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MA Musical Theatre

  • Award:

    MA Musical Theatre

  • Awarding body:

    University of South Wales 

  • Location of study:

    Cardiff (RWCMD, Llanishen Studios and Old Library)

  • Start date:

    21 September 2025

  • Duration:

    10 months full time

  • Course code:

    713F – UCAS Conservatoires

Introduction


Meet the demands of today's industry with our course that blends acting and dance classes with one-to-one singing lessons and roles in two public performances.

Course overview

In this advanced training programme, we create the circumstances – through class work, rehearsal and performance – that drive you to develop specialised skills in acting, singing, the spoken word, dance and movement.

With it, you can bridge the gap between a degree earned in a different subject (or other previous acting experience) and the standard expected by employers in the musical theatre industry.

Your training combines hands-on experience and specialist tuition led by prominent tutors, directors and coaches. From week one, you’ll delve into an intensive schedule, which include individual singing lessons and repertoire coaching, acting, dance and vocal skills classes, workshops and rehearsals.

You’ll then test what you’ve learned in a series of public performances. Held in a setting that reflects the professional theatre environment, they include an orchestral concert, at least one cabaret and two fully staged musical productions.

Your course finishes with showcase presentations in Cardiff and London’s West End to an invited audience of agents, casting directors and potential employers. Our American students have an additional showcase in New York following their graduation.

What our students say

'I knew I needed to train. I knew it was vital as otherwise I wouldn’t have a career with any longevity. RWCMD was the perfect school for that industry standard training, and also for me as a person. It’s given me the muscularity to be a complete actor, ready to start my career. Acting is such a multi-faceted job and what the College does so brilliantly is to get you to immerse yourself in it all - working with so many specialists, from radio to screen and everything in between.'
Callum Scott HowellsGraduate and Fellow
‘As an artist from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a rich professional background in theatre and music, I was searching for a program that would motivate me to grow and further develop my skills. The MA Musical Theatre program did that and more, challenging me and opening a new chapter of possibilities.

Being immersed in all the unique activities and performances at the College, working with the industry’s best lecturers and tutors, and being at the centre of a progressive course, triggered my determination, imagination, and creativity. I’ve become more aware of my authenticity, which is going to be extremely beneficial for my career.'
Nikolina VujicMA student

Why study this course?

  • With only 18 places available each year, you’ll experience an exceptional level of individual attention and career coaching, and all the benefits of working as part of a small ensemble.
  • Our course doesn’t conform to any single philosophy of musical theatre training. Instead, you’ll be introduced to many influences and strategies, allowing to make educated choices about the methods you’d like to incorporate into your own work.
  • Your training features a comprehensive range of acting, vocal and dance lessons, offering you a range of industry-led approaches that you can use in your professional career. 
  • You’ll have Acting skills classes and projects with experienced tutors from our acting programmes, working with improvisation, character, relationships and text.
  • Singing classes are held one-to-one with both technical tutors and vocal repertoire coaches, focusing on developing safe and sustainable techniques and repertoire. These will cover in depth knowledge and command of vocal approaches for performance, as well as vocal physiology.
  • Dance and movement training will help you explore and develop a range of core disciplines, including jazz, movement and ballet. You’ll also discover physical approaches to the development of character and methods for the safe, economical use of your body.
  • You’ll work with an established team of professional practitioners drawn from across industry. They offer you not only first-rate teaching but mentoring and networking opportunities too.
  • You’ll also have opportunities to meet and work closely with renowned directors, musical directors and choreographers, as well as visiting artists. These connections help you build links with the musical theatre industry and offer valuable insight into how the profession operates.
  • These strong ties with industry ensure that your training aligns with current professional practice.
  • Numerous opportunities to perform run throughout the programme. You’ll have chances to take part in a variety of roles, including Cabaret, an orchestral concert and at least one fully staged musical theatre production; vitally mirroring industry practice and protocols.
  • Our annual showcase performances take place in Cardiff and London’s West End, giving you the opportunity to perform in front of an invited audience of agents, casting directors and other potential employers.
  • You’ll take part in practical sessions on audition techniques in preparation for professional stage and television auditions.
  • You’ll closely collaborate with the music, production and design departments, placing you at the very centre of our creatively diverse community.

Other course information

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