West End Focused Drama School Launches in Birmingham

Midlands Academy of Musical Theatre (MAMT) is preparing to open its doors to aspiring musical theatre performers auditioning this year.

Applications are now open for their intensive two year diploma, which course director James Williams promises to be industry-based, full of professional opportunities and much more affordable than London-based rivals.

Launching in time for September 2016 entry, the academy is the only musical theatre drama school in Birmingham that will offer full time places to students aged over 17.

Williams said the course is aimed at performers who wish to pursue a career in musical theatre, offering an "exciting and cost-effective alternative to relocating to London."

"There is an astounding array of talent in the Midlands, Wales and beyond, so we have developed an accelerated two year course that will offer those performers the drama school training they need to launch their career, guided throughout by West End performers, directors, musical directors and agents," he said.

As a producer himself, Williams has worked with well-known performers like Kerry Ellis, Oliver Tompsett and Julie Atherton and explains that "regular, industry involvement from these incredible West End stars that we have amongst us in London is a central part of our course. We are bringing the best of London to the Midlands."

Whatsonstage award winner Jacqueline Hughes, herself one of many guest tutors on the course, said about the academy's mentoring programme; "this is something I would have loved to have had whilst I was training."

The course is full-time for 2 years, provides at least 6 professional performance opportunities in Birmingham and off-West End theatres and also includes a graduation showcase in London for students to obtain agent representation. All students will also graduate with an associate diploma in Performing Musical Theatre, awarded by Trinity College London.

Williams concludes "For ambitious performers north of the Watford Gap, we know that our accelerated course, without the expensive living costs of London, will save students an absolute fortune and help to get them out into the industry and working, sooner."

To find out more about Midlands Academy of Musical Theatre please visit www.mamt.org.uk or find them on twitter @MidlandsMT.

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