Musical Theatre
Course London
Musical Theatre Courses
Musical Theatre Training
Post Graduate Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre
Courses London
Musical Theatre
Course
One Year
Musical Theatre
COURSE DATES
September 2024 Intake - Term Dates
TERM 1 Foundation
Monday 2nd September 2024 – Friday 18th October 2024 (7 Weeks)
TERM 2 Consolidation
Monday 28th October 2024 – Friday 13th December 2024 (7 Weeks)
TERM 3 Progression
Monday 6th January 2025 – Friday 7th March 2025 (9 Weeks)
TERM 4 Production
Monday 24th March 2025 – Friday 2nd May 2025 (6 Weeks)
TERM 5 Profession
Monday 19th May 2025 – Friday 4th July 2025 (7 Weeks)
The day starts at 9.30am and finishes at 5.30pm. However, students may be required to stay later on some evenings during rehearsal periods.
THE CURRICULUM
SINGING
Technique
It is essential that performers have a strong technical foundation on which to base the expressive requirements of a song. To achieve this students concentrate on developing their diaphragmatic breathing, vocal placing, extension of range, blending of head and chest voice, posture, tone and general aspects of their technical singing capability.
Acting Through Song
This aspect explores and develops the approach of the performer to the integration of acting and singing together with the use of lyrics as dramatic text and musical dynamics to highlight emotional changes. For many performers, the most difficult aspect of the musical theatre genre is combining the acting and singing into a convincing and truthful performance. LSMT develops ways to assist in achieving this objective.
Private Singing Lessons
In the first term, group singing classes establish a technical foundation. From the second term, each student is assigned a private singing teacher and has lessons to concentrate on the specific needs of the individual; group classes continue throughout the year to complement this.
Audition Technique
Over the year, all students gradually build up a portfolio of audition songs tailored to their casting suitability and covering a wide range of styles, so that each graduating student leaves the course prepared to audition for any type of show. Classes in audition technique are held as well as a series of mock auditions.
JODIE JACOBS - GRADUATE
Rock of Ages, The Wedding Singer, Footloose, Evita, Fame, We Will Rock You
"I really felt prepared for the industry by
the end of the year. I secured a good agent
and have gone on to play leading roles in
the West End."
DRAMA
The drama classes are structured to ensure students have a firm understanding of technique and develop confidence in handling script so that they are equipped to work within all areas of the industry. Our graduates work for the RSC, The National Theatre, West End and extensively in film and television.
The first term encourages creativity and imagination through play and improvisation whilst introducing a strong foundation in voice technique and awareness of physicality.
The second term moves on to the exploration of contemporary plays. The students work on scenes which are carefully chosen to suit their casting thus serving to advance their existing skills within the environment of a company in rehearsal. The scenes are presented in-house to an invited audience.
Term three immerses the company in classical text. The students learn to interact on a deeper level with their fellow actors at the same time as being aware of the staging, expectation and demands of a professional performance. The term culminates in a performance of the scenes to an invited audience of members of the industry and school alumni.
Throughout terms two and three voice work continues with accent work, phonetics and articulation.
Returning from the school production term the final term is dedicated to ensuring the students are Industry ready. There are classes in audition technique, acting for television and film, self-employed tax, personal presentation for castings, self-taping and continued work on monologues. The masterclasses in this term vary according to the needs of the group and the subjects that have previously been covered throughout the training.
The drama training on the course is demanding and challenging. Hard work and application are an expectation. The success of our graduates is a testament to this intensive approach.
DANCE
The course is divided into two groups allowing a different pace of progress to be adopted, according to previous dance training and experience. Upon arrival at LSMT, a student is assessed and placed in the most appropriate group.
The first term is geared towards placing and technique to ensure that subsequent work is based on firm foundations. In later terms, the focus is on gradually developing the student’s capacity to pick up routines. Many different styles of dance will be choreographed so that the student will be able to cope with requirements within the profession.
In the last term, the emphasis will be on preparation for audition, with frequent visits from guest tutors covering the material that is currently to be seen in production. Many of these sessions are run as Mock Auditions, giving the student a real world experience of the expectation within the business.
LSMT recognises the need to be a strong all-rounder and dance is therefore taught to a high standard to increase the employability of every individual on the course.
"Working alongside leading professionals
at LSMT was a great start to my career
in Musical Theatre."
JACQUELINE TATE - GRADUATE
Les Miserables, Avenue Q and Phantom of the Opera
PERFORMANCE
Performance Classes
A key feature of the course are the regular performance classes, where students perform a song to their peers and receive direction or guidance from an industry professional. Initially taken by core staff members, the classes are gradually opened up to guests. Previous tutors include leading West End performers, Helen Hobson, Rosemary Ashe, Tony Timberlake, Julie Atherton, Norma Atallah, John Barr, Matthew Ashforde and Caroline Sheen.
Ensemble / Presentation
It is essential that the modern musical theatre performer is able to work as part of a team, and produce the sound and performance that a Director and Musical Director require from an ensemble. This class operates as a company in rehearsal. The students work with a variety of material, including specially commissioned pieces from the resident composer. The class develops the ability of the performer to act as an integrated component in a piece. At the end of every term, the work is presented and, as the year progresses, the content and presentation become more ambitious in
preparation for the end of year productions.
Cabaret Performances
In the final term, students take part in public cabaret performances at a renowned London venue. Preparation for this includes work on hand-held microphone technique and guidance on the art of performing in an informal setting.
Portfolios
Throughout the year, each student has a weekly one-on-one session with an accompanist to rehearse material, select and learn new songs, and prepare for their performance classes.
Theatre Visits
At least three visits to a West End show or major tour take place; these are often followed by a Question & Answer session the next day with members of the cast.
PRODUCTIONS
A major highlight of the year comes when the students go into full-time rehearsals for our main Productions. The choice of work is carefully selected to suit the particular year of students. Recent presentations include; City of Angels,The Wild Party, Bernada Alba, Rent, Bright Lights - Big City, Allegro, Carnival, My Favorite Year, Applause, Violet, Spend Spend Spend, Redhead, American Idiot, King of Hearts, 9 to 5, Lock Up Your Daughters, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Lend Me A Tenor and Grand Hotel.
In the past we have also commissioned new work, and LSMT are proud to have been the originating company for Brenda Bly:Teen Detective, When Midnight Strikes, Hope, Big Top, No One in the World and Jason and the Argonauts, all written by our resident composer Charles Miller. These shows are now published either by the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organisation or Samuel French.
The Bridewell Theatre has become the venue of choice, for our Productions. It is very close to the school which is ideal for Dress and Technical rehearsals and is an inspirational space for a Designer to create something outstanding. The Theatre is situated in the heart of the City of London, in a Grade 11 Listed Victorian Building within easy walking distance of Blackfriars mainline and underground station, which enables good access to the public.
The whole process, from auditions and recalls to wardrobe fittings and sound checks,equips each student with the knowledge of what to expect when working on a West End Show, all the while guided by an expert team of professional practitioners.
THE FACULTY
CHARLES MILLER
Head of Music / Resident Composer
Charles is a renowned composer, musical director and accompanist. He has musically directed and conducted a number of West End shows. He has performed around the globe including Europe and the Americas. Charles was also accompanist for the famous “Players Theatre” for the for a number of years and will always remember accompanying Basil Brush at 10 Downing Street!
As a composer, his produced work includes Mr Christmas (Pennsylvania, USA), No One in the World (Producers Club, New York), Build Me a Bridge (Don’t Tell Mama, New York, and Bridewell Theatre, London), When Midnight Strikes (Finborough Theatre), Jason and the Argonauts (Cochrane Theatre), Big Top (Bridewell Theatre), Living on an Island (Talk of London), Anthology (Bridewell Theatre), Breath of Life (Bull Arts Centre), The Borrowers (Birmingham Old Rep), a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost (UK tour, starring Ron Moody), Brenda Bly: Teen Detective (Bridewell Theatre, starring Ruth Madoc) and Hope (Zug, Switzerland). The Canterville Ghost and Brenda Bly: Teen Detective are published by Samuel French, for worldwide production. In 2006, Avenue Q star Julie Atherton released the hugely successful album of his songs A Girl of Few Words, which was followed by the equally successful cast recording of When Midnight Strikes. Other albums include We Define Each Other - The Songs of Miller and Bard, featuring West End leading lady Lindsey Danvers and Clear Blue Sky, featuring Marc Joseph. October 2010 saw the release of the CD It’s Just The Beginning - The Best of Charles Miller and Kevin Hammonds.
He enjoys his position as Head of Music at the London School of Musical Theatre, which he has held since the school was founded.
SUSAN RAASAY
Head of Drama
Susan trained at the Guildford School of Acting and has an MA in Shakespeare and Contemporary Performance from Birkbeck University. Having enjoyed fifteen years working as an actor she now works as a freelance director. Susan established the Drama Curriculum at LSMT and annually directs two productions in Contemporary and Classical text.
Recent directing credits: Beyond Therapy (Sam Bradshaw Productions, touring); Little Shop Of Horrors (Pleasance Theatre); Little Women (Shelley Theatre); The Lightning Road (Actor’s Church, Covent Garden); Liberty Rides Forth (Waterloo East); Legally Blonde and Bad Girls, The Musical (Pleasance Theatre); Afterplay and Shadows Of The Evening (Essential Stage, Bridewell Lunchbox Theatre); Always Tuesday (Spiral Festival, Southwark Playhouse); Another Northern Man (Ink Festival & Hambre Productions, Hope Theatre); Absolute Certainty (Hambre Productions, White Bear). Heart of Winter with Rebecca Trehearn performing at Ink Festival 2018 and Crazy Coqs Cabaret.
Previous productions include: The Next Big Thing (Edinburgh Fringe & Brighton Festival); My Favorite Year (Bridewell); When Midnight Strikes (Laban Theatre); The Return of The Soldier and John and Jen (Landor); Oliver! (Towngate Theatre); Soul Night Special (Bridge House Theatre & The Lost Theatre); a new book-musical for children Rumplestiltskin’s Daughter (Earls Court Festival); Footloose; Grand Hotel; How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying; (CPA Studios); Back to the 80’s and The Music Man (Kenneth More Theatre); After Juliet, Stepping Out, Find Me, Top Girls, Fen and Vinegar Tom (De Valois Studio Theatre).
Susan is proud of the many LSMT alumni enjoying successful careers in the business with whom she has had the privilege and pleasure to both teach and work alongside.
CARLY WOODHOUSE
Head of Dance
Carly trained at Newcastle College and Northumbria University and has a PGCE with her placement based at London Studio Centre. She has also completed short courses at Mountview and attended professional workshops with NDT2, Mark Morris Dance Company, Akhram Khan and Rambert.
Having enjoyed many years working as a teacher and lecturer in the North East, Carly was appointed Head of Musical Theatre at Newcastle College where she choreographed and directed their final degree productions such as Cabaret, Nine to Five, The Addams Family and Spring Awakening.
Carly currently teaches Jazz Technique and other dance aspects at The BRIT School and Mountview as well as LSMT. In addition, she judges national dance competitions and is the External Examiner for Chichester University.
As a dancer, she worked mainly in contemporary dance, performing new works at Dance City, and was a soloist for Fertile Ground Dance. Carly was regional coach on Billy Elliot assisting Lee Proud for both West End and UK tour, predominantly coaching the roles of Micheal and Debbie. She was assigned to support the performance on Saturday Night Takeaway assisting Karen Bruce.
Carly has been associated with LSMT for 10 years, encouraging a progression route for students from the North East. The past three years she has also delivered weekly dance technique sessions. She is thrilled to be appointed Head of Dance, and to continue the high calibre of provision initiated at the school by her predecessor in the role, Mark Hedges.
MARK HEDGES
Musical Theatre Associate / Principal Guest Tutor
Mark has been associated with LSMT for 16 years. Initially as a guest dance teacher and for the past 8 years as Head of the Dance Department and Musical Theatre teacher.
He is currently Resident Director for Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre) and was previously Children's Director on Mary Poppins (UK tour).
As an actor, West End credits include: Starlight Express; Jerry Springer - The Opera; High Society & Les Miserables; He was part of the 25th Anniversary Company of Les Mis and was Dance Captain for the 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2 Arena.
His regional credits include Little Shop Of Horrors at the Palladium Theatre, Edinburgh; The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and the UK and Scandinavian tour of Starlight Express.
As a Children's Director: Les Miserables, West End; Oliver!, UK tour; The Sound Of Music, international tour and The Bodyguard, UK tour.
For LSMT he has choreographed Applause, Redhead, Jason and the Argonauts and RSVP ASAP.
He has also Choreographed the UK tour of Three Phantoms; Aladdin - Ductac Theatre, Dubai; Stepping Out - Union Theatre; Beauty and the Beast - Harlequin Theatre, Redhill; A Touch of West End - UK Tour; Slice of Saturday Night - MADD, Grease - ARC Stockton.
ABI GILCHRIST
Principal Singing Tutor
Abi studied on a scholarship as a classical soprano at the Guildhall School of Music, followed by an academic music degree at Goldsmiths College writing her thesis on voice disorders, finally training at London School of Musical Theatre in 2003. She was a finalist in BBC Radio 2’s Voice of Musical Theatre Competition.
In April 2016 Abi launched her theatre show Miss Kiddy and the Cads (www.misskiddy.com) and has performed all over the world as well as on ITV’s This Morning and Loose Women. Miss Kiddy and the Cads launched their debut album ‘Vintage Dirtbag’ in 2020 at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club and continue to be in great demand for festivals, theatres and events internationally.
Abi also sings for a many sessions and on TV and film soundtracks, and can currently be heard singing the theme tune on CBeebies shows ‘Do You Know?’ and ‘Maddie… and You’. She is also the voice of Monkey Music the international children’s music classes and book series.
Abi has been teaching singers at all stages of their development and career for many years and has particular expertise in vocal health. She founded UK Soul Choirs in 2010 and now has 8 branches of community choirs in SE London and Kent. She also travels the country giving her own technique workshop ‘Finding your Voice’ to choirs and singing groups. Abi works as a consultant Vocal Director for many organisations including at Abbey Road studios and the Southbank Centre and as resident singing expert on BBC Radio Kent also featuring on Radio 3. Abi’s voice training includes elements of Estill and Bel Canto along with pop training from Roger Love. She also teaches breathing and support using the Accent method.
GREG DAVIDSON
Principal Singing Tutor
Greg is an established vocal coach and MD, who has worked regularly at the UK's top training schools including London School of Musical Theatre, Laine Theatre Arts, Guildford School of Acting, The Urdang Academy, Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, London Studio Centre and The MGA Academy in Scotland. He also is a regular pianist on the cabaret circuit and a regular accompanist for auditions as well as running his own private vocal coaching practice in London.
He has worked in many areas of the Industry including as a producer and agent as well as a performer in UK and European tours, regional and fringe productions.
Greg has been Involved as an associate or assistant, on many pieces written by the LSMT Resident Composer including; Brenda Bly (Tristan Bates Theatre), Pleasure Gardens (Above The Stag) and Princess Phyllida's Fortnight (Borough Road).
Principal / Course Producer Adrian Jeckells
Operations / Course Manager Emily Wigley
Accountants The Martlet Partnership
Financial Administrator Matthew Hough
Marketing / Design Consultant George Miller
Box Office Manager Sean Cook
Founder Glenn Lee
Trustees Adrian Jeckells, Anne-Marie Chevannes and
Jessica Ronane
VISITING PRACTITIONERS
Throughout the course many classes are taken by visiting practitioners. Past tutors have included the following:
Rosemary Ashe Guest Masterclasses
Matthew Ashforde Guest Masterclasses
Norma Atallah Guest Director and Choreographer
Mick Barnfather Guest Drama Tutor
Ken Caswell Guest Director and Masterclasses
Hannah Chissick Guest Director
Mark Collins Guest Musical Director
Mark Crossland Guest Musical Director
Steven Dexter Guest Director
Cynthia Erivo Guest Masterclasses
Michael England Guest Musical Director
Huw Evan Guest Musical Director
Debbie Garvey Guest Singing Tutor
Graham Gill Guest Director
Erica Gould Guest Director
Fenton Gray Guest Director
Anthony Gabrielle Guest Musical Director
Simon Green Guest Director and Masterclasses
Roger Haines Guest Director and Masterclasses
Andrew Hilton Guest Musical Director
Helen Hobson Guest Masterclasses
Joe Hood Guest Musical Director
Graham Hubbard Guest Director
Kirk Jameson Guest Director
Richard John Guest Musical Director
Judith Kleinman Guest Alexander Technique
Judy Kuhn Guest Masterclass
Bronagh Lagan Guest Director
Norm Lewis Guest Masterclass
Matthew Malthouse Guest Dance Tutor
Neil McDonald Guest Musical Director
Amanda Noar Guest Director
Caroline O’Connor Guest Masterclasses
Phillip Quast Guest Masterclasses
David Randall Guest Musical Director
Nigel Richards Guest Masterclass
Matt Ryan Guest Director
Matt Smith Guest Musical Director
Sam Spencer Lane Guest Choreographer
David Thaxton Guest Masterclasses
Tony Timberlake Guest Masterclasses
Carole Todd Guest Choreographer
Sarah Travis Guest Musical Director
Jess Tucker-Boyd Guest Laban Director
Aaron Tveit Guest Masterclasses
Tilly Vosburgh Guest TV and Film Classes
Lotte Wakeham Guest Director
Hannah Waddingham Guest Masterclass
Tara Wilkinson Guest Masterclasses
