Masters Performing Arts College

Masters Performing Arts College

Established	1995
Type	Independent FE College
Founder	Wendy Headford
Specialism	Performing Arts
Location	Arterial Road Rayleigh Essex SS6 7UQ United Kingdom
Gender	Co-educational
Ages	16+
Website	Official Website

Coordinates: 53°47′43″N 1°23′16″W / 53.795330°N 1.387760°W / 53.795330; -1.387760

Dance portal

Masters Performing Arts College is an independent performing arts college, based in the town of Rayleigh in Essex, England. The college was founded in 1995, by former professional dancer and dance teacher Wendy Headford.

Since 2009 the college has been run by four directors:

• Wendy Headford F.I.S.T.D
• Matthew Plummer BA (Hons)
• Michaela Headford A.I.S.T.D. Dip
• Liam O'Donoghue - Finance Director

Overview

Masters was founded in 1995 by Wendy Headford and is now recognised as one of the leading dance/musical theatre colleges in the country, offering extensive training in the performing arts industry.

The college is based in Rayleigh Essex just outside the M25 offering excellent links by rail and road to London - the heart of theatre land.

Masters is committed to providing an excellent standard of further education and training for the performing arts with the aim of producing versatile and competent dancers and musical theatre performers to the highest professional level.

The philosophy that makes Masters such a unique training establishment is that it offers all students of varying abilities and backgrounds, equal opportunities to succeed by providing a creative dynamic and positive environment, with a course that equips students towards fulfilling their aspirations.

The college attend the annual dance festival 'Move It!' every year with their own stand and have a reputation for being one of the best performers at the event

Training

Key areas of study include ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary dance, singing and drama.

The college offer one course:

• Professional 3 Year Diploma in Musical Theatre/Dance

The college is currently in AMS (Application for Membership Status) with the Council for Dance Education and Training.

The college offer its own scholarship/funding awards.

The college is registered with EMA.

The college has over 100 students.

The college is also an approved centre of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Students have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised dance teaching qualifications with the organisation, in ballet, tap and modern theatre dance.

The school stages an annual production at the 'UCL Bloomsbury' Theatre in London, which many agents/directors in the industry attend in helping the graduates gain employment.

Pre-vocational training

Junior Masters (formerly known as S.E.T.S.- 'South East Theatre School') is the pre-vocational school to the college. The school has classes in all aspects of dance, drama and singing and is open throughout the week in the evenings with fully trained/qualified teachers.

Notable alumni

• Nathalie Emmanuel- Sasha Valentine- Hollyoaks- Channel 4
• Clare Foster- Millie Brown- The Bill- ITV (Currently playing the lead role of Polly Barker in the West End revival of Crazy For You)
• Katie Collins- Top Commercial Dancer- T.V. & Arena tours (Leona Lewis 'Labyrinth Tour' 2010)
• Anthony Whiteman- Dance Captain- Billy Elliot the Musical- West End

External links

• Official site