C o n t e n t sWelcome & Patrons Page 3The Course Page 4The Studios Page 5Dance Page 6Singing Page 7Acting Page 8Performance Page 9About your Audition Page 10Health & Happiness Page 11Student Life Page 12Application Form Page 13Medical Form Page 14Casting Agency Page 15How to find us Page 16

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Welcome to our latest edition of the Expressions Academy of PerformingArts prospectus.

Choosing the right Performing Arts course for you is probably one ofthe most important decisions you will ever have to make. This prospectusis designed to help you make that final decision.

At Expressions we aim to give you the best possible training in all disci-plines along with full support to each student to help you realise your po-tential to blossom and prosper.One of the leading establishments in the UK, the academy’s 3 year fulltime Musical Theatre Performing Arts course covers all aspects of modernperformance giving you the stage to blossom. Covering Dance, Acting andSinging, our experts and state-of-the-art-facilities have got what it takes tohelp you branch out into the world of performing arts.

Never losing sight of your happiness, the Academy cultivates your po-tential helping you grow into a fully-rounded performer that the industry canbe proud of. With a history of student success, links to our own castingagency and a caring, supportive environment that really looks out for youevery step of the way, there’s no better place to start your journey into theworld of performing arts.

Expressions is proud to be partnered with the University of Derby and Buxton & Leek College. We deliver BtecFurther Education programmes and also Higher Education programmes which include Student Finance. We are aregistered centre with Trinity Guildhall and I.D.T.A. Registered to deliver career development loans with the SkillsFunding Agency.Maxine Glasby - Principal

Ben is well known for his role in The Bill as PC NateRoberts. He has just been a regular on Hollyoakes andnow starring in The Bodyguard in the West End. Alsoappearing in Holby City and FootballersWives. Theatre credits include 9 to 5, Priscilla Queenof the Desert., Guys & Dolls, Saturday Night Feverand The Full Monty. We are very honoured thatBen is Expressions patron.

Sam is well known for playing Ronnie Mitchell inEastenders and is also an esteemed Musical Theatreperformer along with a successful career In the Industry.Sam has an extensive list of theatre credits includingSouth Pacific, Guys & Dolls, Grease and TV seriesMount Pleasant and Game On. We are very honouredthat Sam is Expressions patron.

Welcome The college that cares

Our PatronsSamantha Womack Ben Richards

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The demand on the performer is ever increasing as the performance industry grows. There is a great need forMusical Theatre students who have been well trained in dance, singing and acting. We aim to help you achieve

this. The stage is continually dominated by musicals.The Academy offers professional training from a high calibre of

teachers who have and still are performing professionally. Theemphasis is put on all disciplines equally to make you the all roundperformer and to keep students up to date with current trends.

EPA prides itself on the flexibility of its courses on offer combinedwith a unique syllabus which keeps a keen eye on the Industry.Performance is always the foremost focus and alongside that the 3Year Musical Theatre course enables the students to study for variouslevels of qualifications ranging from Level 3 to Level 6 in the NationalQualifications framework. Younger students can study for Btec Level 3extended diplomas with Edexcel and all students will study with TrinityGuildhall for Level 4 (1st level degree) or Level 6 (2nd level degree)qualifications in Musical Theatre. Any of these qualifications can beattained without reducing any learning hours spent on the course. Inaddition we also offer teacher training qualifications in all threedisciplines included in the course in the relevant examination bodies.

In the 3rd year students go onto the Year Zero BA Hons degreewhich enables the students to move to Higher Education and can claimStudent finance. Students are exposed regularly to a variety of visiting choreographers,musical directors and casting directors, in preparation for theatre, filmand TV.

THE COURSE

DK Expressions Casting Agency will then promote the performer to their greatest capability in order togain employment in their chosen field and the student will leave having attained their highestperformance level.Monitoring of your progress is continuous. Assessments are given eachterm on dancing, singing and acting - ending in a performance at theend of term which varies from a full scale musical or play to ashowcase.

You will be assessed on all productions and given written andverbal feedback immediately. This becomes part of the monitoringsystem, which we have in place to ensure each student’s rapidprogression and improvement through the terms. Yearly reports will beissued by all subject tutors. Private lessons are available andencouraged in the evenings.

In the second and third years, students can developtheir preferred area more intensely with specialist exams in the relevantdisciplines, however the other disciplines will still be integrated into thetimetable. Throughout the training programme technique classes aresplit so that students of the same ability may study together even if in adifferent year group - this enables the students to achieve their verybest potential

The 3 year Musical Theatre course is full time and intensive.At the end of the three years each graduate will have achieved abalanced and complete all round training, and be ready to go out andperform professionally with confidence and in a style all of their own.

What’s Covered?

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Expressions Academy of Performing Arts issituated just outside the centre ofMansfield, approximately five minutes walkfrom the amenities of the town.Expressions is set in a large, modernbuilding, all dance, singing and actingstudios are under one roof and are easy toaccess. Along with the studiosExpressions have many other amenities.There is a library and TV/DVD resources.These include audio and visual library withreference books, journals and DVD’s, CD’sand sheet music. A TV, DVD player andCD players and ipad/ipod docking stationsare available for use by students. There isalso an IT room with computers allconnected to the Internet, all have a DVDfacility and wireless Internet is availablethroughout the building free of charge.

From the minute you walk in thedoor, Expressions warm and friendlyatmosphere will make you feel at ease.The studio is easy to get around and thefriendly staff will be pleased to help you andanswer your questions. We at ExpressionsAcademy of Performing Arts feel your timeat the Academy will be enjoyable andrewarding.

The academy boasts five largestudios set in a spacial and contemporarybuilding. They all have Canadian Maplesprung floors, mirrors, full sound systemand are fully air conditioned/heated. Thetotal studio space is a stunning 13,500square feet, which makes each studio anamazing size. The biggest of the studios isStudio 1 which is 3,864 square foot (46 feetwidth, 85 feet long), so there will be noovercrowding in lessons. Expressions is amodern and clean complex.

The Academy is within easy reachby train or bus. Both are a short walk (5minutes) from the studio. The train has ahalf hour service to Nottingham and thenfrom Nottingham you can connect to yourdestination. The bus service is great forlocal trips to get you home after a tiring dayat the Academy. Or you can go nationwidewith the National Express coaches stoppingin Mansfield to many destinations in the UKand also with the Academy having its owncar park outside it is just as easy to drive.

Facilitating SuccessTHE STUDIOS

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DANCE

Dance is an integral part ofMusical Theatre. We aim todevelop your competenceand confidence in jazz, tap,ballet, commercial jazz,street jazz, hip hop, lyricaljazz, pas de deux, bodyconditioning, pilates andfitness training.

The course is structuredaccording to the student’sabilities allowing two groupsto develop at a differentpace of progression and towork at a level, which isright for you.

Firm foundations, techniqueand placement will be anessential part of everydance class. Flexibility andstrength, will be developedto the maximum along withco-ordination, control andstamina.

Many different styles will betaught and visiting

Professionals will teachchoreographic repertoire frommany West End Musicals.You will develop the ability tolearn sequences and retaincorrections.

Ballet is the foundation for alldance disciplines and aims todevelop your understandingof turn out, placement,stance, posture and line. Italso gives you anunderstanding of the bodyand how to avoid injury.

Tap will enable you to buildon your vocabulary of steps,learn difficult and intricatecombinations and develop avariety of rhythms and styles.

Jazz will range fromCommercial street jazz for TVand videos to lyrical technicaljazz. Technique is always ofthe utmost importanceenabling you to dance withcontrol, energy and dynamics.

Performance in Motion

Dance

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SINGING

It is essential thatPerformers have a strongtechnical foundation onwhich to base their studies.Students will study vocalplacing, blending of headand chest voice, posture,tone, pitch and develop theirdiaphragm and breathing.

Many varied styles will betaught from Musical Theatreto rock, solo to ensemble,jazz to contemporary.

Vocal harmonies will be animportant part of thecurriculum as well as one toone singing tuition to enablethe student to develop theirportfolio of material requiredto audition in Year 3. Partsinging and vocalImprovisation will also becovered.

Music theory classes willhelp you to understand theelements of music so that

you can read a simple scoreand have the ability to sightread.

Singing and acting areintegrated in acting throughsong which helps you discov-er text of songs and deliverthem in a convincingperformance which is a verydifficult aspect of MusicalTheatre. Classes will begiven weekly to help you withthis.

There will be manyopportunities for you to singbefore an audience of tutorsand fellow students andclasses will develop yourconfidence to do this.

A full scale musical will beperformed each academicyear giving you full exposureto a wide variety and choiceof musicals.

Striking the Right Chord

Singing

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ACTING

A wide variety of styles arecovered from classical tomodern, comedy and Shake-speare..

Expressions recognises theimportance of strongacting skills within a MusicalTheatre course. Classes arestructured to enablestudents to have a wideunderstanding of alltechniques and to giveconfidence to handle scripts,have the ability to sight read,improvise and haveconfidence in auditions.Work on the individualstudent’s voice is vital fortheir progression in the worldof theatre.

As a dancer has to warm theirbody before performance, anactor/actress has to makesure the voice is ready to per-form. Clarity, annunciation,diction and phrasing, alongwith a sound knowledge of

‘Received Pronunciation” (RP)is paramount to good speech.

Expressions will give studentsa chance to be involved in aproduction of a play as well asa musical theatre presentation.

The course develops yourimagination and concentrationand trains the student to workin a disciplined way as a teammember, working onperformances from straightplays to musicals.

In this ever increasing world oftechnology, we at Expressionsare fully aware of the need tobe able to revert to the basicsof acting in the theatre.

Any thespian worth their saltshould have the ability to walkinto any theatre,fully confidentthat their performance doesn’tneed to be enhanced byamplification. Rememberwhat can’t be heard can’t bejudged !

A Class Act

Acting

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PERFORMANCEThe World’s a Stage

Performance classes are regularly part of thecurriculum where students perform a song/dance/speech to their peers and receive constructivecriticism. An accompanist is always on hand for this.

It is essential that a musical theatre performer is able towork as part of a team to produce performances that aMusical Director and Director would require from anensemble.

As well as the Performing Arts Academy, Expressionshave their own agency which offers students the chanceto perform short term contracts. This is encouraged togive our students the chance to have the experience ofworking professionally in the industry. Work duringterm time will not be discouraged but students willonly be released for short periods of time so thestudent’s education does not suffer. Experience of alive audience is crucial and we aim to give the studentas much of this as possible. .

Performance is essential to the all round performer andit is a strong criteria at Expressions.

A minimum of two performances per year will beperformed during your course, with sets, costumes,lighting and sound.A Musical Theatre performance will be performed in itsentirety every year. The college will host an end of yearshowcase . In addition in the students will have anabundance of Performance opportunities during theirtime at Expressions.

Workshops will be a major part of the timetable.working professionals will be invited to the Academyto work with students, giving them a vast knowledgefrom the world of theatre. This providesperformance experience and allows each student toflourish, progress and develop his or her own personaltechnique.

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ABOUT YOUR AUDITIONStarting your Journey

A meeting will take place with the Principal where theCandidate gets to ask any questions they may have oranything they feel unsure of when meeting us for the firsttime. Parents are urged to attend the audition with thestudent to view the Academy on the day of the audition.

During the audition we look at each candidate for talent,abilities and potential. We look for individuality andcommitment to be hardworking. From this we can thenbuild on their abilities to make them successful to gainemployment upon leaving the Academy in their 3rd year.Scholarships are available to talented students and fundingis available through the college and also we are fullyaccredited to provide career development loans, Advancedlearning loads and Student finance in the 3rd year.

We give you the opportunity to spend the day shadowing astudent. The student would participate in the whole daysclass at the Academy. The candidate can audition at thebeginning of the day. There is no charge for the shadow day,the only charge is the usual audition fee.In order to maintain a high level of training and to monitorstudent’s progress effectively, the college accepts a limitednumber in each year.

Entry into the Academy is by audition only. Entry forthe September intake are held from the precedingNovember to July. Candidates will be notified of anaudition date when a completed application form andfee are received. Candidates must confirm this datealong with the completed application form, medical formand photographs. The form may be sent via postalapplication of via the Internet.

Applicants must be 16 years of age plus and have asatisfactory level of either dance, singing or acting trainingand show promise and be willing to train hard in the othertwo disciplines.

A solo dance piece is required not exceeding 2 minutes inlength to be of your own choice of style.A solo singing piece is required. Please bring a preparedsong with backing track. You will not be allowed to singunaccompanied.An acting monologue will also be required lasting no longerthan 2 minutes.

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The Academy understands how important it is that every student has homecomforts. On acceptance to the college you will be sent an accommodationlist. Although the choice of accommodation you stay in is up to you the collegevets all accommodation. This is to ensure that we have the best accommoda-tion available for our students. As a rule we would suggest that all 16 and 17year olds stay with a family to help them settle into life away from home. Asthis can be a big upheaval at this age, we find the student will settle downmore easily in a family environment rather then being left in a flat to cope ontheir own. This will make settling into the Academy that little bit easier forthem.

On our first day at Expressions you will be in the care of our student liaisonofficer. You can discuss in strictest confidence at any time on a one to onebasis anything that is troubling you. She will remain with you for the full threeyears and will be there for you at any time if you ever need help or adviceregarding tuition and welfare. Our friendly staff are always willing to listen andwill make time to help you with any problems you may have.

Access to professional counselling can be made available when required. Allcounselling services are strictly confidential.

Maintaining a high level of fitness is vital. Your body is your tool, and knowinghow easily this can be damaged is crucial. All students are encouraged torespect their bodies and to understand and work within their physical limitationthus minimising the risk of injury.Our in house physiotherapist will be on hand to assist you with any problemsyou may have and she will monitor your progress weekly.

Health and welfare of every student are high on our priorities at Expressions. We understand how worries suchas finance, accommodation and all related matters can take over and so we urge every student to discussthese matters. Diet and nutrition is a primary concern and we know how important it is for a successful career.Regular classes will be given throughout the year giving help and advice on ways to keep your body workingto the maximum, with the demanding life of being a performer. You will be taught correct warm up proceduresin all technique classes both physically and vocally. Any injuries will be monitored at all times.We also insist that every student is registered at a local medical practice and dentist. Students are advised totake out their own health care insurance taking into account physiotherapy and osteopathy needs.

HEALTH & HAPPINESSHealth and welfare of every student are high on ourpriorities

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Culture……..Situated in the heart of Robin Hood country, Mansfield is a market town.There is much to see and do with ample cultural and historical sights toinclude the historical home and gardens of Lord Byron the famous poet,Newstead Abbey.

Clumber Part a National Trust conservation site containing spectacular scenicview, parkland lakes and woodland walks and Rufford Park with its historicalAbbey and gardens, and of course Sherwood Forest with its grand heritage ofRobin Hood.

Selecting the right college to go to and the best place to live is also animportant factor. Mansfield is the largest town in the UK and has all thebenefits of a large city contained within a lively and bustling town.

Mansfield is not only a great place to live and study but one of the leastexpensive with an exceptional low cost of living making accommodation andcourse fees more affordable.

Mansfield is located in the heart of England, it has superb transport links toanywhere in the the UK. The train and bus station are located within the towncentre and offer easily accessible links to all surrounding areas includingdirect links to Nottingham City centre and direct to London in less then twohours by train. The M1 is in very close proximity making driving routes easyand getting around no problem at all. In neighbouring cities Nottingham,Derby and Sheffield you will find some of the best nightlife and shopping to befound anywhere in the Country.

Mansfield Town centre has a host of pubs, clubs and late bars to suit your taste. In addition to the enormousOdeon Cinema and neighbouring restaurants and fast food outlets all within easy walking distance from thetown.

The town hosts the Palace Theatre, a major mid scale touring theatre venue and also has a ten pin bowlingcentre. Mansfield is home to a wide variety of restaurants including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai,Mexican and Italian cuisine.

The town boast numerous gyms and leisure centres including a large swimming complex with flumes, rapidsin a sub tropical atmosphere. Sports fanatics will not be disappointed with sports including football, golf,rugby, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting to paint balling in Sherwood Forest!

STUDENT LIFE IN MANSFIELDA great place to live and study

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CASTING AGENCYExpress Yourself

DK Expressions Casting Agency representsstudents both from the Academy and othergraduates from the UK.

The agency promotes graduates for WestEnd, Tours, TV, Film, Commercial, T.I.ECruise Liners, Pop Videos, Trade Shows andCorporate events.

Students in Years One and Two ofExpressions are allowed and encouraged totake short contracts of work. This is toenable our students to have the chance togain the experience of workingProfessionally in the industry. Work duringterm time will not be discouraged butStudents will only be released for shortperiods of time so that the student’seducation does not suffer.

During Year Three students will be preparedIntensely for audition in their chosen field.portfolios will be developed to the maximum.CV preparation and cover letters will betaught intensely in networking classes andspecially tailor made networking lesons willgive the student the best possible start intothe profession. Professional photos and reproswill be arranged as part of the course with anesteeemed professional photographer.

The agency will promote the Year Threestudents to maximum effect upon graduationby arranging auditions with leading industryprofessionals and casting directors.The agency continues full representation withthe student for as long as they require.Previous destinations include West End, UK& World Tours, TV & Film and Cruise Liners.

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Expressions Academy of Performing Arts3 Newgate Lane MansfieldNotts NG18 2LBTel: 01623 424334office@epa-academy.co.ukWww.epa-academy.co.uk