Beyond the Classroom

Performing Arts Academy

The Thomas Telford Performing Arts Academy is a highly successful centre of excellence with 21st Century facilities, training the performers of tomorrow. From day-to-day support by our passionate staff to exclusive workshops with visiting industry professionals, our students benefit from a rich and dynamic learning experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Why choose Thomas Telford School for Performing Arts?

At Thomas Telford School, we take pride in delivering outstanding training that equips students for successful careers in the performing arts. Many of our graduates go on to attend prestigious stage schools, taking their first steps into the professional world with confidence.

By joining our programme, you will receive expert instruction in dance, drama, and singing from specialist teachers who are passionate about nurturing talent. Our small group sizes ensure personalised support, helping you grow into a versatile, triple-threat performer.

You will also benefit from exclusive workshops led by established performers and industry creatives—many of whom began their own journeys right here at our Performing Arts Academy.

Performance Opportunities

As a member of the Performing Arts Academy, you’ll enjoy a wealth of opportunities to showcase your talent and gain real-world experience. From professional workshops with working artists to theatre visits that deepen your understanding of live performance, your learning journey extends far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the course, you’ll take part in assessed performances that allow you to demonstrate your progress and receive valuable feedback. A standout moment is our annual school production—an exciting, full-scale show featuring professional sets, lighting, and a live band. Whether in a leading or ensemble role, you’ll experience the thrill of performing on a stage that mirrors the professional world.

But the spotlight isn’t the only place our student’s shine. As a triple-threat performer, you’ll also have the chance to contribute behind the scenes—choreographing routines, leading rehearsals, mentoring peers, and collaborating with our technical theatre crew. These immersive experiences help you build not only your performance skills, but also leadership, teamwork, and creative confidence.

Performances

The school production is the pinnacle of your training—and you’ll have the chance to take part in it twice during your course. While rehearsals take place in our fully equipped theatre and studios, the final performance takes things to a whole new level.

During show week, the space is completely transformed: the stage is extended, the floor is adapted to accommodate a live professional band, and a full-scale set, lighting rig, and sound system are installed. The result? A production environment that rivals a West End theatre, offering a truly authentic performance experience.

It’s your moment to shine—stepping into the spotlight and embracing the thrill, professionalism, and energy of life as a working performer.

Showcase Your Talent All Year Round

Beyond the annual school production, Performing Arts Academy students at Thomas Telford School regularly take centre stage at a variety of performance events throughout the year. Past highlights include:

Facilities

Thomas Telford School boasts cutting-edge facilities crafted to nurture and inspire the next generation of performers. Students have access to two custom-designed dance and drama studios, a fully equipped theatre, and a suite of music rooms and practice spaces—all purpose-built to support hands-on performance training. These outstanding resources create an ideal setting for students to refine their talents, rehearse with confidence, and immerse themselves in the world of performance from day one.

Technical Theatre

At Thomas Telford School, our productions are proudly student-led and collaborative, placing a strong emphasis on professionalism and skill-building. We transform our theatre into a high-calibre performance space, where the student-run Technical Team takes charge of sound, lighting, and stage management—ensuring every detail meets professional standards.

Students also participate in whole-school celebrations such as the Christmas and Summer Concerts and various music festivals, offering even more opportunities to perform, grow, and shine.

About the Course

The Performing Arts Academy at Thomas Telford School offers the Cambridge Technical Triple Award in Musical Theatre, equivalent to three A-Level qualifications. This dynamic course places equal emphasis on dance, drama, and singing, equipping you with the skills to become a truly versatile performer.

You’ll engage in a rich blend of academic theory and practical, creative projects, allowing you to develop both technical ability and artistic expression. Throughout the programme, you’ll also be cast in two full-scale musicals, each brought to life with professional sets, lighting rigs, and live performance elements—giving you the chance to apply your training in a real-world theatrical setting.

Singing and Vocal Development

Singing is a core element of the Musical Theatre course, and throughout your training, you’ll develop both your technical ability and performance confidence. You’ll explore vocal technique, study a range of musical theatre styles, and build a personal repertoire that reflects your vocal range and artistic identity.

By the end of Year 1, you’ll present your refined repertoire in a simulated audition setting—an opportunity to apply everything you’ve learned in a realistic, professional environment. This experience not only showcases your progress but also prepares you for future auditions at stage schools and within the industry.

Showcase Your Talent All Year Round

Dance Training and Technique

Dance is a cornerstone of the Musical Theatre course, with training that spans a wide range of genres—including ballet, jazz, lyrical, commercial, and more. You’ll build strong technical foundations while growing into a confident, expressive performer through regular performance opportunities across the two years.

You’ll experience a variety of choreography, working in both ensembles and smaller groups, and perform in diverse styles designed to expand your versatility and stage presence.

Audition preparation is a key focus of your dance training. You’ll take part in mock audition scenarios and develop the ability to pick up choreography quickly and accurately—an essential skill for any aspiring performer in today’s fast-paced industry.

Acting Technique and Performance

Acting training at the Performing Arts Academy equips you with the tools to become an expressive, confident, and versatile performer. You’ll explore a wide range of performance styles and techniques, studying everything from contemporary plays to classical texts, while learning how to adapt your approach to suit each genre.

At the end of Year 1, you’ll perform a monologue of your choice in a simulated professional audition, giving you valuable experience and preparation for future stage school or industry applications.

In Year 2, you’ll take full creative ownership of an additional acting project—shaping every aspect of the performance from concept to final presentation. This opportunity allows you to showcase your artistic vision and leadership as a developing performer.

The Performing Arts Academy Audition

Why Audition for the Triple Course?

The Triple course is designed for students with a genuine passion for the performing arts—those who see this programme as a crucial step toward a future in the industry. Whether your goal is to study at a top university or a prestigious stage school, training at Thomas Telford School offers the personalised support and expert guidance to help you get there.

With small group sizes averaging just 10–15 students, you’ll benefit from tailored coaching that focuses on your individual strengths and areas for growth. Our nurturing environment allows you to build confidence and versatility as a performer. In fact, many students see noticeable improvement in their weaker areas by the time they take the stage for our first Arts Night in November.

How to Apply

Applications for the Performing Arts Academy open in October and should be submitted through the Sixth Form admissions process.

The Audition Process

Our Audition: A Chance to Shine

Once your application to the Performing Arts Academy is received, you’ll be invited to audition and showcase your unique talents. The audition includes:

  • A singing piece – Please bring sheet music for a song of your choice.
  • A monologue or dance solo – Choose one, in any style, lasting no longer than 1.5 minutes.

This is your moment to shine, so select material that highlights your strengths, individuality, and passion for performance.

Our Alumni: From Classroom to Stage

Over the past 30 years, more than 100 of our students have gone on to secure professional contracts in both acting and musical theatre launching their careers right here at Thomas Telford School. Our alumni have graced stages in the West End, toured across the UK and internationally, performed aboard cruise liners, and brought their talents to the holiday entertainment industry both at home and abroad. It’s always a moment of pride to open a programme and spot familiar names. Watching former students flourish in their performance journeys is one of the greatest rewards of what we do.

Professional Workshops and Industry Insights

Taking part in professional workshops and seeing live theatre is a vital part of every performer’s development. At Thomas Telford School, we believe in learning from experience and from those who have walked the path before.

As part of your training, you will watch performances and take part in workshops led by former students who are now working professionals across the performing arts industry. These sessions offer students a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the realities of the business from audition techniques and performance tips to career journeys and industry expectations. Engaging directly with alumni not only enhances technical skills but also provides valuable inspiration and mentorship, helping you better understand how to take your next steps toward a career in the arts.

Recent Performances

School Shows

The annual school musical is a true highlight of our performing arts calendar, offering a vibrant platform for our talented students to shine.

Held during the spring term, the production is open to students from all year groups, who are encouraged to audition for the opportunity to take part. Our Performing Arts Academy students undergo a professional audition process to help prepare them for the rigours of stage school applications and future careers in the performing arts industry.

To promote growth and challenge our performers, key roles are often shared—allowing more students to gain valuable experience. Younger students can audition to join the ensemble, where they’ll collaborate with academy members and build their skills in choreography, singing, and acting.

At our school, the theatre undergoes a dramatic transformation into a fully equipped professional venue. The orchestra pit is uncovered, a false proscenium is constructed, and a professional set is installed. Flight cases brimming with industry-standard lighting and sound equipment roll in, creating an authentic backstage environment. For one exhilarating week, the cast steps into the world of professional theatre, experiencing first-hand what it’s like to work on a full-scale production.

This cherished tradition brings our school community together and celebrates the creativity, dedication, and teamwork of every student involved.