Question 1

Who are the BTEC courses for?

Accepted Answer

The BTEC Level 3 (Extended Diploma) in Musical Theatre or Dance is for sixth form students who are keen to pursue a career in the arts, or who enjoy the Performing Arts as a hobby and want to create a springboard to higher education or employment. You could be a singer, dancer, actor or triple threat performer, ASA Theatre Arts has the perfect pathway for you through the VLUK Education provision.
 
We are not looking for perfection in applicants. We are looking for trainability and the enthusiasm to succeed. Not all students will be proficient in all disciplines within each course option, it is our job to get you there (and have a lot of fun along the way)!

Question 2

What can I expect from the BTEC courses?

Accepted Answer

ASA Theatre Arts offers a revolutionary concept in sixth form Performing Arts training. ASA Theatre Arts provide the vocational, industry driven training within the rigorous VLUK Education program of excellence. A typical timetabled week would include:
*A 24 hour per week, inspirational and high-energy course, taught over 4 days, 9.15am-4pm
*Industry professional teachers, currently working in Dance, Musical Theatre and the Performing Arts.
*Intense, professional training - high contact hours and extreme results.
* A timetable of core BTEC hours (15 hours per week including enrichment and tutorials), and 9 hours of additional industry training. Timetables vary weekly according to your chosen pathway - see details on relevant course page.
*The timetable will also include rehearsal time to plan, develop, choreograph, prepare and perform assessment requirements, and complete academic work.
*Each student will perform in a full-scale theatrical showcase during the course, as well as featured roles within the variety of performances throughout the year.
*Multiple studio and public performances throughout the year.
*Community Theatre Project
*Equivalent to 3 A-Levels, with excellent UCAS progression to university, help with further stage school entry, or employment within the industry. We are following the most up to date BTEC specification (2016), preferred by higher education providers.
*Regular masterclasses throughout the year with leading industry professionals.
*Regular audition technique and mock auditions throughout the year, with industry panel.
*Over the course (pathway dependant), you will take technique classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Commercial, Latin & Ballroom, Kicks, Leaps and Turns, Musical Theatre, Audition Technique, Singing Repertoire, Ensemble Singing, Harmonising Skills & Ear-Training, Acting Technique, Monologue Preparation, Accents, Musical Theatre.
*1:1 Singing lesson for each student each week, excluding induction, assessment induction weeks, assessment weeks or show term rehearsal weeks (Musical Theatre pathway only)
*Body conditioning classes for West End fitness
*Pilates for dancers classes
*Professional headshots
*Optional dance and singing exams with ISTD, RAD and London College of Music to gain graded and teaching qualifications.
*Theatre trips**
*Multi-studios and facilities in Hinckley, Leicestershire with sprung floor, mirrors and barres over 2 floors.
*Excellent progression opportunities. Preparation for entry to top London stage schools such as Urdang, Bird, Arts Ed, GSA, Mountview, Laine, Central School of Speech and Drama, Wilkes and Italia Conti - see our STUDENT SUCCESS (javascript:void(0))page for our exceptional amount of places gained.
 
**Additional costs may be incurred for theatre trip tickets and transport. Information will be sent out through the year.
 
***Timetable will be subject to weekly alterations to accommodate rehearsal time during shows and productions, external school events such as Move It and Can Your Dance?, or to complete required units, performances or academic work as part of the BTEC syllabus.
 
***View the ASA Theatre Arts FACULTY (javascript:void(0))to see for yourself the array of inspirational teachers you will be working with.

Question 3

Who are the course partners?

Accepted Answer

Our educational partners are Virtual Learning UK (http://www.vluk.org)(http://www.vluk.org). The educational curriculum and qualifications are delivered by Virtual Learning UK, in partnership with ASA Theatre Arts Ltd, who provide the vocational, industry-driven training.
 
Established in 2008, VLUK provides a range of services to the education sector, from CPD and teacher training, through to full time education programmes for young people. We are an approved government provider, educating over 1500 young people aged 16-24 each academic year at Levels 2-5.

As part of the Virtual Alliance Group, we have an impressive track record of creating, developing and delivering education projects to the sector. Our Senior team is made up of education professionals and consultants with vast experience of leadership in all aspects of delivering outstanding education programmes.
 
WELCOME
Selecting the next path in a learning journey can be confusing for any student. Our dedicated professional team at Virtual Learning UK will help students to make an informed decision that best supports their career aspirations giving the strongest start and the confidence to stand by that choice for the entirety of the course.
 
We are proud to educate more than 1500 students through further and higher education delivering innovative courses specialising in sport, performing arts, business and equine management. We work in partnership with reputable industry partners who share our passion to help students succeed. Our highly motivated team is committed to working closely with our partners to ensure each learner’s journey is informative, supportive and progressive. We want to ensure our students are exposed to knowledgeable, experienced and helpful staff, so that together we can set learning outcomes realistically aligned to each individual’s potential.
 
We review our provision regularly with the aim of improving the experiences of our staff, partners and students. This supports our goal of developing unique learning environments at the heart of industry, with high aspirations and a drive to succeed.
 
We passionately believe in and expect a hard work ethic and unwavering commitment to continual development from everyone involved at Virtual Learning UK. Our aim is that on completion students are better prepared to work in industry and equipped with the foundation skills to become leaders of the future. We are also committed to ongoing professional development of our staff so they are able to take on new challenges and support our students to succeed in the evolving world of work.
 
On behalf of Virtual Learning UK, I encourage students to find out more about how we can support your career aspirations and look forward to welcoming those who are serious about their future.
 
Dominic Anderson
Chief Operating Officer, VLUK

Question 4

What are the entry requirements?

Accepted Answer

We would love to have you audition for one of our exciting, full time courses. Applications are open now for 2024  entry, and can be submitted via paper form (download using the link on the APPLY (www.alanashirleyacademy.com/apply)page) or online HERE. (javascript:void(0))Students are ordinarily required to have 5 GCSE's at level 4 or above, preferably including Maths and English, but can be tutored in either subject to re-sit GCSE Maths and English with us, as per Government guidelines on retakes. All of our Maths and English tutoring is delivered via weekly online sessions with a VLUK tutor. Apply HERE!(javascript:void(0))
 
Keep checking our INSTAGRAM PAGE (http://www.instagram.com/asatheatrearts)for open days and audition information.

Question 5

What do I need to prepare for the audition?

Accepted Answer

Virtual Auditions/Video Submissions
 
Applications will require a video submission or live in-person audition at our studios. For video submissions, please email a 1 minute Dance solo of your choice, or 1 minute cut of a Musical Theatre song, or a 1 minute monologue. If you are a multi-disciplinary performer, please feel free to send up to three videos to support your application. Please email your performances to admissions@asatheatrearts.com

It is perfectly fine to send via WeTransfer, Dropbox or Google Drive if the files are too big to email.

In-person Auditions

If you would prefer to audition for us in person, please indicate this on your application form and we will contact you directly to arrange your individual time. We would love to see you.

Question 6

What are you looking for at the auditions?

Accepted Answer

More than anything, we are looking for enthusiasm, trainability and a love for dance or musical theatre, depending on the pathway you have chosen. Accepted students should have confidence, energy and above all, be really nice people. Just be yourself and go for it! We are a very friendly 'family-feel' school and are there to nurture and encourage you to fulfil your potential and dreams. 
 
We look forward to meeting you and supporting you to success.

Question 7

Are there any course fees?

Accepted Answer

Read full information about course fees HERE. (www.alanashirleyacademy.com/course-fees)

Question 8

When does the course run?

Accepted Answer

The next intake is September 2024. As a BTEC student, you will attend VLUK ASA Theatre Arts Campus for four days a week (Monday-Thursday) for intensive Performing Arts training between 9.15am and 4pm. Friday is a study day where work is set to complete at home.

Question 9

Can I take Dance and/or Singing exams or teaching qualifications?

Accepted Answer

YES! Our academy is fully equipped to enter you for ISTD and RAD dance exams in Tap, Modern, Ballet and Contemporary, and teaching qualifications, or London College of Music singing exams and performance/teaching diplomas. These exams do incur an additional cost for exam entry, and dance exams will require you to attend specific exam classes in the evenings, but costs are kept to a minimum to allow you to complete exams alongside your BTEC course training.

Question 10

When are your open days?

Accepted Answer

Come and join us for an epic day of classes and information! We invite you to experience a day at ASA Theatre Arts. FULL DETAILS HERE.(javascript:void(0)) Registration is required. 
 
If you would like to come for a look around the college individually, and meet a member of senior staff for a chat, we are happy to arrange this. Please email info@asatheatrearts.com and we can book this in for you. 
 
Keep an eye on our INSTAGRAM FEED (http://www.instagram.com/asatheatrearts)for updates.

Question 11

Following the course, what are the progression routes?

Accepted Answer

With excellent progression routes to stage schools and university degree courses, the 2 year BTEC Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 full A-Levels. You can achieve up to 320 UCAS points for university or degree course entry (the highest BTEC mark is D*D*D*, the same UCAS points as A*A*A* at A-Level), and gives students the exciting opportunity to develop their industry performance skills, as well as study the theoretical elements of the performing arts.
 
The majority of students on the BTEC courses will be looking to pursue further professional training at top stage schools. The BTEC courses are designed to enable students to gain places at colleges such as Bird College, Urdang, Arts Ed, GSA, Laines, Italia Conti, Mountview, Wilkes, PPA, Emil Dale and London Studio Centre to name but a few, with ASA already having a proven and exceptional success rate with stage school entries. See STUDENT SUCCESS.(javascript:void(0))

Question 12

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

We are ready to train you for success, in our family-feel school. Auditions are free! Simply complete the form HERE (javascript:void(0))or download one of the application forms on the same page, and email to us at admissions@asatheatrearts.com along with (up to three) 1 minute performance video(s). Alternatively, please indicate on your application form if you would like to attend an in-person audition at the our studios, and we will contact you via email to arrange this.
 
Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you soon!

FAQ'S