Welcome Pack - Musical Theatre 2019

PREPARING FOR STUDY
Every student prepares for their new programme in different ways. The information here
cannot cover everything you need to know about your course at The Arden, but it does
cover things you may not have thought of and things you need to know, along with advice
and recommendations we think you will find useful. The main thing that we ask is that
you begin your students with excitement, eagerness, and an open mind. You are going to
be exploring some areas of theatre you never even knew existed, but also hone those skills
you have been developing throughout all of your previous studies so far.
READING
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
If you need additional advice or support, to do with finance, student fees, accommodation,
or personal matters, as you prepare for study in Higher Education,
the Guidance and Welfare team will be able to help. The team will also be able to
offer specific advice relating to financial help, such as Parent Learning Allowance,
Disabled Student Allowance, Childcare Grant, Adult Dependent Grant, Higher
Education Access to Learning Fund (HEALF).
HEALTH CARE
You should register yourself with both a dentist and GP in Manchester for your
time at The Arden; you should do this within your first two weeks of arriving in
Manchester. We cannot stress how vital it is that you have access to the health
service during your time at The Arden, going back home is not practical. You
will need to have your medical card to do this. NHS Direct can provide you with
details of doctors and dentists in your area.
We will ask you to give details of any previous medical or physical conditions that
your participation in certain sessions might adversely affect. If you are undergoing
treatment, or require particular medication, you should tell your personal
tutor. This is for your own protection; The Arden will not accept responsibility if
you fail to do this. It is our policy that any such information will be confidential
and will in no way affect your place on the programme.
If you are not already an avid reader, now would be a good time to get into the habit!
Reading not only widens your perspectives, but also helps to develop your writing skills,
which will be vital to you throughout your studies and in you future career. In addition,
your ability to demonstrate independent learning is critical for Higher Education study;
so start reading over the summer. Here are a couple of books that it would be extremely
beneficial for you to have looked at before you start.
Deer, J., & Dal, V. R. (2008). Acting in musical theatre: A comprehensive course. London:
Routledge.
Stanislavski K. (1980) An Actor Prepares. London: Methuen
Kayes, G. (1996) Singing and The Actor: A & C Black
Also, try to keep well informed on current events and ideas by reading newspapers and
magazines of every kind. The theatre industry has its own newspaper, The Stage, and national
newspapers such as The Guardian also have theatre sections.
DIARY
Dates and deadlines will frame your life; a diary is therefore invaluable, so try to get into
the habit of keeping one as soon as possible. Your lecturers will provide you with a list of
key dates and deadlines at the beginning of the year, but these may well need to be adjusted.
You will also need to make personal appointments with staff and your fellow students;
it is professional practice to do this efficiently and effectively.
SOCIAL MEDIA
To find us on social media you should ‘like’ our Arden School of Theatre Facebook
page where you will be able to find other new starters as well as current
students. You should also join the Facebook group:
Arden School of Theatre Freshers 2019-2020 - Current students and staff are
availible to answer your questions!
We have a Twitter account for you to follow @ArdenSchool, as well as Instagram
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@the_arden.
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