ArtsEd graduates at the beautiful venue Weslodge, Marriott Marquis, Dubai. Attending the dinner were, UK Consul General Mr Andrew Jackson, Director General of Dubai Culture Mrs Hada Badri, and representatives from KHDA and the eight schools with whom ArtsEd will be working: DESC, GEMS Wellington Silicon Oasis, GEMS Wellington Primary School, Jumeirah College, Jumeirah Primary School, GEMS Wellington International School, Safa Community School and Kings School, Al Barsha. Representing ArtsEd were Chairman of ArtsEd International, Mark Burch and CEO, Chris Hocking and teachers and graduates from ArtsEd.

HM Consul General, Andrew Jackson, welcomed ArtsEd International to Dubai, saying.

“I am pleased to congratulate ArtsEd on the launch of their innovative performing arts training in the UAE.  This is a great example of creative partnership between the UK and the UAE, bringing together culture and education.   ArtsEd have a long history of excellence in training and it is particularly exciting that they have chosen to make the UAE launch part of their centenary celebrations.”

This centenary year will see our talented team deliver world-class performing arts training across the UAE to international partner schools. ArtsEd will work with schools to achieve their strategic goals, including increasing enrolment, harnessing creativity, building self-esteem and confidence, and developing vital skills amongst their students and teachers. ArtsEd will also be providing open programmes for students across the region to attend during the holidays.

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

Scarlet Grace, currently in the Sixth Form at ArtsEd has just been cast as Charlotte White, a lead role in Truth Seekers, an exciting new comedy/horror series for Amazon Original.

Starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, best known for hit films Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, Truth Seekers follows a team of part-time paranormal investigators, who travel the UK, sharing online their ghostly sightings. As their supernatural sightings become more frequent, so does their sense of serious danger, as they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could impact the entire human race…

Scarlet began her training at ArtsEd Day School and continued on into the Sixth Form, studying BTEC Acting and A Level Film. Scarlet is no stranger to the big screen. Earlier this year, she played Pickle in the Holmes & Watson movie, starring Will Ferrell and John Reilly. When asked about this exciting new venture, she told us:

“I had an amazing time filming for new Amazon Series, ‘Truth Seekers’!  Written by Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz, and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, the series will launch on Amazon Prime Video in over 200 countries, and I am playing the role of Charlotte White with a twist to her character!”

Truth Seekers began filming the eight-part series in September, with the launch date still pending… watch this space!

Image Credit: Alex Brenner

For the past two years, ArtsEd has celebrated some fantastic wins at the Stage Debut awards – and 2019 was no different! On Sunday 15 September, BA Musical Theatre graduate, Jac Yarrow won the Joe Allen Best West End Debut Award for his professional debut as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at The Palladium.

The award was presented by ArtsEd alumna, Janie Dee, and Jac shared a heart-felt thank you to ArtsEd and everyone who voted for him.

“Winning this award is a cherry on the top of a perfectly iced cake: Joseph. It feels surreal, and I’m so grateful to everyone who voted for me.”

ArtsEd Principal and Director of the School of Musical Theatre, Chris Hocking, attended the event, and shared his well-wishes:

“A massive congratulations to Jac for winning the West End Debut Awards! We were delighted to be there supporting him on the night, and couldn’t be more proud of what he has achieved. Here’s to a bright and exciting future ahead of him!” 

The Director of the School of Acting, Julie Spencer also attended the event, and gave Jac a shout-out on Twitter:

“So proud to see ArtsEd 2019 Graduate Jac Yarrow collect this award this evening. Janie Dee is an absolute legend. What an incredible night!”

The evening showcased some wonderful performances from previous winners, including ArtsEd graduate, Amara Okereke who won Best Actress in a Musical at the awards last year.

ArtsEd Day School pupil, Oliver Crouch, will soon be heading up to Stratford-upon-Avon to start rehearsing as the lead in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s latest new musical, The Boy in the Dress. This exciting new production is based on David Walliams’ best-selling book with music from Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers. The show will be directed by Gregory Doran, Artistic Director of the RSC.

The show follows 12 year-old Dennis, a top striker for his football team, who dreams of wearing a dress to school and Oliver will be sharing the role with three other boys.  This is not Oliver’s first time in a major production. His most recent role was Potiphar in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Palladium, starring Jac Yarrow, a graduate of our BA in Musical Theatre. Prior to that, Oliver was in Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre and on the UK tour.

Over the moon with his new role, Oliver told us:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing the role of Dennis and I’m so happy to able to create a new role within a brand new and exciting show!”

This rising star will be supported by a fantastic cast chock-full of ArtsEd alumni and recent graduates. Charlotte Jaconelli as Lorna, Alex Moneypenny as Gareth, Ahmed Hamad, Hannah Fairclough and Clancy Ryan in the ensemble and Georgie Westall as Swing.

The Boy in the Dress will be at Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon from 27 November until 8 March. Tickets are already on sale, so book now for what promises to be a very exciting show!

Yesterday, ArtsEd’s BA (Hons) Acting and BA (Hons) Musical Theatre students celebrated three years of hard graft, arriving in caps and gowns to collect their degrees and all qualifying with flying colours.

Surrounded by family, friends and the ArtsEd staff that have nurtured their talents throughout their time here, this year’s graduation was a joyful occasion, full of anticipation for the future of the talented graduates of 2019.

Principal, Chris Hocking, opened the Ceremony, inspiring the gradates with his words of wisdom:

“Congratulations for making it to the end – Three years, but I bet it feels like it has gone in a blink of an eye!  You have all done brilliantly to get through our training.  It is demanding and intense and there has been blood, sweat and plenty of tears.  But it’s so worth it!  We know that you will all go on to brilliant, varied and fascinating jobs in your journey through the business of show!  Remember to keep learning and always be curious!”

Julie Spencer, ArtsEd’s new Director of the School of Acting and Chris Whitehead, Head of Third Year Musical Theatre, also addressed the audience, encouraging the graduates to be kind, to be brave and to be bold.

Addresses on behalf of the graduates were given by Nicole Baisden, representing the School of Musical Theatre and Michael Workeye, representing the School of Acting.

We were delighted to welcome Peter Polycarpou as our Guest Speaker.  The wonderful triple-threat star of stage and screen underlined the importance of looking after yourself in the cut and thrust of the business:

“Mental health is crucial in this industry – look after who you are. Be prepared and be resilient. Give yourself space and time to be quiet and endeavour to bend, not break, like bamboo in the wind.”

Degrees were conferred by City, University of London, and celebrations continued back at ArtsEd where graduates joined the ArtsEd Alumni Network – ensuring that we can stay in touch and celebrate their successes well into the future.

And finally, some of the class of 2019 had some words of wisdom for their first year selves.

“Enjoy every minute – and face every challenge with a smile.”

“Don’t underestimate the power of rest!”

 “Make every day count…it will all go by in a flash!”

Once again, ArtsEd’s Day School has produced an excellent set of GCSE results with every student securing at least six GCSEs and many students achieving eight, nine, and even ten.

With the new top grade of ‘9’ now being in full operation (equivalent to A**), ArtsEd has once again seen a third of students achieve this new grade in one or more subjects, and every student achieving a top grade of 7, 8, or 9 in at least one subject – indeed over 40% of all the GCSE Results were in this top band.

Adrian Blake, ArtsEd’s Day School and Sixth Form Headteacher said:

“We are thrilled 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.”

Year 11 Pupil, Abbie Punton has thoroughly enjoyed her time at ArtsEd, and is excited for the future:

“I’m really, really happy! I know that without the hard work and dedication of the teachers and the overall support I received here, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have! I’m so grateful for all they’ve done for me. I’m really excited to start at Laine next year to study the Level 6 Diploma in Musical Theatre!”

Another year 11 Pupil, Charlotte Sparks is delighted with her maths result and eager to continue her journey at ArtsEd:

“In January I was told that it was unlikely that I would pass maths – but I’m so happy that I passed! It’s all thanks to the teachers at ArtsEd – I’m so grateful. I’m excited to continue my studies at ArtsEd Sixth Form where I will be taking BTEC Acting and Drama A level.”

If you are interested in finding out more about ArtsEd Day School or Sixth Form, you can sign up for one of our September Open Evenings.

Sixth Form Open Evening (Year 12 Entry) – Tuesday 24 September, 6pm & Wednesday 20 November, 6pm
Day School Open Evening (Years 7-10 Entry) – Wednesday 25 September, 6pm

Sixth Form students at ArtsEd celebrate the school’s best ever results in BTECs with a superb 100% Triple Distinction and above (equivalent to three A levels at A and A* grade), with 85% achieving Triple Distinction (D* D* D*)!

A levels also saw a 100% pass rate with 30% of all A level results at A* / A, and overall 78% of all results were A* – B, which is our highest figure on record and significantly above the national average.

ArtsEd’s Sixth Form leavers will be enjoying a summer break before heading off to a range of vocational destinations, including Bristol Old Vic, Bird, Laine Theatre Arts, LAMDA, London Studio Centre, Mountview, RADA, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and of course ArtsEd, with others choosing top choice university places, including Falmouth, University of Sussex, Rose Bruford College, Cardiff University and University of the Arts London.

Some students have gone straight into professional work, with Billy Nevers currently starring in Jesus Christ Superstar at The Barbican, followed by &Juliet at The Shaftesbury in November.

Adrian Blake, Headteacher for ArtsEd’s Day School and Sixth Form said:

“I am so proud of all the students who have worked tirelessly to achieve such wonderful results – and full credit to the staff who have enabled each of our sixth form students to stretch themselves as learners in order to shine in the exam room as well as on the stage. This is our best set of sixth form results ever, and shows improvement in BTEC and A levels for the seventh year in a row. I wish each and every one of our students the very best for their continuing studies here at ArtsEd and beyond.”

Mark Ferrington, Head of Sixth Form said:

“I am incredibly proud of the results this year and all the work the whole team has put in to making these young, talented students achieve both academically and vocationally. The diversity and quality of destinations is outstanding, with some students going straight into working professionally in the West End. These results demonstrate that ArtsEd Sixth Form provides the very best choice for students looking for a bright future.”

ISI Report: “The teaching is excellent – it is a principal factor in the high levels of achievement at all levels”

Sixth Form student, Maisie Ayres said:

“ArtsEd really helped me get the support that I needed to get these results. I can honestly say that it’s been the best two years that I’ve had – there are so many options here, both academically and opportunities for live performances, and the teachers are amazing – they really cater to each student and help them do the best they can. I’m so happy with my results – I did much better than expected and I’m excited to attend Guildhall next year.”

Sixth Form student, Ellie Sparrow said:

“I did A level Film and BTEC Musical Theatre, and I’m so happy with the results. I’m excited to attend The Institute of the Arts in Barcelona and I honestly feel I wouldn’t have been able to make that big step, going to another country to study a subject that I love without the skills that I learned from ArtsEd. ArtsEd has taught me to be confident, resilient and always fight for what I want.”

If you are interested in joining our Sixth Form or Day School, sign up for ArtsEd’s upcoming Open Evenings

Sixth Form (Yr 12 Entry) – Tuesday 24 September at 6pm
Sixth Form (Yr 12 Entry) – Wednesday 20 November at 6pm
Day School (Yrs 7-10 Entry) – Wednesday 25 September at 6pm

We are thrilled to announce that ArtsEd has achieved excellent results for third year running in the 2019 National Student Survey.

ArtsEd Principal, Chris Hocking said:

“We are delighted that for the third year in a row, overall student satisfaction at ArtsEd is well over 90%. This result underlines our reputation as a provider of outstanding training in the performing arts.

To maintain this excellence, it is vital that we understand how our students feel about the quality of our teaching and the support they receive at ArtsEd.  The National Student Survey enables us to do this and our first-rate results, alongside those of many of our competitors, are testament to  the strength and effectiveness of the performing arts training sector as a whole.

“ArtsEd continually reviews and refines our acting and musical theatre courses to ensure the training we provide is of the highest quality and prepares students for the particular demands of today’s industry.  An area in which ArtEd really shines is the nurturing ethos and family feel of our organisation.  With our ‘learning community’ scoring 100% this year, we know that our students and staff feel part of a strong and supportive community.  This sense of nurture and belonging is absolutely integral to our success and enables our students to flourish both here and when they graduate.”

Each year, ArtsEd holds open submissions for original screenplays to be performed by graduating BA Actors, and we are delighted to invite writers to submit their scripts for the fifth season!

Launched in 2014, the Original Screenplay Project has gone from strength to strength, with a limited number of films from the project submitted to film festivals. In 2016, the film Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang by Paul Houghton won Best Comedy at the Crystal Palace International Film Festival, and in 2018 we were thrilled to win the Best Student Project award at the London Short Film Fest for Caroline Jeffries’ Heads or Tails.

How does it work?

Shortlisted scripts will be read in a workshop setting and once the final scripts have been selected, writers may be required to develop or adapt their work. They will subsequently be filmed in March 2020, by a professional director and director of photography, supported by a full student crew. Each film will then be edited to broadcast standard and screened before an industry audience.

Each script should combine a clear, narrative arc with a degree of dramatic action and must also fulfil the following criteria:

Be of 10-12 minutes duration
Be suitable for filming on a limited budget
Require a maximum of 3 simple locations and not involve difficult technical set ups i.e.: long driving scenes, period settings etc.
Tackle contemporary subject matter, both comedy and drama and be set in the last decade
Be suitable for a cast who are in their twenties, with a minimum of 3 to 6 strong roles
Avoid any extreme violence or explicit sexual content
Require a limited number of older cast or none at all ideally

All writers will be fully credited for their work, retain copyright of the script and receive a link to the film. Cast and crew are mostly students but any additional crew, directors and writers will receive a small remuneration to be confirmed by ArtsEd.

We will acknowledge receipt of submissions but regrettably, due to the volume of submissions we are unable to provide individual feedback. Final scripts will be chosen by September 2019.

To submit a script for our consideration, please email a copy in PDF or Word format to scripts.artsed@gmail.com and remember to include your name, contact details, and script title on the front page, together with a brief synopsis and character breakdown.

Deadline for submissions is Monday 20th May 2019