THE COURSE

Jazz Theatre Dance Focus

The aim of this option is to produce graduates fully equipped with the skills required for a successful career in the demanding world of commercial theatre. This course has a multi-disciplinary approach which provides a strong basis and allows for the pursuit and development of individual strengths and interests. Recognising the diversity of skills required, students study jazz, ballet, tap, vocal studies and drama as core classes, which are further complemented by many additional subjects over the three years. Pilates and body conditioning are essential for building the strength and stamina required for musical theatre.

Vocal studies and drama assist in building confidence, stage presence and theatricality as well as equipping students with skills in characterisation and interpretation. Workshops and guest classes with current choreographers and dancers mean that students are abreast of current trends in this extremely dynamic area of theatre. These classes combine with the study of jazz (and jazz repertoire) in a variety of styles, producing graduates with a wide range of skills to draw upon.

In the final year, students are given guidance and advice in the compilation of CV's and portfolios and are assisted in the selection and rehearsal of appropriate songs and monologues for auditions. This process culminates in a mock audition which serves as valuable preparation for the future.

Jazzgalore

Jazzgalore is another NBS performing company. It performs a wide variety of existing and new repertoire at regular intervals throughout the year, utilising the school’s own large public theatre.

This experience is particularly beneficial for students of musical theatre as they gain knowledge in microphone technique and develop appropriate use of projection and focus whilst on stage.

As they are afforded many opportunities to perform throughout their three years of study, these skills can be nurtured in a caring, supportive environment. This also allows for the recognition and development of areas of particular potential.

In addition, students build the versatility, confidence and stamina which is essential for this area of the professional theatre. As with the MCB company, the importance of set and lighting design, costumes, make-up and ‘props’ to the overall cohesion of a dance performance are brought home in a dramatically enhanced way to all participants, to the great benefit of their future career prospects.

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