For more than a century, Italia Conti has maintained a prestigious name in performance arts training. For 2023, the academy is once again partnering with The Stage Scholarships to offer training in its new, purpose-built facility in Woking. Through the decades, graduates of Italia Conti have flourished in the West End and beyond, with famous alumni including Bonnie Langford, Daniel Mays, John McCrea and Linzi Hateley.

This year, one lucky student will receive a full scholarship for its three-year, Trinity Level 6 Diploma in dance or musical theatre, worth more than £47,970. Andrew Waldron, course leader and head of dance at Italia Conti, explains more about the courses on offer.

“They are both courses that start, from year one, looking at the foundation skills of musical theatre – singing, acting and dance. The dance course looks at some of our core subjects, which include jazz, ballet and contemporary. Building up into second year, the courses develop and become more challenging. We bring in different practitioners and have a look at different styles and projects moving into third year, which is a great opportunity for performance work.”

In the third year, there are two fully staged shows. On the musical theatre course there will be two musicals, and on the dance course there will be two dance shows. A graduate showcase is also mounted in front of industry professionals – directors, choreographers and agents – that will feature all the students. There are further performance opportunities available, including variety-style summer shows at the end of the academic year and a Christmas carol concert. There are also many opportunities for students to develop their own work. When it comes to choosing the winning candidate for the scholarship, Waldron is looking for individuality and commitment.

“We are looking for students with drive and a passion to be the best they can be. There is a level of skill that we’re looking for in auditions, but we understand that people come from different experiences, and have learned in certain areas more than others, and we want to try to encourage those people to learn from us, so we can level off the skill across the board.”

Auditions are a two-stage process, comprising an online self-tape in the first round, with successful candidates being invited to a face-to-face audition in Woking.

Waldron believes that access and affordability are vital. He says: “We understand there’s lots of other conservatoire-style training or performing arts colleges around, so we’re hoping that in the first round we can help people minimise costs.”

Details

Course: Trinity Level 6 Diploma, three-year course in dance or musical theatre
Educational level: 16+
Number of scholarships offered: One full scholarship 
Value of scholarship: More than £47,970
What costs are covered? Fees only
Where is the school? Woking, Surrey
Likely audition date: To be confirmed
How do I apply? Visit the Italia Conti website

To apply: italiaconti.com/application