BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance
Overview
The BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance course is designed to develop your singing, acting, and dance technique, with a core focus on integrating all disciplines. It seeks to hone your technical, artistic and creative skills through a mix of classes, workshops, lectures and seminars. The curriculum underpins your professional practice with theoretical and contextual knowledge of the theatre industry.
Year one focuses on building foundation skills in technique and performance.
Year two builds on these skills, developing your versatility in technique and performance.
Year three is industry focused, aimed at building your artistry and preparing you for your career.
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Your vocal journey will be scaffolded by highly trained professionals, guiding you towards a long and successful career in the arts. As a student you can expect rigorous training in both group and 1:1 settings, exploring both technical and creative artistry, and a variety of styles including Golden Age, Contemporary and Pop/Rock.
You will train in a holistic setting where your tutors will work with you to discover and nurture your unique vocal abilities, encouraging safe vocal practice and immersing you in the world of the performer.
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Over the course of the three years, you will train in a variety of dance genres and styles under the guidance of our experienced professional dance faculty.
Through expert tuition and personalised support, you will develop your technical proficiency, performance skills, characterisation, and stylistic versatility, preparing you for a successful career in musical theatre. At the heart of our training is a strong commitment to nurturing individual artistry, empowering you to become a thoughtful and intuitive performer.
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Your development as an actor underpins your performance training, preparing you for the demands of the industry and a successful career in the Arts.
Within your training we will equip you with a versatile performance toolkit. The training focuses on developing foundational skills, with a strong emphasis on truthful connection and embodied storytelling.
Your work will then expand to explore a diverse range of classical and contemporary playwrights and practitioners, ensuring you can adapt to a range of performance contexts. You will be led by experienced tutors through a range of classes including Spoken Voice, Text and Movement.
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This course places a high value on the integration of all three disciplines - both in the rehearsal room and in performance spaces. During your time here, you will take integrated classes where you will work with industry-standard directors, musical directors and choreographers.
Each year there is a production module which increasingly develops these skills. Throughout your three years, you will learn a selection of numbers of varying styles, progressing into more substantial internal performances, culminating in a range of public performances in third year.
Alongside the course, there are a range of performance opportunities which enhance your experience. Some examples include our annual Christmas concert, CYD, Strictly Events, cabaret performance opportunities, participation in the national Sondheim competition, concert and showcase opportunities, and a full book musical where you will work with an external professional director.
These opportunities serve to exhibit your ability and give you a range of rehearsal and performance experience as you build towards working in the creative industry.
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The contextual element runs through the course, underpinning your technical and artistic skills with an understanding of the historical, social, cultural and political parameters surrounding the arts industry. You will learn about what it means to be not just a performer, but a meaningful stakeholder within the creative arts.
Alongside honing supplementary skills required for sustaining a career, your highly knowledgeable lecturers will support you to build your understanding of the Performing Arts industry, and your place within it. Opportunities for reflection, research and devising will provide you with a wide range of skills that will empower you to take up space in an ever-evolving industry.
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A key focus of the course is preparing you for your successful transition into the industry. Our experienced team will support and guide you as you take your next steps from The Hammond into the professional audition world. You will receive guidance and practical support in building essential industry materials, including headshots, vocal reels, and dance reels.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in Industry Week, our London Industry Showcase, and Panel Day, providing valuable opportunities to connect with professionals and gain insight into audition processes. Our team will offer personalised guidance, helping you make informed decisions about your career path and supporting you as you navigate the next stage of your journey.
Academic Support & Wellbeing
Living in Chester
As a (potential) future Cestrian, it’s important you know the what, which and why of this ancient, vibrant city. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat in the Market, enjoying a picnic in Grosvenor Park, or indulging in some culture at the Storyhouse, a day in Chester is always sure to be a place that inspires.
HamFam
The HamFam is a Student Society founded back in 2021. Hammond students created the HamFam to encourage more socials across all year groups and within our Hammond community.
Apply Now
You can begin your application via UCAS now. Our course code is: T649 and our institution code is: C55. Please note, The Hammond does not charge a fee to audition.
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Following a successful UCAS application, the next stage of your application to the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance course is to audition. Information below highlights the audition process. The Hammond does not charge a fee to audition.
First Round – Self-Tape Audition
For the first round, you will submit a self-tape. The self tape is assessed by the course Leader and audition panel.
Second Round - In-Person Audition
If successful, you will then be asked to attend an in-person audition at The Hammond where you will be required to demonstrate your abilities in dance, acting and singing. This is also the opportunity for the audition panel to investigate your suitability for the course and training potential.
You will be sent out all information about what the Audition Day will look like, including what classes to expect and what you can do to prepare. You will also be allocated an audition date.
2027 Auditions dates:
Wednesday, 6th January 2027
Thursday, 7th January 2027
Friday, 8th January 2027
Monday, 22nd February 2027
Saturday, 13th March 2027
Saturday, 17th April 2027
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First Round – Self-Tape Audition
For the first round, you will submit a self-tape which will require:-
One song – a 1-2 minute cut of a musical theatre song. Your chosen song should show off your voice and your ability to act through song.
One monologue – 1 minute, in your own accent, own choice.
A 1 minute submission of a musical theatre routine of your choice.
You will also be sent a short set of exercises to record for the self-tape.
The self tape is assessed by the course Leader and audition panel.
Second Round - In-Person Audition
If successful, you will then be asked to attend an in-person audition at The Hammond where you will be required to demonstrate your abilities in dance, acting and singing. This is also the opportunity for the audition panel to investigate your suitability for the course and training potential.
You will be sent out all information about what the Audition Day will look like, including what classes to expect and what you can do to prepare. You will also be allocated an audition date.
Dance
The dance round will focus strongly on performance skills. This will consist of a jazz class which will include:-
A warm-up.
Technical corner work including kicks and turns.
A short musical theatre choreographed routine.
Applicants should ensure they wear appropriate dance clothing and jazz shoes for the class - changing facilities will be available.
Acting
The acting round will focus on your realisation of character and interpretation of the text.
Please prepare two one to two minute memorised monologues. (One should be a Contemporary text.)
Choose a piece which interests and challenges you and is age appropriate.
Ensure you have researched the piece and can explore the character and context in the room.
The monologues should be performed in your own accent.
Re-direction may be given by the panel. You may not be required to perform both monologues.
Vocal
The vocal round will focus strongly on performance skills, considering technical ability and acting through song.
Please prepare two contrasting songs (1-2 minutes) of your own choice:
Songs should be from a musical and demonstrate a narrative journey.
When cutting each song, pick a section which shows off your voice.
An accompanist will be available on the audition day – backing tracks are not permitted. You may not be required to perform both songs.
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If you have any questions regarding your application or the audition process, you can contact Nicola Moxon via email: nicola.moxon@thehammond.co.uk
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Please visit our What's On page to see an up to date list of all Hammond events, including Open Days, Experience Days, performances and external events.
FAQs
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Following the submission of your application via UCAS, your application is reviewed and if successful you will receive an e-mail to confirm your 1st round self-tape audition details.
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The 2nd round audition is in person only. The audition process is not only for the audition panel to meet you and assess your suitability for our course, but it provides students with the opportunity to see if we are right for them too.
Consideration of an alternative 2nd round audition will be only considered in exceptional circumstances and on an individual basis.
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There is no audition fee.
We believe in making professional training accessible. That’s why we do not charge an audition fee or require a deposit to secure your place after receiving an offer.
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Finding the right place to live while you’re studying is important. It may be your first experience of living away from home, so we understand that you will want somewhere where you feel comfortable, secure and happy.
Whilst we do not have our own halls of residence, Chester has a large variety of student accommodation for you to consider.
We do not endorse any one specific provider of accommodation, but the accommodation providers listed are most popular with our students.
Chester-based student accommodation company, Bed Student Rentals. Bed work closely with you to help locate the right accommodation and house/flat mates for you. Bed Student Rentals will support you throughout your accommodation search. https://bedstudentrentals.com/
Student Roost, Tramways https://www.studentroost.co.uk/locations/chester/tramways
University of Chester accommodation https://www.chester.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/
There are other student accommodation and student rental companies in Chester should you wish to independently explore those options too.
Our current students are also a great resource in finding out about their experiences of the various accommodation in Chester. You can reach out to them via the HamFam on Instagram.