The focus of Conservatoire de Theatre is to prepare aspiring young performers for full-time training at major performing arts colleges, drawing on 21 years of experience to prepare and support students through the audition process. If students do not wish to pursue a career in performing arts, our training given can be carried forward into any profession and the activities practiced can also lend themselves to a full and rounded hobby.

Whilst there is an emphasis on fun and enjoyment at Conservatoire our main focus is talent and training leading to the full understanding of the musical theatre industry.

The philosophy of musical theatre at CTS is performance based. A traditional proscenium arch theatre and studio rehearsal area within CTS allows for 3 in-house productions throughout the year. The performances are large scale and expose students to real life practices in the performing arts industry. A realistic training guarantees a more successful approach and understanding of the industry when auditioning for stage schools.

Conservatoire de Theatre encompasses performance, musical awareness, production technique, theatrical knowledge, history of musical theatre, voice control, improvisation, audition technique, technical theatre understanding, the importance of blocking and notation, prop design and creation, wardrobe and makeup preparation and application, improvisation, understanding audiences, theatrical terminology and theatre protocols.

Students are expected to be meet high standards of performance and be fully proactive within the class. Students should display confidence, optimism and be excited about musical theatre and performing arts.

Vocal training is of vital importance and is an essential part of every student's training. Students of all abilities work individually and in groups with staff to improve and understand the voice. Subjects studied include: voice training, harmony, vocal presentation, audition repertoire, understanding accents, microphone training, speech and diction, RP and performance technique. Students are encouraged to audition for roles within each production regardless of how long they have attended the school.

Exposure to lead roles often gives the chance of more one to one training with the staff, private training and coaching is also available. Students are regularly auditioned and given the opportunity to perform for their peers where critique is given. Those who have less experience can enjoy smaller roles in the ensemble until confidence is improved.

One of the main aims of Conservatoire is to provide the students with an insight into life at drama school.

Acting as part of Conservatoire is taught entirely by CTS staff and runs along side the work of Conservatoire during productions. Productions are mounted with an emphasis of exposing students in a 12 month period to a wide range of characters and roles which in turn offers the key skills used in training.

All students participate in acting as a major part of their musical theatre training. Complementary subjects include voice production, sight-reading, improvisation, workshops and preparation for audition, elementary accent work and the use of rp, blocking notation, speech and vocal projection.

Dance is a huge part of the Conservatoire training. Students are fundamentally involved in dance for a large part of the year. Students are exposed to many varying styles with an emphasis on choreography & performance.

Dance as part of Conservatoire can cover anything in style from Jazz (Fosse) to the work of Gillian Lynne (Cats) and more modern choreographers like Wade Robson, Mia Michaels and Brian Freedman. The nature of each production determines the style to be explored and with each production taking approx.12 weeks from start to finish, this offers the students a good opportunity to delve into the world of the choreographers and learn the style and technique.

Students are not given individual lessons in tap/ballet etc. Although if demand requires this, we can offer this. As with all the topics listed, students participate in the topics as part of large scale performances.

We usually ask that each student accompanied with a parent attends the school for a 45 minute tour. This gives the opportunity to see the company in motion, a look at the building and facilities as well as the chance to ask questions tailor made to your individual needs and circumstances.

There is no waiting list or audition process currently and formalities include a correctly filled in application form & student contract, the purchase of a school t-shirt or sweatshirt along with easy to move in black joggers and rubber soled jazz shoes.

Fees are paid either monthly or 4 weekly via standing order. Cash payments can be made if preferred. An enrolling fee is payable at the first day of class as well as 2 weeks of advanced fees. It is in the course of the first 2 weeks that standing orders must be correctly set up. The two week period allows staff to monitor the student and make a decision about continuation. It also gives the student a chance to settle and to make sure they feel comfortable about continuation.

After the initial 2 week trial period, an appraisal is given with feedback from staff & principal students for the new starter. In this period staff will audition the student privately as to determine competence in singing, acting and dance. New students have the same opportunities regarding auditions and roles within a production to that of a more experienced student.

Students are given a health and safety tour with the deputy stage manager and a questionnaire afterwards, the student will also be assigned to a house team with a principal student heading each team. The entire house group will offer support, friendship and advice/guidance to new students.

Students will perform in the three main productions of the year (Easter time, summer and Christmas). Students may also be involved in other projects and shows running in other classes at CTS.

Evaluation is by continuous observation throughout the year based on public performances and private show pieces. Towards the end of a production each student is required to present a short evaluation piece either from the performance in dance, drama or song or as part of a specially created piece. These will be performed for either an invited panel or the staff. Their comments, observations and opinions will form the final part of the students evaluation.

Students will have tutorials/group meetings with the staff and director to discuss the process and outcome of the evaluation.

Conservatoire work at weekends on the afternoons, the times below are an approximate guide. With Conservatoire being a producing company of large scale musicals there are times when class times fluctuate. If the company are three weeks away from a performance, the hours would increase. If the company have just finished a performance they will be in the school for less hours. Parents must understand this way of working if the student is to be successful in this industry.

Approximate guide to hours...
Standard hours - Saturday and Sundays 1.30pm - 5.30pm
Prior to a performance - Saturday and Sundays 1pm - 8pm

After a performance - Usually a weekend absence is granted for all students then a slow approach to Saturday and Sundays 1.30pm - 4pm

Snacks bar will be open for 15 minutes every 2 hours with a 45 minute break every 4 hours when in school longer than 4 hours. Both days are compulsory.