Musical theatre

BA (Hons) Musical theatre

Qualification | Degree

Course Leader | Dan Fulham

Validated by | University of Chichester

Location | Woking

Course Length | 3 Years, Full-Time

Start Date | September 2025

COURSE OVERVIEW

BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at Italia Conti is a three-year, full time vocational course for anyone aged 18+ wishing to become a professional performer in Musical Theatre. Musical Theatre training is truly triple threat and encourages all performers to find versatility and adaptability in their skillset to nourish their future careers with a world of opportunity.

Italia Conti’s BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course is designed to nurture and develop innovative and individual musical theatre performers, who embody and apply specialist skills and techniques supported by grounded knowledge of industry practices, contexts, and the emerging requirements that empower graduates for a sustainable career in musical theatre.

The course is validated by University of Chichester. Full government funding is available through Student Finance England for Home students.

If you are interested in our BA (Hons) Acting (Musical Theatre) Course, please

CLICK HERE

COURSE SUMMARY

Studying the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course at Italia Conti will fully prepare students for musical theatre performance, developing their practice and thinking in an integrated way. Through training in acting, singing and dance, students will have what it takes to become a Musical Theatre artist of the future. Consistency and creativity paired with the critical approach students need to study Musical Theatre will provide them with expertise applicable to a variety of careers in the field.

There are two new pathways through the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Course: Musical Theatre Triple Threat and Musical Theatre Dance Performance. At the point of recall audition and offer, students are advised of the pathway they are being considered for. Students study the same course, with the same assessment components and projects and performances. However, the curriculum is tailored to suit the skillset of the performer.

On the Dance Performance Pathway students receive more technical dance training to support their dance development in Year 1 and Year 2
On the Triple Threat Pathway students receive an equal training across the three core disciplines in Year 1 and Year 2

Training to be a professional performer in Musical Theatre requires many things:

· Dedication and determination
· Skills in Acting, Singing and Dancing
· The ability to think, to research, to analyse and to critique your own work
· Bravery: emotional and physical

Training to be a professional Musical Theatre performer is one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys that students will ever take and we believe that there is nowhere better to take it, than here at Italia Conti.

There is a reason why Italia Conti is one of the most recognised names in performing arts training. For over a century we have helped students to fulfil their potential as performers and to work at the very highest level in every aspect of the performing arts industry. We provide a programme of training that responds to industry needs and current teaching and learning developments.

Italia Conti has a proven track record of nurturing talent at the very highest level; Italia Conti graduates can be seen on stage and screen in the UK and internationally. We have graduates working in the West End and on Broadway in musicals and in plays, in national and international tours, in cabarets and on cruise ships. We have graduates working in Film and in Television. We have produced some of the UK’s top recording artists – solo artists and band members.

BA Course Specification

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is organised into modules with various modes of assessment.

Fees & funding

UK Tuition Fees | £9535 per academic year, (paid in advanced termly instalments)
Audition Fee | £45 (non-refundable)
Deposit | £275 (The deposit is refundable within 14 calendar days of the payment being received by Italia Conti but will not be refunded thereafter for non-enrolment. It will be held by the School and will be refundable on completion of the course, without interest, less any outstanding sums owed by the student to Italia Conti.)

International Students

For further information, please see our International Applications page.

Terms & Conditions

Terms and conditions apply upon acceptance to Italia Conti.

Funding

The BA (Hons) course offers the following funding options:

Private Funding
Student Finance

See Further Funding Info

Audition Fee Waiver

Italia Conti welcomes applications for audition fee waivers for those who are eligible.

See Audition Fee Waiver

Deposit Fee Waiver

Italia Conti welcomes applications for deposit fee waivers for those who are eligible.

See Deposit Fee Waiver

I’m a dancer in LA and can’t keep up with my peers on how often they take dance classes. This channel has been so helpful for me to keep up my training. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I feel like we are all dancing together even though we are all doing this at different times and in different spaces. 🖤
- @SarahPaceSings – Italia Conti Virtual
Best ballet teacher on the internet❤ Great explanation, enthusiasm and commentary throughout the exercise!
- @annajones6805 – Italia Conti Virtual
“I have just graduated from Liverpool Theatre School with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. I wanted to do the BA Hons (Top Up) in Professional Arts Practice course to further develop my skills for the industry. It is the perfect balance between academic writing and creativity. I already have seen improvements, both in my academic and performing work, and I now really value the ability to critically reflect on past experiences in order to improve my current skills.”
- Sarah Collinge – Musical Theatre Performer Current Student, Class of July 2024
“I have found that my first term at Italia Conti has been better than I could’ve imagined. I am working with driven, passionate, likeminded people within all different realms of the performing arts industry. I find that the course is very tailored to each individual and the content is broad enough to apply to everyone but specific enough to challenge each person within their abilities. I find the course to be a place where I can collaborate and interact with people who I’d never had met otherwise. I only look forward to what the next few months of the course bring and feel more motivated than ever.”
- Kate Drummond – Actor Current Student, Class of July 2024
Current Student, Class of July 2024
“The course is allowing me to reflect on my past practice, current position, and future endeavours. I really enjoy how flexible the course is, with regards to being able to tailor my studies to my own practice, enabling me to maximise the benefits of this on my future career. I expect my professional development to be impacted exponentially and I am excited to continue!”
- Amy-Jo Sumner – Musical Theatre Performer
“Italia Conti’s BA Top up course was the one for me! Creating a business in under 9 months has been a massive accomplishment! The course really helps shape your future, enables you to meet professional contacts to support your research, and gives you lots of time to understand the area of the industry you want to specialise in.”
- Rachel Ward – Performing Arts Tutor Graduate, BA Top up Class of Sept 2022
I’m a professional dancer but have taught only ballet. These classes are EXACTLY what I was looking for to show some basics of contemp for my students !! Absolutely love every single Video
- @ginamusaelyan2307 – Italia Conti Virtual
I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I love every single one that she teaches. THANK YOU. Gorgeous movement.
- @debbied3464 – Italia Conti Virtual
Amazing class, one of the best I’ve ever done. So easy to follow, thank you!
- @yellowbeachgirl – Italia Conti Virtual
I’m a dancer in LA and can’t keep up with my peers on how often they take dance classes. This channel has been so helpful for me to keep up my training. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I feel like we are all dancing together even though we are all doing this at different times and in different spaces. 🖤
- @SarahPaceSings – Italia Conti Virtual
Best ballet teacher on the internet❤ Great explanation, enthusiasm and commentary throughout the exercise!
- @annajones6805 – Italia Conti Virtual
“I have just graduated from Liverpool Theatre School with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. I wanted to do the BA Hons (Top Up) in Professional Arts Practice course to further develop my skills for the industry. It is the perfect balance between academic writing and creativity. I already have seen improvements, both in my academic and performing work, and I now really value the ability to critically reflect on past experiences in order to improve my current skills.”
- Sarah Collinge – Musical Theatre Performer Current Student, Class of July 2024
“I have found that my first term at Italia Conti has been better than I could’ve imagined. I am working with driven, passionate, likeminded people within all different realms of the performing arts industry. I find that the course is very tailored to each individual and the content is broad enough to apply to everyone but specific enough to challenge each person within their abilities. I find the course to be a place where I can collaborate and interact with people who I’d never had met otherwise. I only look forward to what the next few months of the course bring and feel more motivated than ever.”
- Kate Drummond – Actor Current Student, Class of July 2024

Entry requirements

Entry to BA (Hons) musical theatre requires the following:

18+ by the 31st August in the year of entry (or 17+ for Scottish students).
Level 2 English and Maths at GCSE Grade 4 or above or recognised equivalent qualifications.
64 UCAS points or admission through recognition of non standard entry qualifications/experience:

- A level: CC
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MPP
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: MM
- Access to HE Diploma: M = 15 credits, P = 30 credits

IELTS Level 6 (for students for whom English is not their first language and who do not have GCSE English or equivalent)
Legal right to reside/study in the UK for the full period of the programme.
Successful audition through Italia Conti, details of which can be found below.
Evidence in hard copy of all the above must be provided.

Audition requirements

After completing the application process, you will be invited to submit an audition tape where auditionees will be required to demonstrate a variety of skills. Successful applicants will be invited to a recall audition on site. Information about auditions can be found below.

APPLICATION

Application to the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course is to be made through both UCAS and direct application via the link below. Applicants must complete this form and pay the audition fee (£45) in order to be considered for the course. Applicants cannot apply through UCAS alone for this programme.

Audition fees are non-refundable. These fees act as both an administration fee for processing your application as well as a non-refundable deposit for a place on an audition day.

Direct Application Form (italiaconti-apply.co.uk)

Direct application is now open. Please note that our listing on UCAS is shown as a University of Chichester course.

UCAS Institution Code | C58

UCAS Course Code | ICW3

Applicants who have applied through UCAS and who have not completed Italia Conti direct application form should click the link above or contact admissions@italiaconti.co.uk for support.

Audition fees are non-refundable. These fees act as both an administration fee for processing your application as well as a non-refundable deposit for a place on an audition day.

In line with our admissions policy, Italia Conti reserves the right to alter or withdraw offers at any point. Places on our courses are limited; it is usual for drama schools to make more offers than there are places. Acceptances are dealt with on a first come first serve basis and so early acceptance is advised.

AUDITION CRITERIA

FIRST ROUND – ONLINE AUDITION

First round applicants will receive the result from their audition submission within 3-4 weeks of receipt. This is to ensure that every submission deserves our full time and attention.

ACTING AUDITION

Auditionees should prepare one speech, no longer than one and a half minutes in length, from a Contemporary British Play written after 1990.

Ensure your speech is from a published play; it should not be an extract from a poem, novel, film or television script
Please choose a character close to your own age
Please perform your speech in your native accent
You may choose a speech from any gender
Auditionees should wear comfortable fitted rehearsal wear that best represents you and/or helps with your characterisation
In a minority of instances panel may require a further tape or live-online audition responding to direction.

SINGING AUDITION

Auditionees should prepare a song, no longer than one and a half minutes in length, that they enjoy singing and can sing well.

Please ensure that song is cut to one and a half minutes in length
Please choose a song that shows your vocal and performance ability and that is suitable for your casting and voice type
You may choose a song performed by a character of any gender
Please avoid songs that require extreme character voices
Please choose a song that demonstrates your skill in acting as well as singing
Auditionees should wear comfortable, fitted rehearsal wear that best represents you and/or helps with your characterisation
In a minority of instances panel may require a further tape responding to direction from our Head of Music & Singing

Please ensure that the recording is a true reflection of your acoustic singing voice. Do not edit the audio or add any effects to the recording in any way. Please record the audio using the video camera device so you capture an accurate and unaltered recording of how the voice sounds in a room.

DANCE AUDITION

Please record yourself performing the following Kicks and Pirouette combination & Jump combination exercises as taught on the video.

Please click here to view

SOLO DANCE AUDITION

Auditionees should prepare one dance piece in your preferred style, no longer than one minute. This should showcase your strengths and highlight any special skills.

Required Dress:

Please wear tight-fitting clothing to allow the panel to see your movement fully.

RECALL AUDITION – LIVE

Recall auditions will take place at our Woking campus.

ACTING AUDITION

Auditionees should prepare an additional speech that is contrasting to their first audition piece. Both pieces will be seen at recall. This second speech could be contemporary (after 1990) or classical. Again, this speech should be no longer than one and a half minutes:

Ensure your speech is from a published play; it should not be an extract from a poem, novel, film or television script
Please choose a character close to your own age
Please perform your speech in your native accent
You may choose a speech from any gender
Auditionees should wear comfortable fitted rehearsal wear that best represents you and/or helps with your characterisation

SINGING AUDITION

Auditionees should prepare two musical theatre songs, each cut to one and a half minutes in length, that they enjoy singing and can sing well:

One Golden Age Lyrical song (c. pre-1965)

Suggested composers/lyricists can include: Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, Learner and Leowe, Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern, Frank Loesser, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin.

One Traditional or Contemporary Musical Theatre song (c post-1965)

Suggested composers/lyricists can include; Stephen Schwartz, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Alan Menken, Boubil and Schonberg, Jason Robert Brown, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Kander and Ebb, Jule Styne, Cy Coleman, Marvin Hamlisch, Tom Kitt, Laurence O’Keefe, Jerry Bock.

Please ensure that song is cut to one and a half minutes in length
Please choose a song that shows your vocal and performance ability and that is suitable for your casting and voice type
You may choose a song performed by a character of any gender
Please avoid songs that require extreme character voices
Please choose a song that demonstrates your skill in acting as well as singing
Auditionees should wear comfortable, fitted rehearsal wear that best represents you and/or helps with your characterisation
In a minority of instances, the panel may ask to hear some additional vocal exercises/scales.

DANCE AUDITION

You will be required to participate in three dance classes at your recall; Ballet, Technical Centre Practice and a class where a set piece of Jazz choreography will be taught. Each class will last 30 minutes.

Required dress:
Jazz shoes or trainers that are suitable for dance (i.e. no Converse or similar fashion shoes that are not designed for dance). No loose clothing or jewellery is permitted.

Interview

During the day you will be invited for a short interview with a member of the Senior Leadership/Course Management team.

CAREER PROSPECTS

INDUSTRY LINKS

Regular workshop sessions are held to give students the opportunity to work with directors, choreographers and industry professionals whilst training. Second and third year students also have to opportunity to join the Italia Conti Agency and undertake professional work should the opportunity arise. During the 3rd year students take part in their final Showcase whereby agents are invited, and Italia Conti has connections with many of these.

Alumnx & graduate success

With over 112 years of Italia Conti history, our graduates populate the performance industries and include many famous faces. Recent graduates can be seen working on prestigious productions in all areas of the industry.

Alumnx Success

3 years diploma in professional musical theatre

Qualification | Diploma

Course Leader | Dan Fulham

Validated by | Trinity College London

Location | Woking

Course Length | 3 Years, Full-Time

Start Date | September 2025

BA (HONS) Acting (Musical Theatre)

Qualification | Degree

Course Leader | Dan Fulham / Bradley Hawkins

Validated by | University of Chichester (pending validation)

Location | Woking

Course Length | 3 Years, Full-Time

Start Date | September 2025