We’re ready for your audition

After studying with us, students have moved on onto highly established drama schools including Arts Educational, Guildford School of Acting, Mountview Academy of Performing Arts, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, The Oxford School of Drama and Performers Dance College.

Learn from expert practitioners

We bring in a range of guest performers and producers to inspire, inform and educate our students on how to make it in the industry.

The performing arts department at the Abingdon campus really is the life of the College, with dedicated and passionate students at the heart of it.

You will develop a 'triple-threat' set of skills, honing your singing, dancing and acting techniques in a range of exciting thematic performances, with further opportunities to gain experience in directing and choreography.

Audition, rehearse and perform within a variety of different theatre genres in our newly-installed 174 sq.m dance studio and purpose-built theatre at the Abingdon campus. Previous shows include the Dolly Parton-inspired 9 to 5 the Musical, Aladdin and many of the department's own unique productions.

We also have masterclasses from guest performers and institutions, such as Cosson's School of Performing Arts.

These experiences are invaluable for our students, giving insight into this demanding industry.

Staff Profile: Lucy Kelly

Staff Profile: Lucy Kelly

Lucy holds a Masters Degree in Drama and Theatre Studies from the University of Kent, which included a year studying at Indiana University in the United States.

My career has been quite varied until I began working in education 6 years ago. I have worked in PR and Journalism in London, as well as working for a luxury fashion brand.

I also founded my own Performing Arts School in 2015. I began working for Stagecoach theatre school as a singing teacher in 2003, where I stayed for 8 years, which became the driving force behind me wanting to work in education full-time.

''The students are the sole reason I am here, motivating me to come in every morning with energy and enthusiasm to do a great job. There is a sense of community within our department, where staff and students work together to create amazing productions, and most importantly, we enjoy it and have fun!

Watching the students’ progress from their very first day until the day they leave us is a sense of pride that is hard to describe. To know you have played a part in helping to develop a young person and have made a positive impact to their life and future is why I love my job.

They gain a sense of independence at college that they do not experience in school. They are encouraged to take ownership of their own learning and to be ambitious for their future. The emphasis is on journey and discoveries, as opposed to sitting an exam at the end of the year. This has an extremely positive impact on our students, and they flourish in this environment.''

Staff Profile: Nicola Pratley

Staff Profile: Nicola Pratley

Nicola studied Performing Arts at Abingdon & Witney College from 2005-2007 and then progressed onto studying Musical Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting.

After graduating in 2010, Nicola moved to London and ‘lived the dream’, auditioning and performing onstage. Her first experience teaching at the College was when her predecessor called to ask if she could cover a lesson; shortly after, she became a full time Course Leader and hasn't looked back!

"The best part of my job is getting to direct students in a wide range of performances, seeing how well they progress within Musical Theatre and soar to new heights!

Students on Performing Arts get the opportunity to develop their professionalism and resilience with experienced and passionate teachers and guest lecturers working in the industry.

Ultimately, our students achieve things they never thought they could!"

Did you know?

Maia

Previous school:
Didcot Girls School


Although originally I was planning to go to sixth form, my parents told me to check out all my options first, so I came along to an open day at the college. I had the tour, spoke to tutors and fell in love with it – before I had left, I'd made my decision!

The main reason I'd recommend coming to college is that you're studying the one subject you really want to study and you're passionate about.

I started my course as a strong singer but in time I discovered my true individuality in detail. I worked on weaknesses and developed my acting and dancing, turning one strong talent into a triple threat.

Finlay

Previous school:
Wood Green School


The range of what I could do on my course was great, especially how it's evenly balanced between practical and written work.

Along with meeting and making new friends, the College has given me more experience in certain criteria of my subject that I haven't got much confidence in, and I had a lot of support when it came to looking for universities and drama schools after college.

Charlie

Previous school:
Didcot Girls School


In the dance studios and the theatre at Abingdon, I'm learning new skills each time I perform. I knew the College had a good reputation for performing arts and it's lived up to its reputation.

The variety of shows and the rehearsals that go with them present lots of challenges, which forces me a lot of time to act, sing and dance at the best of my ability.

This is improving my confidence each time I'm out there on the stage.

Your future career

Actor

Dancer

Singer

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