foundation course prospectus 2016

F O U N DAT I O N C O U R S E
P rospectus 2016
M usica l T h eatre
A nd
Actin g
B ui lt on a passion for success
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F O U N DAT I O N CO U RS E P rospectus 2016 I N T RO D U C T I O N
C O N T E N TS
Introduction
page 3
As course leaders we have strong belief in the strength of
Why choose Stageworks
page 4
in training students to reach the standards required to
Course overview
page 6
Qualifications
page 8
Fees
page 9
Faculty and team
page 10
our training in Stageworks. With over ten years of experience
achieve college placements and funding to progress, we are
proud of the results this programme achieves.
After placing over 300 students into full time accredited
vocational colleges, our team have proved that they have
the knowledge and skill to individually prepare each student
to reach their aspirations.
If you are successful at gaining a place on the course and
Progression
page 11
Discipline / Academic enhancement
page 12
you. Our ethos is that every student is important; every
Student welfare and pastoral care
page 13
meet. This means that your training is closely monitored and
Accommodation
page 14
Your life at our college
page 15
The student’s perspective
page 16
Facilities / Location
page 17
The application process / The audition process
page 18
Contact us
page 19
if you are prepared to work hard, this course will work for
student has different skills to progress and ambitions to
negotiated with you at all times.
The college has a friendly, family atmosphere and the
pastoral care you will need as you enter the full time world
of Performing Arts. Our smaller environment means that you
will get the quality time you deserve that is coupled with
the discipline that the industry requires.
We believe that your career starts here.
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STAG E WO R K S CO L L E G E
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W h y C h oose S tag ewor k s ?
Course Structure
Student Focus
Does the Course work?
Qualifications
We have designed our course to give students an experience
With two directions of specialism, this course offers
Since the course started in 2004, we are delighted to say we
We believe it’s important for a student’s own personal
that resembles that of the next level of training. You
students the necessary guidance towards either Professional
have a 100% success rate in getting our graduating students
development to be able to prove their progression of
will receive high quality, professional tuition in a variety
Dancers/Musical Theatre courses, or Drama Schools
placed in colleges for their next level of training and high
skills with Nationally Recognised Qualifications. For
of subjects that you need to get you ready for that next
and University placements, whichever is most suited to
levels of examination pass rates.
those interested in degree courses, UCAS points are also
important step on your Acting or Musical Theatre career.
encourage your development and aspirations.
achievable.
Hours
Audition Preparation
CDET Endorsement
Students will receive advice and support on all aspects of
We are the first provider in the UK to offer a Level 3 Access
recommend that you ask other colleges how many studio
Accommodation facilities are available for students living
the audition process as required, from songs, monologues
to Professional Training Course that is fully endorsed by the
hours you will be in training. We believe anything less than
outside the local area. Funding may also be available should
and dance pieces, to completion of application forms,
Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET).
this will not develop you enough as a performer to give you
you be successful in your audition.
professional head shots, interview skills and the importance
Stageworks students train for 25 hours per week. We
Accommodation Available
the best chance at auditions and scholarships.
of self confidence and professionalism.
Independent and Unbiased
As our course is designed to train students both mentally
Training for the Individual
Fees
We are looking for the desire to perform and the willingness
and professionally, by being independent, we can advise and
With both funded and private places available, we work hard
to learn. Classes are aimed at different levels depending on
provide the relevant training and information for audition
to offer high quality training that’s affordable for everyone.
individual abilities. Experience in all areas is not necessary
at ANY of the 3 year accredited colleges at Diploma or
Our selection process is based on talent which we believe
as full training in all genres will be given.
Degree level or other specialist training courses.
should be nurtured and not defined by finance. Where fees
are required to be paid, they are at a realistic rate and at no
compromise to the quality of training.
OfSted Report
“Progression to higher education is very good. Substantial
number of Performing Arts students gain scholarships”.
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STAG E WO R K S CO L L E G E
C ourse Ov erv iew Y ear O ne
All students attending Stageworks for the first time will
arrive with a variety of talent, some whose specialism is
acting or singing who may never have danced before and
others who have danced for many years but never sung in
public or taken part in a drama class. Our objective is to
build on existing skills and introduce, develop and expand
the areas that students have less experience in.
Classes will be weighted to meet the specialist nature of
Musical Theatre or Acting course you are on. Students will
undertake a timetable of a variety of classes from Cardio
& Toning, to Singing, Improvisation & Play Study, to Jazz
Technique & Musical Theatre Dance. In addition to this,
classes will also take place in the core Performing Arts
subjects and syllabus that will earn students Nationally
Recognised Qualifications.
Our combination of weekly classes will see students learn
the essential skills and knowledge needed for successful
auditions in their second year. Once the foundations are
in place and through feedback and assessment, students
can identify their areas for improvement and begin work on
performance quality and integrity.
OfSted Report
“Performing Arts students are consistently highly successful
in their exam work. Their professional attitudes enable
them to produce works of maturity and professionalism.”
To help achieve this, students are encouraged to think
independently about key elements of their various
lessons and take responsibility to apply them across their
training. From class etiquette and time management, to
the importance of performance and putting feedback into
practice, students must learn very quickly that without
self-motivation and determination to succeed, they will find
this level of training and those subsequently thereafter very
difficult to pursue.
With training in full swing and exam preparations well
under way, rehearsals can begin for a variety of performance
opportunities throughout the year. Some of these are
compulsory and included within the course; others are
extra-curricular but recommended to enhance students’
training and performance experience.
The completion of Year One fast approaches with rehearsals
for our end of year production to showcase the student’s hard
work and celebrate the graduation of our second year students.
F O U N DAT I O N CO U RS E P rospectus 2016 C ourse Ov erv iew Y ear T WO
The priority for returning students in their second year
at Stageworks is audition planning. Students by now
should have a firm idea on the area of training they wish
to specialise in and having been expected to spend the
summer researching the many colleges around the country,
be ready to make a short list of those they wish to apply to.
Including the Stageworks Professional Performance Diploma
Course.
Through regular communications with the Course Leaders
and Department Specialists, students will begin writing their
Personal Statements and completing application forms.
Alongside this, students will continue their training a level
above that of their first year.
Second year students are expected to continue the
responsibility for their training through self-motivation and
dedication by spending the necessary time organising and
preparing everything they need for classes and auditions.
Direction and feedback will be offered regularly and
preparation is tested in their practical assessments.
Once auditions begin, it can be an unnerving time waiting for
college responses but students are supported and advised
every step of the way.
During your second year of study you will perform in a
full musical. We host ‘The Musical Theatre Company’
which boasts the highest standard and quality assured
amateur Musical Theatre performances in our area. Previous
productions include, 42nd Street, Ghost, Grease, Footloose
and Guys and Dolls. Weekly rehearsals boost training whilst
giving you as near an experience as possible to performing on
a West End stage, with a live orchestra and professional set.
Once the exams are complete, the celebration of graduation
begins. The students will reap the rewards of their hard work
and excitement ensues for what lies ahead during the next
stage of their pathway to success.
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Q ua l ifications
F O U N DAT I O N CO U RS E P rospectus 2016 FEES
During the course, students will study for a
Ofsted Report
future college applications and employability.
- Level 3 Diploma in Musical Theatre or Acting
“A range of data is used very effectively by staff to monitor
Colleges will see a student’s application before being
- RAD/BTDA Major Dance Grades (Full and part time
Having formal, nationally recognised qualifications not only
justifies progression of skill but also drastically enhances
invited to audition so having proof of training will suggest
commitment and a versatile skill base necessary for any
performer.
With UCAS points achievable too, students looking to
progress onto degree courses can rest assured knowing
they will hold the necessary pre-requisites to access these
courses. In turn, this can assist in reducing any difficulty
choosing between vocational training and an academic
education.
student options)
progress against targets”
Our mission statement at Stageworks says it all...
‘To provide affordable, high quality performing arts
experience and educational classes for everyone.’
We work hard to provide the necessary training for our
students at a highly competitive cost allowing a student’s
talent to be nurtured and not defined by finance.
Depending on age and previously gained qualifications
(amongst other factors), students may be in a position
to access our training for through government funding.
Stydents will be required to pay for the non funded subjects
that are essential to our training courses from £1265.00 to
£1965.00 per year. (Payment schemes are available)
This area is best discussed with us directly in order to assess
student eligibility.
For privately paying students course fees totalling £6,000.00
per year and include all registration and examination fees.
There are options available including various national and
local charities in your area as well as Professional and
Career Development loans. The direct.gov website can offer
help and advice on what’s available and how to apply but
again feel free to speak to us directly to discuss accessibility.
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Faculty & Team
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P ro g ression
All our tutors are qualified or working professionals with
Many of our tutors have either been taught or have been
We prove this course works year after year with increasing
Some of the many colleges our students have
the relevant professional experience to advise and educate
teaching at various three year vocational colleges so have
numbers of students graduating with numerous offers to
earnt places at include:
students towards the standards required in order to meet the
direct knowledge of the courses and the specifics required.
Diploma and Degree courses.
Guest teachers and additional working professionals are
Not only do we see students who have already received
Bird College
invited to the college on a regular basis to enhance the
college offers, be successful at re-auditioning with enough
Cambridge Performing Arts
student’s experience and knowledge whilst also learning
knowledge to earn full funding, but we also see students
Laban
to adjust to unfamiliar choreographic styles and teaching
who begin training at Stageworks with lacking areas of skill,
Laine Theatre Arts
methods, much like you would experience in an audition.
not only earn places at some of the best colleges in the
London Contemporary Dance School
country, but also be offered fully funded places. To us, this
London School of Musical Theatre
confirms these colleges identify the skill and knowledge
London Studio Centre
of our students and wish to invest in their future training
Masters Performing Arts College
towards a successful career.
Millennium
expectations of full time three year colleges.
OfSted Report
‘Staff are highly experienced practising artists who have rich
and varied industrial experience & contacts, which they use
very well to help the students succeed.’
Arts Educational
Mountview
Performers College
The Urdang Academy
After graduating from their next college, our students can be
found working in numerous artistic areas all over the world
including performing, teaching, composing, choreographing
and directing. All these students have realised their
ambitions and will continue to do so for many years to
come. We are very proud to have had an input in their
success.
Stageworks now offers a 3 year Professional Performance
Diploma Course. The course is designed to prepare students
for work. It reduces annual fees and accommodation costs
and makes a quality option for students facing funding
difficulties. See our Professional Performance Diploma
prospectus for further details.
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STAG E WO R K S CO L L E G E
D iscip l ine
Technique in performing arts is based upon discipline
S tudent W e l fare
& Pastora l C are
and anyone pursuing a career in this industry whether
performing or teaching, must understand this is just as
crucial when you are outside the studio. We begin this
process of understanding from the start with a strict
uniform policy that all students are expected to adhere to.
Not only does this promote smart appearance and boost
confidence, it creates a positive work ethic across all areas
of training. It is important for students to understand the
purpose of this policy and cannot expect success without
feeling motivated to work hard.
Staff at Stageworks takes the responsibility of welfare very
seriously. With students spending much of their time in and
around the vicinity of college, we are able to take the time
to identify personal needs.
With an open door policy for personal, emotional or
educational worries, we will always do our up most to help
guide students to resolve any issues or concerns. If issues
do arise, students and parents alike should feel assured that
personal discussions with staff members are kept private
and confidential with the required action taken where
necessary.
Academic
E n h ancement
Whilst with us, all students are given an Individual Learning
Plan through communication with the College Principals.
This is reviewed regularly and termly assessments
ensure students are on track to meet their targets. These
assessments will be posted to parents along with records of
attendance including any unauthorised or repeat absence.
Performers, being creative people, are not always as
comfortable when it comes to writing and with degree courses
becoming increasingly popular, it’s more important than ever
for students to refresh and improve their writing skills.
We have superb support from specialists in reflective writing
and UCAS applications who work closely with the students
to help put into practice the skills needed in order to
successfully self promote themselves on paper or in
written exams.
Numerous systems are in place to ensure every student
reaches their full potential.
A ‘red letter system’ is in place to record and inform all
teachers of any injuries sustained, along with the
recommended recovery needed. This enables
consistency during the treatment of an injury and
promotes the optimal recovery. One evening a week
a sports masseuse comes into college to offer
professional massage at a reduced student rate.
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Accommodation
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Your Life at our C o l l e g e
With a range or properties all within walking distance to
Having met the students, staff will suitably assign tenants
Our studio complex is set walking distance from St Neots
With an increasing need for students to support themselves
the college, students and parents alike can feel satisfied
to rooms within the various properties and to reduce an
train station and town centre, with a range of shops, cinema
financially, there is often a variety of job opportunities
knowing there is a solution to distance between home and
overwhelming list of things students must consider when
and leisure facilities. Everyone at the college is focussed on
in the local area. Students with existing jobs at national
Stageworks. It needn’t be expensive either, with possible
living independently, Stageworks will organise payments of
training for their career and by working as a progressive team
companies may find it useful to look into transfers as there
access to residential support funding and competitive rates
all utilities.
with a common goal; this in turn creates a close family feel.
are good transport links to various towns and cities within a
We ask one thing of prospective students when considering
Outside of college, with many students either relocating
For a high majority, if not all students who require
our accommodation and that is to understand our position
to the area or already living close by, you will quickly have
accommodation, it’s the first time moving away from the
as a local business. With a positive and friendly reputation
friends on your doorstep.
family home. Instead of experiencing this for the first time
in our local area, we expect students to respect each other
in the hustle and bustle of the country’s capital, deciding
as house mates and also the surrounding neighbours
who to live with and being solely responsible for sourcing
of our student houses. We do not tolerate breaches of
and paying for accommodation and utilities, making
contract and will not refrain from removing students from
Stageworks your stepping stone is a safe and practical way
accommodation if necessary.
if paying privately.
for students to learn the added responsibilities of looking
after themselves.
reasonable distance.
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T h e S tudent ’ s P erspecti v e
F O U N DAT I O N CO U RS E P rospectus 2016 Faci l ities
‘The atmosphere at my audition was nothing like what
‘We are amazed at the progress our son has made in such
We have three fully equipped studios for practical tuition
I had experienced at other colleges. It was friendly and
a short time, particularly in his improved self-confidence.
complete with professional fully sprung flooring, Barres,
welcoming and completely calmed any nerves I had. Even
We are so grateful to the staff at Stageworks for helping to
Mirrors, Electric Piano and PA system.
with the areas of my audition I felt less confident in, I was
achieve a dream and the student performances are a credit
encouraged and reassured by the audition panel.’
to the hard work and dedication of both staff and students
Auditionee
A fourth studio space is also available for drama and group
at Stageworks.’
singing, one on one practical guidance and active personal
Parent of a Graduate
time outside of classes for assessments, auditions or exams.
study for student use when wanting additional preparation
A singing room/recording studio, complete with Electric
‘My wife and I knew as soon as we arrived at Stageworks
Piano and library of Sheet Music books for private singing
that this was where we wanted our daughter to grow and
‘Stageworks has changed my life in so many ways. Not only
develop into a young adult before continuing her training
has it given me a second chance to realise my dream of
elsewhere in the country. The staff were so helpful with any
being an actor, but it has allowed me to grow so much as a
questions that we had and so supportive of all the students
person. I have gained the confidence and fitness I need and
at their audition, we know our daughter is in the right place
now feel so much healthier and happier doing what I love, I
to gain the skills she needs to get her into the next level
am so unbelievably proud to be a part of Stageworks.’
performance space.
1st Year Student
Other facilities include male & female changing areas with
colleges.’
Parent of an Auditionee
tuition or personal music study.
Classroom for contextual studies.
Access to a fully equipped Black Box Theatre and
secure lockers available and a communal seating area with
vending facilities.
‘Training at Stageworks has prepared me both mentally and
I auditioned at Stageworks having already earned places at
physically for the next level of training and has given me
various Level 4 colleges but was unsuccessful in receiving
an advantage over others in auditions. Without Stageworks
any funding. By attending Stageworks I was able to improve
I feel that I wouldn’t have reached the same level of
through the training I received which then not only got me
achievement.’
into more colleges when I re-auditioned, but with funding
at more than one! I really enjoyed my time at Stageworks,
I made some fantastic friends and there was such a nice
LO C Ation
Graduate
Stageworks Studios is located in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.
family atmosphere amongst everyone in my year.’
The college course is sited at Longsands Parade, within
Graduate
centre, with it’s range of shops, cinema and leisure facilities
walking distance from St Neots train station and town
St. Neots station is served by the First Capital Connect
railway line from King’s Cross, London and Peterborough.
There are also national coach links to St. Neots from many
parts of the country.
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STAG E WO R K S CO L L E G E
F O U N DAT I O N CO U RS E P rospectus 2016 T h e A pp l ication P rocess
C O N TAC T U s
Applying couldn’t be easier and you have already completed
Step 2: Complete our application form. You can download it
If you have any questions about our course,
the first step by researching our course. Now all you need to
from our website.
please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Step 3: Send us your completed application along with the
Applications to be sent to:
audition fee.
Administraion Department
do is decide if you would like to apply.
If you feel there is anything you are unsure of, please don’t
be afraid to contact us with any questions you may have or
to arrange a visit to come and look around.
That’s it! Once we have received your application, you will
receive a confirmation letter and an offer to attend our next
available audition.
Stageworks Studios
The Towers, High Street
Buckden, St. Neots
Cambs PE19 5TA
Call us on: 01480 81 26 26 | 22 33 31
Email us at: info@stageworksstudio.co.uk
T h e Audition P rocess
The important thing to remember during your audition is the
The Musical Theatre Course audition will comprise of
purpose of our course. We build on your existing talents and
a ballet and jazz class that will not require preparation
improve the areas you have less experience in. We do not
in advance, however, you will be required to prepare a
expect you to be perfect.
monologue and musical theatre song (with backing track or
You may feel more comfortable in a dance class but never
sheet music).
sung in public before, or your strength may be in acting
The Acting Course Audition requires you to prepare a
and never learnt to dance before. Either way, by having the
monologue, musical theatre song (with backing track or
courage to try will show us your willingness to learn.
sheet music) and you will take part in various workshops.
You will then be interviewed by members of the audition
panel. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss your future
ambitions and ask any questions about your future training.
Applicants will be notified in writing on the outcome of
their audition.
Visit our website at: www.stageworksstudio.co.uk
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01480 81 26 26 | info@stageworksstudio.co.uk | 01480 22 33 31
The Towers, High Street, Buckden, St. Neots, Cambs PE19 5TA
St Neots Site, Longsands Academy, Longsand Road, St Neots, Cambs PE19 1LQ
www.stageworksstudio.co.uk