The Associate Programme is a selective, intensive accelerated young performers' programme designed for talented and committed young people who want to develop their skills through high-quality, practical performance experience.Rather than simply attending a weekly drama class, Associates become part of a working young actors company. They rehearse towards productions and performance projects, develop their skills across a range of disciplines and learn what it means to work collaboratively as part of an ensemble. The programme is designed to challenge and stretch young ambitious performers while providing a supportive environment in which they can develop their confidence, creativity and professionalism.

No. The Associate Programme is designed to operate as a genuine young performing company, rather than a conventional weekly drama class. Associates work towards productions, undertake intensive rehearsal, develop their performance skills and learn how to work as an ensemble. They are expected to arrive prepared, focused and ready to work. The programme provides young performers with an insight into the discipline, commitment and collaborative nature of creating high-quality theatre, while ensuring that the experience remains enjoyable, creative and rewarding.

The extended weekly rehearsal schedule is designed to provide students with meaningful and comprehensive experience of the production process. When preparing a full production, it is important that students have sufficient time to undertake repeated run-throughs, and take notes. Allowing them to develop their performance skills, build confidence and respond to feedback. While rehearsals can be demanding, this additional time is valuable to the students and ensures they gain the maximum learning experience from each production.

No two rehearsals are exactly the same. Depending on where we are in the production process, a session may include acting technique, vocal and physical work, character development, scene work, choreography, musical theatre, improvisation, blocking, ensemble exercises, run-throughs and detailed work on individual performances.As a production develops, rehearsals become increasingly focused on putting all of these elements together and creating a cohesive performance. Young Performers should expect rehearsals to be energetic, focused and purposeful, with plenty of opportunity to learn, experiment and develop.

Joining the Associate Programme is a commitment.Associates are expected to attend rehearsals regularly, arrive on time, come prepared and make every effort to maintain continuity within the rehearsal process. Productions are collaborative, which means that one person's absence can affect the work of an entire cast or company. We therefore ask families to consider the rehearsal and performance commitments carefully before accepting a place. We understand that illness and genuinely unavoidable circumstances occur, but regular or avoidable absences may affect an Associate's ability to participate fully in productions.

Entry to the Associate Programme is by audition only. We welcome applications from young people who demonstrate talent, a genuine passion for the performing arts and a commitment to developing their skills.Young people can be considered for an audition through the following routes:Parent or guardian applicationInvitation from the Associate Programme Faculty.Recommendation through their school's Drama DepartmentRecommendation from tutors at private performing arts organisations, drama groups, amateur societies or other performing arts settingsAll potential Associates are assessed through an audition process to ensure that the programme is the right fit for them and that they will benefit from the opportunities and challenges it provides.

The Associate Programme is for talented, enthusiastic and committed young people who have a genuine desire to develop their craft and take their skills to the next level.Our Associates are young people who are ready to:Challenge themselves and develop their existing skillsPush their personal and creative boundariesExplore a wide range of performance disciplines, including musical theatre, plays, physical theatre, devised theatre and site specific theatre.Work collaboratively with other young performersTake on new challenges and learn from experienced tutors and practitionersCommit to working hard and making the most of every opportunityDevelop confidence, creativity, discipline and professionalism as performersAbove all, we are looking for young people who are passionate about performing, eager to learn, willing to be challenged and committed to their own development.​

Not necessarily.Previous experience can be helpful, but it is not the only thing we consider. We are equally interested in a young person's potential, enthusiasm, imagination, commitment and ability to respond to direction.We recognise that young performers develop at different rates and come to us from a variety of backgrounds. The audition process allows us to assess where a young person is currently and whether they are likely to thrive within the Company. Often young performers have previous experience of the arts through their training at private dance, drama academies, schools or amateur/hobby groups.

The audition process consists of a self-tape followed by a face-to-face audition.Candidates will be asked to prepare two contrasting monologues and one song. The face-to-face audition will then include a practical workshop and a short, informal conversation with the Directors.The workshop is an important part of the process. It allows us to see how candidates respond to direction, work with other young performers, learn new material and contribute to an ensemble. We are not simply looking for the most polished performance. We want to discover the individual performer behind the audition.

Places are offered at the discretion of the Directors following the audition process.We consider a range of factors, including performance ability, potential, individuality, enthusiasm, commitment, ability to take direction, willingness to work collaboratively and suitability for the Company at that particular time.As the Associate Programme is a company environment, we also consider how an individual performer is likely to contribute to and benefit from working as part of the existing ensemble.​

We understand that not being offered a place can be disappointing, particularly for a young person who is passionate about performing. The Associate Programme has limited places, and the decision to offer a place is based not only on talent but also on the needs and balance of the Company at that particular time. Not being offered a place does not mean that a young person cannot become an excellent performer. Sometimes a performer simply needs more experience or development before joining the Company, and we may encourage them to audition again in the future.

The number of places available varies according to the age group, current Company numbers and the requirements of upcoming productions. We deliberately keep the Company to a manageable size so that Associates receive meaningful opportunities to participate, develop and work closely with the Directors and tutors.​

Yes. Performance is a fundamental part of the Associate Programme.Associates work towards full scale productions and other performance opportunities throughout their time with the Company. Productions are varied from Musical Theatre, to Plays, Site Specific and Devised riginal Theatre.The precise opportunities will vary from year to year and according to the needs of each production.

Every Associate is given the opportunity to participate, but casting is always based on the requirements of each individual production.Roles are allocated according to a combination of factors including suitability, ability, experience, character requirements and the overall needs of the production.Being an Associate is about being part of a company and contributing to the whole production — not simply about the size of an individual role.

Casting decisions are made by the Directors.We consider the requirements of the character, the suitability of the performer, their current ability and development, as well as the overall balance of the production.We encourage Associates to understand that being part of a strong ensemble is just as important as playing a leading role. Learning how to support other performers, contribute to an ensemble and make the most of every opportunity are important parts of a young actor's development.

The programme is designed to develop the whole performer.Depending on the production and programme, Associates may develop skills in:Acting techniqueVoice and speechMovementMusical theatreSingingPhysical theatreImprovisationDanceDevisingCharacter developmentEnsemble workStagecraftTaking directionRehearsal techniqueConfidence and communicationProfessional rehearsal etiquetteThe aim is to develop performers who are not only talented, but versatile, adaptable, confident and disciplined.​

Associates work with experienced professional Directors, tutors and performing arts practitioners. The programme may also include specialist workshops and sessions with visiting practitioners, allowing young performers to experience different approaches, disciplines and areas of expertise.

We understand that illness and unavoidable circumstances happen.However, regular attendance is important because productions are created collectively and rehearsals build upon one another. Missing rehearsals can affect an individual's ability to keep up with the work and can also impact the wider company. If there is continued absence without explanation the Associate member concerned may be asked to leave the programme.  Refunds are not offered and additional payment for the outstanding period may be due.

Associate membership normally runs for twelve to eighteen months.At the end of this period, Associates will have the opportunity to re-audition for a further term, unless otherwise advised. The re-audition process gives both the performer and the Directors an opportunity to consider development, progress, commitment and whether continued membership remains the right fit.Places may also be offered for shorter periods or outside the main audition season at the discretion of the Directors where there is a particular opportunity to support a young performer.​

Possibly. While some Associates may ultimately wish to pursue professional careers in the performing arts, the programme is open to talented individuals who have not yet committed to a career in the Arts. The skills developed through serious participation in theatre — confidence, communication, creativity, discipline, teamwork, problem-solving and the ability to present yourself — are valuable and transferable in almost every area of life. What matters most is that the young person has a genuine talent and enthusiasm for performing and is prepared to commit to the experience.

The Associate Programme is designed to give young performers the independence to work as a company.For this reason, rehearsals are not open to parents or guardians unless specifically arranged by the Directors.This allows the young performers to concentrate on their work, take risks, make mistakes, respond to direction and develop their confidence without feeling that they are being watched by family members. Parents and Guardians are welcome to remain onsite in the waiting rooms and reception areas during rehearsals.

Parents and guardians will receive the practical information they need regarding rehearsals, productions, performances, schedules and other important Company matters. We ask parents to ensure that contact details are kept up to date and that communications are read carefully, particularly during production periods when timings and requirements can change. Parents and Guardians may choose a variety of options regarding communications, ie. Phone, Text, Email, WhatsApp, Messenger.

Associates should arrive ready to work in approved rehearsal clothing and suitable footwear.​Their current script or rehearsal materials.Any props required which may have been taken home to rehearse scenes. Any specific items requested by the Directors or production team.A number of pencils (no pens) and an eraser.Still water, carbonated alternatives and milk based drinks are not allowed.Refreshments for breaks. A packed lunch suited for sustained energy, we do not recommend sugar based foods.  (Associates are not allowed to leave the rehearsal venue during rehearsals)Associates should avoid bringing unnecessary valuables to rehearsals.

That's completely normal. Many young performers are nervous when they first audition or join a new company. We understand that confidence develops over time and that not every young person walks into a room feeling immediately comfortable. Our role is to challenge young performers while providing an environment in which they grow. We encourage Associates to take risks, make mistakes, try again and learn the process. You don't have to arrive confident. That's one of the things we're here to help with.

The Associate programme is built around the idea of being part of a company. Young performers are not simply a class each week; they are working towards real performance outcomes, developing their skills through practical experience and learning the discipline required to create high-quality theatre. We want our Associates to leave the programme not only as stronger performers, but as confident, creative, resilient and collaborative young people who plan, deliver and take their commitment seriously.  We want them to take pride in their work and what they create.