Performance

Performance is at the heart of Urdang. We provide students with as many opportunities as possible to gain performance experience and showcase their talents. Students perform in various productions throughout their training; some in-house and some for friends, family and the public.

First and second year students participate in the Summer Show, staged externally, encompassing all areas of their training and considered the highlight of the academic year. Second year students participate in a musical presentation, providing increased opportunity for students to gain valuable performance experience.

Students’ final year is all about performance, with three public performances during the year. Graduate productions, tailored to individual student’s strengths and employability are showcased to dance and theatrical agents. The varied programme ensures a wide range of agents attend, giving students the best chance of securing agent representation appropriate to their career path.

Students also perform in other shows such as ‘Move It’, ‘Can You Dance?’, in-house, charity and corporate events and male students get the opportunity to perform for Urdang’s all-male dance company Strike, set up to inspire future generations of male performers. Students have also performed for Children in Need, The Brits, Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Start performing from very first term

• Performance challenge progresses throughout courses

• Experience life in a ‘musical theatre company’ in 3rd year musicals

• Work with current industry directors, musical directors, choreographers and production

• Perform for top theatrical agents and casting directors in final year

Welcome to Urdang

Urdang offers exceptional vocational training in a vibrant centre of excellence right in the heart of London. A modern outlook, dynamic atmosphere and inspiring backdrop make the Academy an energising and contemporary place to study.

Incredible exposure to leading industry professionals keeps Urdang at the forefront of the industry. Our graduates thrive and are in constant demand for West End and International destinations, many of which are lead roles.

A high level of expectation and discipline is teamed with relevant support and advice, ensuring our students reach their full potential.

Urdang is the ultimate choice for developing highly diverse and rounded performers.

Everyone Individual

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OFSTED GRADE 1 OUTSTANDING

“Outstanding all-round education and training in dance and musical theatre, resulting in students who successfully achieve their qualifications and progress into high quality jobs in the performing arts industry”

Dance and Drama Inspection Report Nov 2015

DIRECTORS

Solange Urdang Managing Director

Stephanie PopePrincipal

Craig PhillipsCollege Director

Paul HackAssociate Director

The BA (Hons) in Professional Dance & Musical TheatreAwarded by Anglia Ruskin University

The BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre aims to provide students with the opportunity to train to the highest standards for a professional career in Dance and Musical Theatre, whilst gaining solid academic skills that will enhance career prospects upon graduation.

Students studying for this full-time programme, delivered over three years, gain practical skills in dance, singing, acting and musical theatre repertoire; participate in a range of dance and musical theatre productions; develop performance skills to a professional standard and gain an understanding of the cultural and historical developments in dance and musical theatre. Students also complete independent research projects; learn choreographic skills and implement them into performance routines, and gain an understanding of the performing arts industry and the requirements of a professional working in musical theatre and dance.

Upon completion of the first year study, students may opt to follow a more focused pathway: triple threat training, singer/acting focus or a more dance based focus. This allows students to elect their direction of study in the second and third years in line with their natural destinations. The pathways give students the opportunity to explore their strengths in greater detail and opens the degree to applicants who strengths lie in one or two specialist areas.

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theurdang.london/degree

theurdang.london/apply

admissions@theurdangacademy.com

COURSE ENQUIRIES

Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre or Professional Dance Validated by Trinity College London

Urdang Performers’ Diploma, delivered over three years, encompasses all aspects of performing arts and gives students excellent grounding in Singing, Dancing and Acting, alongside developing charisma, individuality and performance skill.

Year 1 is designed to consolidate and strengthen technique and develop awareness of the high level of work required for the industry. Classes are designed to ensure students develop understanding and progress at the appropriate pace.

Year 2 is split into four ‘Tracks’ specialising in aspects of musical theatre and dance. Students follow the track most appropriate to their career potential. These tailor-made Tracks allow students to develop their individuality.

Track A for students who are suited to pursuing a career with a focus on both acting and dance-based musicals

Track B for students who are suited to pursuing a career with a focus on dance based musicals

Track C for students who will follow acting and singing based careers

Track D for students who are the most versatile dancers for the current industry

Tracks continue into the final year combining technical skills with performance and students get to work current West End practitioners.

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theurdang.london/diploma

theurdang.london/apply

COURSE ENQUIRIES

admissions@theurdangacademy.com

COURSE ENQUIRIES

“Amazing facilities with current industry professionals mean I receive training that is relevant today for the industry. The warm and friendly staff and family atmosphere along with training that is tailored to me as an individual make Urdang a fantastic place to study”

Ethan-James Luke Diploma Y3 Track C

Foundation Course in Dance and Musical Theatre

Since its introduction in 2009, the one year Foundation Course has proved to be highly successful as a stepping-stone for students who wish to successfully audition for further training.

The aim of the Foundation Course is to raise the level of students’ technique and performance ability and combine this with the knowledge and confidence to successfully audition for further training at a vocational college or university with the improved chance of gaining funding for future training.

In order to help each student achieve their goal, Urdang provides regular feedback on an informal and formal basis. Feedback ranges from advice on communication, presentation, performance ability, technical skill and choice of audition material. Tailored advice is given to each individual student with regard to appropriate courses and institutions, and students’ applications are overseen by the Head of Foundation Course. This constant exchange of feedback ensures that each student is confident and fully prepared to continue with their education.

Alongside a solid grounding in the techniques required for dance and musical theatre training, the course also emphasises the importance of performance ability. During the final term of training the students participate in a performance of the work they have achieved throughout the year.

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theurdang.london/foundation

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COURSE ENQUIRIES

admissions@theurdangacademy.com

COURSE ENQUIRIES

HIGHLIGHTS

• 98% of 2016 graduates now studying in top performing arts colleges

• Improved chance of a funded place on fulltime vocational courses

• Study with current industry practitioners

• Perform end of year demonstration to family and friends

Access to Vocational Training (AVT) Course

The Access to Vocational Training (AVT) course is a funded two-year Dance and Musical Theatre course for 16 to 19 year olds (Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma - 720GLH).

As an affordable, specialist pre-vocational alternative to Sixth Form or BTEC courses, AVT will best prepare you for entry to higher level Diploma and Degree courses in performing arts. Upon successful completion you will gain an OCR qualification that earns you 112 UCAS points (equivalent to 2 A levels).

The modules you will cover are:

• Dance - Genres include, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Commercial/Street

• Singing - Development of your voice and vocal techniques both as a soloist and ensemble

• Acting - Understanding key influences, learn to develop and apply a range of acting techniques in performance

• Performance and working with choreographers

• Theory of working in the performing arts industry

• Arts Administration - Investigating work between performance jobs and considering freelance employment

As well as no course fees, you will be able to apply for means tested accommodation and support.

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theurdang.london

Link Talent/Graduates

Third year students are represented by our in-house agency, Link Talent, Urdang’s bespoke agency linking final year students to the industry. Students have professional agent representation for up to six months after graduation with the main objectives to place them into high quality productions, to help maximise support and advice, and to give graduates the best opportunity in their transition from student to professional.

Link Talent has already successfully placed Urdang students in starring roles in the West End, TV, dance and talent shows, and organises auditions for acclaimed West End productions, UK Tours, Commercial Dance, Films, TV Programmes, Commercials, Pantomimes, Cruises and productions.

Link Talent was absolutely incredible and vital for my first steps into the industry. Link has given me confidence and advice, not just for the performing arts but also for my life.

Katherine Picar – Graduate 2015 - Straight into Miss Saigon West End

Life after graduation continues to be positive for Urdang’s students gaining employment in the West End and beyond. Recent graduates are currently performing in the West End, national and international theatre, TV and feature films, as choreographers, and dancing for major arena tours. Please visit our destination pages on the website for a full list of shows starring Urdang Graduates.

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theurdang.london/student-success

CASE STUDY

Michael Larcombe - DegreeSince graduating in Summer 2016 Michael quickly secured a role with the Wind in the Willows tour and is transferring to the London Palladium in May 2017.

Samantha Dorsey

(See right) Urdang graduate Samantha Dorsey as Cosette in Les Miserables. Samantha graduated in 2012 straight into a lead in the West End

Facilities/Venue

Situated in the heart of London with excellent public transport links, Urdang’s state of the art facilities includes 16 studios, five private singing rooms and three lecture rooms, together with library, IT facilities, a café and modern changing rooms. The stunning Great Hall acts as both studio and flexible performance space.

The Old Finsbury Town Hall (see right) is no ordinary performing arts venue. One of the capital’s hidden treasures with its rich Victorian heritage, it provides students with an inspiring backdrop to their training. Urdang spent two years restoring this beautiful landmark to its former glory, ensuring it met the needs of students and allowing for disabled access.

Urdang2 is a new modern campus to provide additional state-of-the-art training facilities for our talented students. The building, flooded with natural light and boasting bold graphics and industrial design touches, has been specifically designed to create a devoted and inspiring training space for students. It provides purpose-built training facilities in an innovative and contemporary environment. Internal details are carefully thought out with wonderful chill-out zones using concepts based on rhythm. Urdang2 is a fierce statement in contrast to our historical roots at The Old Finsbury Town Hall.

COURSE ENQUIRIES

info@theurdangacademy.com

COURSE ENQUIRIES

HIGHLIGHTS

• No course fees

• 16 to 19 yrs. Alternative to Sixth Form

• Recognised qualification

• UCAS points

• Trained by Urdang faculty

• Access to means tested accommodation funding

EVERYONE INDIVIDUALtheurdang.london

Urdang is accredited by the Council for Dance Education and Training