Course summary
On the MA Musical Theatre at Central, we see performers as creators, and regularly produce new works with professional composers, writers, directors and choreographers.
- Acting, singing and movement is at the core, but the course also provides opportunities to compose, choreograph, write for the stage and work as an actor-musician;
- Experience many genres and styles from musicals to music theatre, devised theatre and opera in public productions, emphasising new writing;
- Alumni successes internationally include West End shows, opera, television, film, live action animation, video-games, theatre, musicals, stand-up comedy, writing, composing and directing.
Modules
This master’s level, conservatoire-style training provides the opportunity for music and theatre practitioners to develop performance techniques and creative skills and experience some of the diversity of music theatre forms. Structure of the Course Term One provides acting, dance and movement classes, alongside individual singing lessons that continue throughout the year. Conditioning classes underpin health and well-being for performers. Performance workshops, actor-musicianship and choral ensemble work are activities designed to synthesise skills. Term Two includes several performances of an ensemble production in a studio theatre directed by a professional team showcasing the individual-specific skills of the company members. Opportunities to develop composition, writing, choreography and instrumental performance may be integrated into the curriculum. Skills learnt in Term One are targeted towards specialised performance requirements. An industry day brings students in to dialogue with agents and casting directors at the decision-making centre of the performer’s life. Term Two concludes with an industry showcase. Term Three comprises a full-scale public production of a contemporary work in the Embassy Theatre and the course frequently commissions and premieres new work. Acting, singing and dance/movement continue as part of preparation for that performance. The term ends with a unit which will prepare you for industry-standard audition techniques. Term Four is devoted to the Sustained Independent Project, the character of which will reflect your strengths across research, writing, performing or creating. The research, performing and creating experiences from previous units contribute to this final piece of work also faces outwards to your career ahead. Specialised pathway MA Music Theatre is for performers, but we now offer a specialised pathway for composers and/ or musical directors who are also performers. Each case is taken individually and those interested will be invited to communicate directly with the Course Leader prior to audition.
Assessment method
Assessment is by public performances, process, examination and written submissions.
Entry requirements
Music Theatre, MA students come from many and diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Combined skills far exceed the traditional areas of acting, singing and movement which, however, remain fundamental. Diversity is regarded as a core ability, not only to enter the course, but also to survive the marketplace afterwards. The course encourages no division between creators and performers, establishing collaboration as the central ethic of performance. You should normally have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, (drama, theatre or performance studies), though applications from students of other disciplines will be considered, as will candidates who do not have a degree but do possess significant prior experience. Experience as a performer is essential. Entry is by audition; we look for potential and sustainable employability after the course.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £19000 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £19000 | Year 1 |
| England | £19000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £19000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £19000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £19000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24000 | Year 1 |
| International | £24000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Please note that the EU fee may not be applicable to students originating from an EU country who have settled/pre-settled status. Other criteria apply. See the gov.uk website for further details.
Students who are applying for an equivalent or lower level qualification (ELQ) to one they already possess, will be charged full fees, unless they are exempt. Please see the Office for Students' website for details.
Sponsorship information
AHRC, Career Development loans, Graduate loans, or Professional Studies loans.
Provider information
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
Embassy Theatre
Eton Avenue
Camden
NW3 3HY