Arden School of Theatre Prospectus 2018-2019

The Arden School of Theatre 

Prospectus 

2018-2019

Hello and welcome to our 2018 prospectus. At 

The Arden we pride ourselves in producing 

independent, work-ready performers with the 

confidence to face the industry and the courage 

to create their own work. 

Through our four unique programmes of study we 

believe our curriculum rivals the best drama schools 

in the country and are confident in our ability to 

produce working actors, dancers, and performers. 

The Arden has existed for just over 25 years but what 

originally started as a more traditional drama school 

has evolved into something much more than that. 

Our courses are constantly developing and reacting to 

the ever-changing industrial landscape. 

We are proud to call Manchester our home, and have 

developed strong links with the artistic community 

here. From creating our own Fringe productions, 

commissioning new pieces of work by upcoming 

writers, to putting on comedy nights and performance 

festivals, our ethos is grounded in being outward 

facing to the eclectic theatrical scene that Manchester 

provides. 

In this booklet you will find information about our 

programmes and our lecturers alongside testimonials 

from former students and profiles of some of our 

graduates. We hope that this prospectus is useful, 

and that we have the opportunity to meet you at one 

of our upcoming auditions.

Manchester. 

This is a city of industry and culture, of celebration 

and innovation, of pride and inclusivity. 

Manchester, symbolised by the Mancunian Worker 

Bee, is where the atom was split, where vegetarianism 

was launched, and where Turing’s computer 

was invented. Its environment develops and 

supports political and social innovators; it sparked 

the development of socialism, took a stand for 

Gay Rights, instigated the Suffragette Movement, 

and forced Parliamentary Reform. It is also full 

to the brim with friendly, warm, and 

passionate people. 

This is a city of taste. 

From the Curry Mile to China Town, and the 

fast-growing Northern Quarter, from vintage-style 

tea-rooms to burger joints and street food. And 

we haven’t even mentioned the bars! It is also a 

fantastic city for shopping. It’s the fourth-largest 

retail centre. From the brand-packed Arndale Centre 

to more high-end offerings in Spinningfields, 

or the boutiques in the Northern Quarter, there is 

something for everyone. And if that’s not enough, 

you can take a trip to the Trafford Centre, with its 

280 shops and 35 

restaurants.

This is a city of music. 

Manchester fosters artists, from The Bee Gees and 

The Smiths, to Oasis, Take That, and Elbow. It is 

bursting with venues that are essential stomping 

grounds for any act on tour, such as Night & Day, 

Gorilla, The Deaf Institute, The Ritz, The Albert Hall, 

The Academy, and Apollo. Noel Gallagher once 

said, “the thing with Manchester is, it all comes from 

here”, and it’s easy to see why. 

This is a city of performance. 

Manchester hosts an array of visiting shows, from 

large-scale touring productions at award-winning 

venues such as The Lowry, The Palace Theatre, and 

The Opera House, to the multitude of international 

work featured at the biannual MIF. It also nurtures 

homegrown work at The Royal Exchange, Contact, 

and HOME, and promotes new ideas at its fantastic 

fringe-theatre venues, such as Hope Mill Theatre, 

The Kings Arms, Z-Arts, and 53Two. It is so rich in its 

support of the performing arts, that the BBC and ITV 

have recently moved here, putting down roots at 

Salford Quay’s Media City. 

But more than this, this city is our 

identity. It is our training ground. It is 

our home. 

This is Manchester, 

we do things 

differently here.

The Arden’s main teaching campus is in 

the Grade II listed building, Nicholls House, 

designed in 1879 by prolific architect Thomas 

Worthington. Based in Ardwick, a stones-throw 

away from the centre of Manchester, its Flemish 

Gothic style stands out like something from a 

Harry Potter film, but inside is where the real 

magic happens. 

Nicholls House was originally known as Nicholls 

Hospital, funded by Benjamin Nicholls as a memorial 

to his son, John Ashton Nicholls. Its original use was 

as an orphanage but in the mid-20th century onwards 

was used as a school. 

In 1952, the Minister of Education made schemes 

for the Nicholls Hospital School to be transferred 

to Chetham’s Hospital School in order to rent the 

Nicholls Building to the Education Committee. 

This was then purchased in 1953 to be used as 

a Secondary School for Boys. This was the first 

change towards using the building as an educational 

establishment. 

The school later became the Ellen Wilkinson High 

School for Girls up until 2000 when it was bought by 

The Manchester College to become Nicholls Campus. 

The Nicholls Hospital building is now 132 years old, 

but it seems to have found a way of reinventing itself 

for succeeding generations. Rumour has it that there 

is even a secret staircase, once used only by the 

teachers of the old school.

Acting for Live and 

Recorded Media 

Based in the heart of Manchester the BA (Hons) 

in Acting For Live and Recorded Media is a 

vocational course offering training way beyond 

what is traditionally expected from a classical 

drama school. 

The course, designed and taught by industry 

professionals is unique in offering a three year 

intensive training in both screen and stage. This, 

together with state of the art facilities in the heart 

of the Northern Powerhouse ensures our students 

have a true understanding and familiarity of what is 

expected from an actor today. 

This course is unique in providing a true vocational 

qualification. All modules are designed to train you as 

a working actor and give you the opportunity to learn 

your trade within a number of work based scenarios. 

This includes tours of schools, performances at 

established fringe venues, showcases in Manchester 

and London and public performances at established 

theatres such as Z-Arts and The Lowry in Manchester. 

Alongside this you will leave with up to date 

knowledge of auditions skills taught by leading 

industry specialists and, most importantly of all, a 

professionally produced showreel and audio reel.

Course Structure 

Year One Year Two Year Three 

Tools of the Trade 1: The 

Naturalistic Actor 

Tools of the Trade 2: The 

Character and Text 

The Classic Text and the Actor 

Showreel 

Acting for Radio Public Performance 1 

Skills for the Actor 1 Skills for the Actor 2 Showcase 

Introduction to Camera 

Modern and Contemporary 

Drama 

Audition Skills 

Prepraration for Screen Acting Screen Acting Public Performance 2 

Context and Guidance Critical Context Negotiated Research Project 

Academic Requirements 

Applicants must have 96 UCAS tariff points or above and GCSE English grade 4 or above. Mature 

applicants (aged 21 or over) who are able to demonstrate relevant skills or knowledge gained in 

employment or vocational activity will be considered and may be invited to audition. 

Audition Details 

Applicants are required to attend an initial audition to showcase your skills in acting and acting to 

camera. You will attend a morning of acting and acting to camera workshops. You may then be asked 

to attend a final audition recall in March.

Not only did the Arden inspire me 

and push me creatively, but also 

academically; being dyslexic the 

support I received was amazing. 

The Arden School of Theatre is a 

place of trust where each students 

individuality is celebrated giving the 

school an edge with each performer 

being unique. 

This has helped me have the 

confidence in myself and trust in my 

own ability whenever an opportunity 

arise. 

Saoirse Jackson, 

star of Channel 4’s Derry Girls 

Faculty 

Head of Course 

Acting 

Acting for Screen 

Acting for Radio 

Alexander Technique 

Contextual Studies 

Stage Director 

Screen Director 

Devising 

Movement 

Singing 

Voice 

Voice/Phonetics 

Marie Critchley 

James Mair 

Paul Broughton 

Rachel Austin 

Anne Whitehead 

Will Nelson 

Tim Flavin 

Ben Mottershead 

Aiden Brooks 

Laura Hillary 

Gavin Bailey 

Risa Duff 

Stuart Morrison 

Previous Guest Speakers 

Justine Bailey 

Cieka Bailey 

Martin Gibbons Casting 

Sally Carman 

Cathy Crabb 

Emma Crompton Casting 

Hanna Deville 

Andy Ellis 

Rebekkah Harrison 

Karen Henthorn 

John Henshaw 

Ian Kershaw 

David Crellin 

Nico Mirallegro 

Maxine Peake 

Andy Sheridan 

Martha Simon 

Trevor Suthers 

Alyx Tole 

Mark Womack 

Francesca Waite 

Lindsay Williams

Graduate Spotlight: Thomas Vernal 

Could you tell us what you’re currently 

working on? 

I am currently working on The Wizard of Oz, 

which is the 2018 Birmingham Repertory Theatre 

Christmas show playing the role of Uncle Henry 

and the Gate Keeper of Oz. 

What are the most challenging aspects of 

your current job? 

One of the most challenging aspects about my 

job, is breaking personal barriers and stepping 

out of my comfort zone when it comes to 

learning new things. Also having to prepare 

my mind and my body for very long, tiring and 

physical rehearsal days. 

What are some of the accomplishments 

you’re most proud of in your career so far? 

I think working with one of the most decorated 

writers, director’s and visionaries for the arts of 

our time, is one that sticks out to me. Kwame 

Kwei-Armah was the director on “One Love 

- The Bob Marley Musical”, so being able to 

work closley with and to learn from him was 

an amazing experience. But to top it all off, the 

show came to my home town of Birmingham 

where I was able to play the main stage at The 

Birmingham Repertory Theatre. 

What would you say are the top 

requirements for someone entering this 

line of work? 

Discipline, punctuality, humility, hard work, 

dedication and honesty. Honesty not just 

towards others and in your work, but most 

importantly being honest and true to yourself, 

who you are, what you stand for and what you 

believe in. Oh, I almost forgot... You need to be 

thick skinned too. 

How did your Arden experience prepare 

you for what you are doing today? 

My Arden experience prepared me for every 

eventuality, from screen, to stage, to voice over 

work, even down to being self employed and 

looking after my accounts and affairs as an actor. 

I couldn’t have asked for a better form of training 

to get me ready for the type of industry that I am 

in today 

If you could offer just one piece of career 

advice to students, what would it be? 

Graft to perfect your craft because hard work 

beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. 

Make time to unwind and recharge your mental, 

emotional and physical batteries. 

Although being an actor is one of the most 

amazing experiences in the world, it is also a 

business and you are your own boss. 

Acting isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle and at the Arden 

you’re in the best hands possible.

Staff Spotlight: Paul Broughton 

Acting teacher Paul Broughton has worked 

extensively in stage and screen and 

continues to do so. He currently teaches 

acting on BA (Hons) Acting for Live and 

Recorded Media. 

Could you tell us what you’ve recently 

been working on? 

Most recently, I have been reprising my role 

in Cilla - The Musical, which I opened at the 

Liverpool Empire last September. I have also 

had the privilege of workshopping new writing 

at the Liverpool Royal Court. As an Actor, there 

is nothing more stimulating and rewarding to 

take a new piece of work and bring it alive, off 

the page, creating a role that has never been 

performed before. 

What are the most challenging aspects 

working as an actor? 

Learning to not take rejection personally. It is 

only someone’s opinion. 



Working on major Television drama such as 

Liverpool One, George Gently and Brookside. 

My Theatre career has included incredible highs 

such as working at The Royal National Theatre 

in Michael Frayn’s Democracy and Bleasdales 

On The Ledge. West Ends shows such as Billy 

Elliot and The Pet Shop Boy’s Closer to Heaven. 

However what gives me most pride is working 

in my home City of Liverpool at The Liverpool 

Everyman, Royal Court and The Playhouse 

How does The Arden prepare students 

effectively for a career in industry? 

Working with tutors who are actors and keep 

abreast of the Industry by continuing to work 

in it. For example, the advance of electronic 

casting was picked up very early by us as we 

found we were being asked to send in recorded 

audition pieces. We successfully incorporated 

the teaching and learning of this approach into 

our audition skills module. 

Also, our 3rd year which we call our ‘professional 

year’ provides student with a stepping-stone into 

the Industry by working with professionals we 

hand pick based on our knowledge of their work 

What are you looking for in someone that 

auditions for The Arden? 

Wllingness to learn, ambition and drive. 



See above!

Michael Starke as Davey and Paul 

Broughton playing Donny in ‘Shed’

Dance 

and Performance 

This is the course for those wanting to 

bring their own creative ideas, skills and 

passion for dance and performance to 

a constantly changing industry. For the 

technically versatile and imaginative dancers, 

choreographers, community artists, and 

teachers. A programme for the 21st century 

dance artist; the performers, the creators, and 

the innovators. 

This practically led course aims to equip you 

with the technical, creative, collaborative, and 

entrepreneurial skills to be able to work in a wide 

variety of contexts. Amongst other things, you will: 

learn a wide range of dance techniques, perform 

in shows, create work and devise pieces, teach in 

the community, develop a portfolio including a 

professionally filmed showreel, work with visiting 

choreographers and directors, and also create and 

perform in your own festival



Commercial Dance Techniques 

Contemporary Dance 

Techniques 

Choreographic Practices 

Aerial and Commercial Dance 

Repertoire 

Contemporary Dance Repertoire 

Teaching Dance in the 

Community 

Professional Performance 

Employability and 

Entrepreneurship 

Showcase 

Solo Devising The Real and Virtual Performer Professional Practice 

Pathways for Professional 

Practice 

Contextualising Contemporary 

Dance 


Devising Dance Theatre 

Theoretical Frameworks for 

Dance 

Ardance Festival 

Negotiated Research Project 





Students are required to: 

• Participate in a commercial dance warm up and routine 

• Participate in jazz, contemporary and partner work dance routines. 

• Take part in a short creative workshop. 

• Perform a solo in any genre no longer than 2 minute 30 seconds. This should demonstrate both 

creative and technical skills (Please provide your own music on your phone, iPod or CD.) 

• Undertake a short individual interview.

Completing my training at The Arden 

School of Theatre fully prepared me 

for life within the dance industry. 

The teaching was first class; taught by 

professionals and the variety of dance 

styles taught really helped to develop 

my skills as a dancer 

I cannot thank The Arden enough 

and would recommend it to any 

aspiring dancer looking to receive the 

best possible training with the most 

exciting opportunities available. 

Kirsty Picking, 2015 Graduate 

Faculty 

Head of Course Belinda Grantham 

Commercial 

Tomas Simon 

Aerial & Acrobatics Maria Stutt 

Acting & 

Joseph Lynch 

Contact Improvisation Joseph Lau 

Ballet & Jazz 

Ben Manuel 

Jazz & Choreography Nicola Rowell 

Tap 

Sina Williams 

Urban Dance 

Megan Elliot 

Singing 

Cameron Ashall 

Filmmaker 

Ben Mottershead 


Cindy Claes 

Emer Walsh 

Shobana Jeyasingh 

Company 

Carmina Entertainment 

Mathew Bourne Company 

Stevie Mahoney 

Hawk Dance Theatre 

David LLoyd - Mischief 

David Toole 

Karen Sant - KNT 

Danceworks 

Jen Ashton 

Ben Musa 

Hannah Rubix Thompson 

Idney De’Almeida 

Ultima Vez 

Boy Blue Entertainment 

Animikii Theatre 

Autin Dance Theatre 

Company Chameleon

Graduate Spotlight: Georgina Thompstone 


working on? 

I am working for an entertainment company 

called Carmina and have been for 7 months. 



The most challenging aspect of my job is 

travelling late nights and early mornings after 

gigs; being organised is the most important 

thing with food and drinks! Also planning lifts 

shares when ever you can so you’re not alone on 

your journey back. 



I am extremely proud that I had one day of 

training in stilts and fire and put in the practice 

work every single day to perform my first gig with 

them in just under two months and have been 

booking fire and stilt gigs weekly ever since. 


requirements for someone entering this 


You must have professionalism down to a 

T, if you don’t have great organisation and 

commitment in this industry you will be dropped 

straight away. Also passion for performing, hard 

work and you must invest time in training and 

practice for every single gig/performance you 

get. 



Arden prepared me for what I’m doing today by 

making me an all rounded performer. I never 

thought I would use the skills I learnt in my 

clowning acting classes in my current job today. 

As a performer you have to be able to mould 

into any character in my job, one weekend I’m a 

granny and another weekend I’m a salsa dancer. 

Arden also prepared me with the knowledge of 

being self employed and the importance of time 

management. 



You must be able to constantly step out of your 

comfort zone with confidence every single 

time you perform. Also never take a job you’re 

not passionate about, you want to love what 

you do so your passion shines through in your 

performance. You must have a positive and 

active presence on social media, especially 

Instagram. Post as many dance videos as you 

can and always come across as positive and 

professional on your profile.

Staff Spotlight: Tomas Simon 

Commercial dance teacher Tomas has 

performed with the likes of Whitney 

Houston and Mariah Carey, as well as 

performing in music videos for Alexandra 

Burke and The Saturdays. 



In the last few months, as a choreographer, I 

have worked for Lenovo, shooting a commercial 

for both the U.S. and China, MAXX European 

Tour, 8 Out 10 Cats Does Countdown (using 

some of our own students) and most recently I 

worked in Los Angeles for a New Balance fashion 

show. 


working as a dancer? 

The most challenging aspects are definitely 

consistency, versatility and having the ability to 

adapt. 



I am most proud of having danced for Mariah 

Carey. I loved her music growing up and it was 

my first big commercial job. It gave me the 

confidence to pursue a dance career further, 

keep pushing and eventually work with the likes 

of Whitney Houston, Taylor Swift, Kelly Rowland 

and others. 



I look for potential and one’s passion for their 

craft. As much technique within any style is 

important, it’s the tenacity and motivation of 

an applicant that gives me an indication of their 

future progress. 

How does Dance and Performance prepare 

students effectively for a career in 

industry? 

Dance and Performance course is unique in 

providing students versatility across all styles. 

All the teachers are industry professionals and 

very knowledgeable about what they teach. 

It is mostly practice-based, however students 

also learn other important aspects of being in 

the dance industry such as learning to write 

CVs and create business plans. They also get a 

professionally filmed Showreel and last but not 

least industry specific information and feedback 

on a daily basis. 



Work hard. Talent, if isolated from hard work and 

knowledge, doesn’t offer the consistency you will 

need for your career to last.

Musical Theatre 

Just because you dream of performing on the 

West End doesn’t mean you need to head all 

the way down to London’s crowded college 

scene. This BA (Hons) degree will give you all 

the exceptional skills you need to fulfill your 

potential in the world of musical theatre. 

Based at our outstanding Arden School of Theatre, 

you’ll learn a wide range of vital techniques across 

your three years here, focusing on the triple threat 

of singing, acting and dancing. You’ll explore acting 

methodologies, develop new performance skills and 

devise your own choreography and ensemble pieces. 

You’ll be learning every day from renowned musical 

theatre professionals, who’ll pass on their reallife 

skills and experience to you, helping you to 

understand everything from rehearsal etiquette to 

auditioning effectively. You’ll complete the course 

with an industry showcase in London, before one 

final show-stopping performance!

Photo by Jon Potter



Acting Methodologies The Historical Musical Audition Skills 

Acting Through Song The Contemporary Musical Rehearsing and Presenting a 

Public Performance 

Ensemble and Solo Singing 

Techniques 

Developing Dance Techniques 

Developing Ensemble and Solo 

Singing Techniques 

Dance Techniques, Performance 

and Choreography 

Developing Professional 

Practice 

Showcase 

The Epic and Heightened Form Devising Musical Theatre Presenting a Public 

Performance 

Context and Guidance Theory and Context Negotiated Research Project 






The audition is held in two rounds that are on the same day followed by an additional recall day at 

the end of March. 

All students will participate in a group singing and group dance warmup, prepare two contrasting 

songs (of approximately 32 bars), perform a contemporary monologue, and partake in a dance 

audition.

Training at the Arden allowed 

me to keep my individuality, 

whilst giving me all the 

important skills I needed to 

break into industry. 

Arden allows us to be the best 

we can be as a collective and 

an individual. 

Alex Okoampa, currently touring 

with Motown UK 

Faculty 


Acting 

Critical 

Context 

Directors 

Ballet 

Jazz 

Routine 

Commercial 

Tap 

Ensemble 

Singing 

Andrew Stephenson 

James Mair 

Marie Mair 

Shaun Chambers 

Will Nelson 

Tim Flavin 

Alan French 

Leonie Alcock 

Nicola Rowell 

Emma Gill 

Tomas Simon 

Sina Williams 


Tom Chester 

Robert Owen 

Solo Singing 

Voice 


Mark Aspinall 

Phil Daluca 

Ian Good 

Roger Haines 

Graeme Henderson 

James Pearson 

Benjamin Newsome 

Gavin Bailey 

Andrew Stephenson 

Samantha Chambers 

Risa Duff 


Spotlight 

MGA Management 

Michael Peavoy 

Adam Philpott 

Alex Segal 

Mykal Rand 

Christian Valle

Josh Dowen in Footloose: The Musical, 

UK Tour 2017 , Selladoor Productions

Graduate Spotlight: Josh Dowen 

Musical Theatre graduate Josh has enjoyed 

a successful career in Musical Theatre since 

graduating in 2012. Including three touring 

musicals and two west end shows. 


working on? 

I’ve recently been playing Ren in the UK tour of 

Footloose the musical and soon I will be starting 

rehearsals for the 10th Anniversary tour of 

‘American Idiot’ where I will be playing Tully. 



Keeping it fresh. Having to tell the same story 

every night for a year gets hard and you can fall 

into ‘going through the motions’. To have the skill 

and concentration to react every time as though 

it’s happening for the first time. 



I was in the UK premier of Dogfight, a musical 

by Pasek and Paul who this year (2017) won both 

an Oscar (La La Land) and a Tony award (Dear 

Evan Hansen) so to be able to meet and perform 

their work was incredible. 


Dedication and drive. You’re gonna get a lot of 

‘no’s in your career so to be able to pick yourself 

up, dust yourself off and go again is as just as 

important as skill and talent. 



Like most drama schools it was able to offer me 

the opportunity to practice and improve my 

skills in a city that’s thriving with music, art and 

culture. 



Work harder at the things you don’t enjoy so you 

come out a better all rounder after your three 

years; if ballet isn’t your favourite class, put 

yourself at the front. 

Also my last few jobs have been as an Actor/ 

Muso, so if you play an instrument keep it up. If 

you don’t then pick one up and learn because 

there is a lot of that type of theatre happening 

lately. 


requirements for someone entering this

Staff Spotlight: Robert Purvis 

Musical Theatre teacher Robert Purvis has 

enjoyed an illustrious career conducting 

in the West End and abroad. Robert has 

worked with stars such as Aled Jones, Philip 

Schofield, Rebecca Trehearne, and Donnie 

Osmond. He continues to conduct shows 

and concerts with orchestras worldwide. 



Workshop. 



My best piece of career advice to students is; 

“Never hold anyone up.” Be business-like in 

connecting with the work and be ready to engage 

with others. 

This summer I conducted a concert of Broadway 

and West End repertoire with the Riga Symphony 

in Latvia, and Cassidy Janson was one of the 

soloists. 


working as a Musical Director? 

As a conductor, my greatest challenge is to serve 

the performers musically, so that they may bring 

their best work to the stage. 



As a composer, I am proud of the score for the 

show Y at The Piccadilly, which ran for a year, and 

DASH with Wayne Sleep, for which I contributed 

ballet scores. 

Over several years I wrote scores for 4 musicals 

for The Brighton Festival, all of which received 

commissions from The Brighton Actor’s

Photo by Khaemaust Neferu

Theatre and Performance 

This is the course for those wanting to bring 

their own theatrical ideas and passions to a 

constantly changing industry. This is the course 

for the innovators and the exciters. For the rulebreakers 

and the experimenters. For the players 

and the game-changers. This is the course for 

the performance makers of the future. 

The BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance course 

trains you to be a performance maker, introducing 

you to contemporary styles of theatre. This is not an 

actor training programme, but a course designed for 

a new generation of performers. It is designed to give 

you the tools to create and perform your own work, 

as opposed to acting in somebody else’s; it uses 

performance techniques and methods to make more 

experimental and convention-breaking theatre and 

performance. 

You will be introduced to a number of performance 

disciplines ranging from devising, acting, and 

clowning to international performance, filmmaking, 

and prison theatre. You will be visited by professional 

companies, and benefit from the established 

industry-experienced team of lecturers. Throughout 

your studies you will engage with techniques 

and methods that will ultimately result in the 

development and creation of your very own unique 

performance festival, unTaPped, which attracts 

audiences of industry professionals.



Presentational Performance Touring Theatre Directed Performance 

Performance Skills Advanced Performance Skills International Performance 

Acting Filmmaking Professional Performance 

Skills 

Contextualising Contemporary 

Performance 

Researching Contemporary 

Performance 

Performance Specialism 

Autobiographical Performance Site Specific Performance Microfestival 

Devised Performance Prison Theatre Negotiated Research Project 






The audition is in three parts. 

A workshop to show how you work in a group, your creative skills, and sense of play. 

An audition speech that gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your performance skills, 

understanding of text, and how well you deal with direction and experimentation. 

An interview to provide an opportunity to meet with the panel members and discuss your 

experience.

Studying Theatre and Performance at the Arden 

School of Theatre has been the highlight of my 

education. 

The lecturers are amazing; their willingness to help, 

positivity, and dedication to their students never 

failed. I have achieved things that I never thought I’d 

be capable of and found the confidence to create the 

work I’ve always dreamed of doing. 

Theatre and Performance is about being you, 

exploring the kind of theatre you want to perform, 

and developing the creative control to make it. I will 

never forget my time at The Arden and will always 

be proud to call myself a TaP alumnus. 

Grant Battersby is now studying on our collaborative MA 

Performance Practice with Sheffield Hallam University 

Faculty 


Performance Practice 

Physical Comedy 

Outdoor Arts 

Acting 

Movement 

Singing 

Voice 

Wayne Jackson 

Deborah Newton 

Aiden Brooks 

Graham Hicks 

Rachel Austin 

Lisa Hoctor 

Laura Hillary 


Tom Chester 

Risa Duff 



Sleepwalk Collective 

Bryony Kimmings 

Made In China 

Stacy Makishi 

Reckless Sleepers 

Mighty Heart Theatre 

The Paper Birds 

Teresa Brayshaw 

Rash Dash 

Amy Woodfield 

Brew & Biscuit Theatre

Graduate Spotlight: Richard Young 


working on? 

I am currently working in Southampton on a 

professional contract with a company called 

Talent Artistic Group. I am playing a character 

called Max in a performance called The Legend 

of Paultons Manor, in association with Paultons 

Park. Once this contract is over I will be 

performing in Manchester as Mr Tod for a Peter 

Rabbit event. 



In my current job, we are required to perform 

twenty-five shows in a row, one day after the 

other, up to three shows a day. This can be 

challenging and at times I have found myself 

getting very tired. I have found it very important 

to look after my body and do regular vocal warm 

ups. 

What theatrical accomplishments are you 

most proud of? 

One of the things I am most proud of is going on 

tour in the summer of 2018 with a show called 

Spellz. After training in Buckinghamshire, we 

toured to Wales and South West England, and 

as a company we were in charge of all the set, 

props, costume and tools. This was a huge responsibility 

and one I relished. The show included 

scientific experiments which I had to perform 

on stage as well as various illusions. As both 

a performer and Company Manager, I had the 

experience of liaising with events managers from 

the different locations and enjoyed the extra 

responsibility that this provided. 


requirements for someone entering the 

industry? 

I would say drive and motivation. Explore every 

opportunity and try your best to grasp every 

chance you can. Your first job is only a stepping-stone 

to other exciting things. 

How did your Arden experience 

prepare you for a career in Theatre and 

Performance? 

Theatre and Performance provided me with the 

opportunity to develop different dynamics as a 

performer; I studied so many different areas of 

theatre such as circus skills, stand-up comedy, 

installation art, and intermedial performance. 

Having a wide array of skills and knowledge in 

performance and theatre has given me the confidence 

to navigate the industry and I can’t thank 

The Arden enough for preparing me to do the 

kind of work I have always wanted to do. 



Believe in yourself and your work, don’t hold 

back, and never give up.

Staff Spotlight: Graham Hicks 

Theatre and Performance teacher Graham 

Hicks teaches Outdoor Arts and Comedy 

Practice. He also works frequently as 

a performer and director on numerous 

external projects around his work at Arden. 

Could you tell us what you’ve recently been 

working on? 

Recently I have been directing an event for 

Halloween for the Lantern Company who are an 

outdoor arts organisation. This was on the back 

of directing a huge parade through the streets 

of Liverpool which over 30,000 people attended 

in 2017. The Observer picked this event up as 

one of the top 5 things to see in the world. I 

have been able to include some Arden students 

for this event and give them an opportunity to 

be part of a professional production. This has 

given the students a chance to be seen by a 

professional company and network with likeminded 

professionals in the industry. 


working as a performer? 

Time management is the most challenging, 

as I’m often juggling many projects at once; 

While working on one I am consistently working 

on another. Finding ways to accommodate 

everything and make sure that you can deliver 

to a high standard is hugely important. You are 

only as good as your last job and that is a mantra 

that I carry. Reputation is key and you must 

remember that you are a product; to work in the 

industry you must be hungry. 



Being nominated for a comedy award in 2010, 

assistant director for the opening cultural show 

for the Common Wealth Games 2014, directing 

the opening ceremony for the European 

Taekwondo Championships at the Echo Arena 

Liverpool 2017, and setting up a disability arts 

theatre company which is still ongoing. 



Commitment is key for me. Being punctual and 

willing to try something even if it’s out of your 

comfort zone. Don’t hold back. We are not 

looking for the polished, finished article; this 

course is about supporting students to become 

artists. 



Try everything and be open to the opportunities. 

Have a fearless approach to working which 

allows you to explore and push yourself.

Graham Hicks in Princess and the 

Pea at The Unity Theatre, Liverpool

Facilities 

The interior of Nicholls House has been refurbished 

to include: 

Dance Studio with sprung Harlequin flooring, mirrors 

and ballet barres 

Large Black Box Performance Space 

2 Large Studio Spaces with sprung flooring and 

mirrors 

2 medium sized studio spaces with sprung flooring 

2 medium sized studio spaces with sprung Harlequin 

flooring 

6 Acting Spaces for Acting for Camera and small 

production rehearsals 

1 acoustically treated studio room with radio/audio 

recording facilities 

Several small rooms for 1:1 singing tuition and 

independent practice 

Boardroom, used predominantly for lectures and 

meetings 

Mac Suite with 12 iMacs and 6 Macbook Pros 

Social/Communal Area 

Library with extensive stock of books, scripts, scores 

and online digital theatre resources. 

We also have full production support and 2 studio 

theatre spaces at our Shena Simon Campus

How to Apply 

Applications are accepted via UCAS and 

auditions are held throughout the year. It is 

important to apply early as some courses fill up 

quickly. 

Our provision is offered through UCEN Mcr 

(Institution Code M10) 

BA (Hons) Acting for Live and Recorded Media 

– W410 

BA (Hons) Dance and Performance – D16P 

BA (Hons) Musical Theatre – W411 

BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance – T2P6 

We are looking for students with potential 

for a career in the industry who are intuitive, 

intelligent and passionate performers. As well 

as having good marks in a subject specific 

qualification, we also ask that English and 

Maths is to a good standard (of C or above at 

GCSE), however all people will be considered 

at an audition. Each course has its own unique 

audition process in order for us to assess 

potential skills in the subject. Please refer to 

the subject page. 

Auditioning 

Auditioning is the normal entry process for all 

drama schools. This is to ensure that you have 

the neccessary skills ready to embark on your 

chosen career path. Whilst auditioning can 

be a scary process, we try our best to make 

sure you are comfortable and deliver the best 

performance possible. A lot of our students 

say that their audition experience at The Arden 

was the deciding factor in putting us as their 

number one choice. 

All applications for The Arden are taken 

through UCAS, at which point we will contact 

you to arrange an audition. Most auditions take 

place at our campus in Manchester, however 

some courses do audition further afield. 

Whilst each course has differing audition 

processes, the most important thing to do for 

any audition is prepare. It is also important 

to plan your audition day well in advance and 

arrive promptly to create the best impression 

possible. 

Location 

Based at Nicholls House in Ardwick, 

Manchester we are a 20 minute walk away from 

Manchester Piccadilly Station. 

Getting here By Train 

The nearest station is Manchester Piccadilly, 

from here you can choose to walk (20 minutes) 

or take a bus from outside Piccadilly (201, 203, 

204, 205) to Nicholls Campus (5 minutes). 

By Bus 

Buses 201, 203, 204, 205 leave regularly from 

Piccadilly Gardens and outside Piccadilly 

Station and stop right outside the campus. The 

192 also drives close by, and stops a short walk 

away from Nicholls Campus.

Driving 

We are situated just off Hyde Road on Ford 

Street, not far from the Mancunian Way and the 

M602. There are two car parks, to the front and 

rear of the building. For Sat Navs, navigate to 

M12 6BD (Ford Street) as some Sat Navs lead to 

to the adjacent road using the campus address. 

Fees and Funding 

All of our courses are £8900 per year which can 

be financed through Student Finance England 

or Wales. Unfortunately there are no bursaries 

available at present. 

All courses have certain associated costs, the 

main costs being clothing (rehearsal blacks are 

a requirement for 1st and 2nd year students), 

dancewear, and trips/visits. Please visit http:// 

www.ucenmcr.tmc.ac.uk for the most up to 

date information. 

Course Accreditation 

All of our degrees are governed by UCEN 

Manchester and validated by Sheffield Hallam 

University. Courses are also accredited by the 

industry bodies Spotlight and Equity. 

Accommodation 

The Arden does not have its own halls of 

residence however it is close to several 

private halls. We always advise students to do 

thorough research on their accommodation 

and use a recommended advice website, 

such as www.manchesterstudenthomes.com. 

However, in recent years students of The Arden 

have rented accommodation in these nearby 

halls of residence: 

Sanctuary: from £108 per week. 

Q3 Apartments: from £118 per week. 

Victoria Point from £115 per week. 

Piccadilly Point: from £153 per week. 

Further Questions? 

If you have any further questions please do not 

hesitate to contact us via the contact form on 

our website: www.thearden.co.uk or via the 

UCEN Manchester Switchboard: 03333 222 444 

The information given in this prospectus is 

intended as a general guide to The Arden 

School of Theatre, its courses and facilities. 

All the information contained in this 

prospectus was believed to be correct and 

accurate at the time of going to press (it was 

printed in September 2018). The prospectus 

does not form part of a contract. It is 

therefore important that you check ucenmcr. 

tmc.ac.uk and www.thearden.co.uk for 

updates or contact UCEN Manchester using 

the contact details contained within this 

document.

Acting for Live and Recorded Media 

Dance and Performance 

Musical Theatre 

Theatre and Performance 

W410 

D16P 

W411 

T2P6 

/ardenschool 

@ardenschool 

@the_arden 

www.thearden.co.uk ucenmcr.tmc.ac.uk

Arden School of Theatre Prospectus 2018-2019

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