Denton dance school raises the barre with new Musical Theatre course

A long-established Denton-based dance and performing arts studio is launching a brand-new Musical Theatre BTEC programme.

Centre Pointe Performing Arts College on Parkway in Denton has partnered with the award-winning Manchester Musical Youth theatre company to offer a new two-year industry professional BTEC course, equivalent to three A Levels.

The course will be audition entry only with a varied 'triple threat' timetable consisting of singing, dancing, and acting modules.

The course is open to school leavers aged 16 to 18 who will have the opportunity to attend the college on a fully funded basis, however it is also on offer to those above this age group on a self-funded basis.

Due to the high standard of the vocational training, many students will have the opportunity to audition straight into the industry on completion of the course. Some of the productions the college's alumni have been in include: Hamilton, Les Miserables, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Wicked and Kicky Boots. Manchester Musical Youth also have a thriving connection with Mountview, a drama school in London, who scout from them each year.

Amber Thomas, Head of Vocational Studies at Centre Pointe Performing Arts College, said: "We are excited to work with a team that share the same high standards of vocational and academic training in an encouraging and nurturing environment, for the benefit of today's youth and tomorrow's stars."

Kimberley Holden, Musical Director at Manchester Musical Youth, added: "This is something I've wanted to do for years, so I'm really pleased that we were approached by Centre Pointe. The beauty of the course is that it poses as a working model, enabling us to adapt to the students we are working with."

A 'launch day' takes place this Sunday which will be a combined taster day and workshop, where prospective students can take part in workshops focused on each of the three aspects of musical theatre.

There will also be an opportunity for parents to attend and ask any questions regarding the course. Some course places will be offered on the day if students really impress.

With the slogan 'Not Your Ordinary College', Centre Pointe Performing Arts College are keen to let the local community, especially Tameside and the surrounding areas, know that they 'are here' as their location is quite hidden away. They would love for people living locally to utilise this incredible opportunity on their doorstep, so that they don't feel the need to invest in lengthy transport to attend an award-winning studio to gain an excellent qualification.

Centre Pointe boasts a bespoke purpose-built 12,000 square foot premises with their own studio theatre on site, and currently have a 100 per cent achievement rate of D*D*D* for their BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice in Dance.

They have been running this successfully for around five years, however they have never offered musical theatre studies so this will be a new venture for them.

To register for the launch day on Sunday and for more information, visit Centre Pointe Performing Arts College on Facebook, or email info@centre-pointe.co.uk.