Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of teaching will I get each week?
All students will get over 25 hours of tuition each week, improving your skills in singing, acting and a wide range of dance styles.
I’m really nervous about auditioning, what will I have to do and what can I expect?
Full details on our audition requirements can be found here. We would like to reassure you that we understand that you will be nervous and may not have experience in all aspects of the audtion. This is perfectly normal and we see this all the time. We are looking for a willingness to learn, passion and dedication. It is our job to teach you the rest if you get accepted. Audition days are fun and another opportunity for you to meet us and see our facilities.
Can I continue with my LAMDA qualifications?
LAMDA lessons are an optional extra included in the course and students are able to gain grades 6, 7, 8 (Bronze, Silver and Gold) qualifications. Tuition is included in course fees.
If I have come to performing arts later than others, and I feel that the one-year Foundation might not be enough training for me to gain a place at degree level, is there flexibility to do two years of Foundation Level training?
Absolutely! With Foundations students, we are able to offer flexibility to meet the needs of the individual. If you are prepared for two years of hard work to get to where you want to be, we can accommodate all of your training requirements.
Do you have to pay to attend Kings PA?
Kings PA works in partnership with Newbury College and offers an intergrated performance package for which fees are applicable. We pride ourselves on making our training accessible to all students who will benefit from what we offer at Kings PA. Our Bursary Award Scheme is available to all students. The fee payers can apply for a means tested reduction on course fees. We also work with a charitable trust and donors who have supported our students through their training, some of which have attended Kings PA with up to 100% discount on fees. If you are passionate about your career in performing arts and you are worried about the cost, we are here to help, so please send in your application.
What qualifications will I receive?
On the 2-year programme you will receive a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts, (OCR) which is equivalent to 3 A-levels. You can choose your pathway in either Acting, Musical Theatre or Dance.
For the highly motivated, academic student it is also possible to add one additional A-Level qualification to your course of study delivered through Absorb Online, with a current choice of A-level Business, Psychology or English Literature, and more options to come.
How much dance is on the Musical Theatre & Acting courses?
On the Musical Theatre Course, dance currently makes up approximately 40% of the overall contact time at Kings PA, with acting and singing a combined 50%, and the final 10% is solely focused on the academic studies for the Level 3 qualification. Giving 40% focus to dance enables us to train students in the wide variety of dance styles that are relevant for entry into professional training, and to integrate ISTD/RAD vocational dance qualifications into the weekly timetable. In dance, progress most often takes place in the studio compared with acting and singing, where a lot of progress will be made from home with private practice, once a student is receiving regular tuition in class.
Our focus this year was to pilot an MT/Dance and MT/Acting pathway, which has worked very well for our learners and will continue moving forward.
Students on the Acting course will benefit from attending some dance subjects including contemporary and tap dance to help them gain strength, stamina and increased physicality to compliment their acting training.
Almost all dance classes are streamed in ability or experience, which enables us to place every student in a class that suits their skill level. We have very talented singers and actors enrolled on the Musical Theatre course who find they progress very quickly from having very little or no dance experience. Formal dance training is not necessary to attend Kings PA, however we would expect training of a high level in one or both other disciplines (singing and/or acting) as this two-year course is not suitable for complete beginners. By contrast some of our students are accomplished dancers and have limited training in singing or acting.
What can I do now to prepare for my Kings PA Audition?
Regularly attend classes that will help prepare you for the audition and course content. Work to achieve the highest level you can in developing your skills in singing, dance, and/or acting. Graded examinations are a great indicator of what you have achieved, but not essential to gain entry. We highly encourage students to continue or to start learning a musical instrument. Students come to us for training so we appreciate that you are not going to be the finished product but it's nice to see that you have put thought and work into your craft where possible. Candidates will need 5 GCSE’s grades 9-4 to qualify for any Extended Diploma Course. However, our partnership with Newbury College means we are able to support those who may have fallen slightly short of this criteria, and candidates are able to access re-sits of core subjects. This is decided case by case and at the discretion of the panel who will take into account the level of performing arts skills.
Foundation students who are hoping to access an Undergraduate BA (Hons) Degree Course after leaving us, will require 3 A-levels or a Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, prior to joining Kings PA.
What dance qualifications can I get?
Depending on prior experience, it is possible gain graded exam qualifications in
ISTD Tap and Modern
RAD Ballet
Tuition is included in the course fees.
I am a confident dancer, but will I have to sing?
Yes. Don’t panic though, we don’t expect every student to have had singing lessons. However, during your training, you will be coached into developing your technical vocal skills, whilst building the confidence to use your new skills during performance.
I would like to pursue a career in acting, is this the right college for me?
You are in luck! Kingsclere Performing Arts College runs a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Acting. Our Acting Tutors are professionally trained working actors with extensive teaching and coaching experience, and they are excited to welcome aspiring actors to the college.
Is Kings PA the same as JLD?
No. However both businesses operate from the studios at 24 and 25 Swan Street. JLD School of Dance was founded in 1991. It caters for students from 2 ½ to 18 years old and runs after the college day ends and at weekends. Students who attend JLD do sometimes apply to attend Kings PA, however Kings PA enrols students from a wide range of theatre schools and dance schools in the area, and we are proud of the positive links we have with many local providers in and around the North Hampshire/Berkshire/Oxfordshire area.
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