BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Begin to Understand More Fully the Unique Musical Theatre and the Foundation Degree in Creative Bird College Experience

Bird dance,music and theatreperformanceCollege

The following pages are intended to provide an indication of the opportunities available at Bird College.

Application forms are included towards the end of the document.

August 2013 Bird College is an accredited provider of the Council for Dance Education and Training .

Bird dance,music and theatreperformanceCollege

Contents Dear Applicant

This leaflet contains details on all the courses available Mission statement 03 but should you require further information please do not hesitate Introduction 04 to contact the Registry Office.

Accommodation 05

Extra Curriculam 05

BA(Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre 06

Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre 07

Foundation Degree in Creative Industries: Acting 08

Pre-vocational Foundation Year in Dance and Theatre Performance 09

Auditions/Open Days 10

For a large print version of this document please call: BA and Diploma application form 11 020 8300 6004 FDA application form 14

Pre-voc application form 16

Founder Doreen Bird MA, FISTD, ARAD

Principal and CEO Shirley Coen BA(Hons), FRSA Deputy Principal and Artistic Director Luis De Abreu MA, PGCE mission statement bird

This college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. To request a copy of our policy please email: [email protected]

The mission of Bird College is to preserve and build upon its reputation for excellence as a leading and unique provider of vocational education and training in dance, music and theatre performance.

The College’s premises are accessible to all users, Six key principles support this mission: and the College works hard to continue to improve • The recruitment, without prejudice, of the most its facilities. The College will adjust the timetable talented students, who show the necessary to ensure that all candidates successful at audition passion for their craft and whom the College can benefit from the training in premises that meet prepares for distinctive, life-long careers in the their needs. performance industry as articulate, creative and The College’s Access and Inclusion Committee versatile artists. monitors accessibility in all its forms. An independent • The setting of demanding training programmes organisation undertakes an annual Health and Safety within a nurturing environment in which each check, and the College’s Health and Safety Committee student is treated equally and as an individual monitors premises regularly. artist, and where his/her talent is respected in order to steer personal ambitions regardless of any differences.

• The work of the College is closely aligned to the profession and securely rooted within the community sector, and draws upon and contributes to the expertise of the specialist vocation training sector.

• The regular review of programmes, partnerships and operations which ensures their worth in order to provide meaningful opportunities for students and a dynamic workplace for staff.

• The recruitment of the best staff, each an expert in his or her own field.

• An organisation that is well-managed, open and accountable, and gives all staff and students a voice.

03 performance counts when

Bird College is committed to enabling young performers identify, develop and nurture their individual skills. We provide a first class educational experience, attracting a diverse, international student body to study on exceptional programmes, validated by leading educational institutions.

Our facilities allow students to train in a well equipped environment. The College’s location, on the south-east edge of London, is within easy reach of the city centre, providing a wealth of opportunities for research, cultural activities and performance experience.

The quality of training that we offer has been described as outstanding by OFSTED inspections and is demonstrated by the exciting achievements of our graduates, who build successful careers in a wide admission range of dance and theatre disciplines. about

We offer all applicants an audition, where you can Applicants for the BA (Hons) Professional Dance and begin to understand more fully the unique Musical Theatre and the Foundation Degree in Creative Bird College experience. Industries: Acting should normally be eighteen years of age before September 1st of the enrolment year and have your development achieved the academic qualifications, guiding or the equivalent, required for entry to university. Bird College has an exceptional faculty of staff with Applicants for the Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre a unique breadth of experience in the theatre industry. and the Prevocational Foundation Year should normally be Importantly, that experience is combined with excellent sixteen years of age before September 1st of the professional qualifications; our students regularly achieve a enrolment year. 100% pass rate. Students are also taught by a team of Candidates for all courses are normally expected to have visiting lecturers and guest choreographers, many of whom received some prior dance training, ideally to Intermediate are ex-students of Bird College, who have gained 1 standard, and must be successful in international reputations in their specialist field. the College audition which assesses potential skills The Bird Theatre Company enables students to work in dance, singing and drama, as well as suitability for with established choreographers and to perform in the UK a career in the theatre profession. and Europe. Performance opportunities in theatre, Bird College aims to recruit the best possible students, television and cabaret are managed through the Bird assessed at audition solely on the basis of talent and Agency. This professional theatre agency is registered with aptitude. The College welcomes applications from all the Department of Employment and guides graduate candidates that aspire to meet our standards. students in their careers after leaving the College. For those with a special need, we strongly advise that you Bird College has an outstanding record of success, alert our Registrar to this at the point of application. This with ex-students winning leading roles in the musical will allow us to arrange to meet this need at audition and theatre business, and with international contemporary adapt our programmes accordingly dance and classical ballet companies. should you be successful in gaining a place.

04 accommodation for students

Aged 16

Students are required to either live at home or with a College approved host family. All residents aged 16+ at the host family address have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check. This is in accordance with current child protection laws. Aged 17

The college would prefer these students to reside with College approved host families. However should the student not wish to the college will require written parental consent. Aged 18+ Students are able to reside at University curriculum of Greenwich Halls of Residence at the Avery Hill Campus. extra This is approximately one mile from the college. Details of types of accommodation available can be found at: www.gre.ac.uk/about/accommodation/halls/avery_hill A level Qualifications

Other options for 18+ students are to rent a room in a There are opportunities for students to take A level house/flat with other students. There are a large number qualifications alongside their course. This is through of properties to rent in the area through Bexley Adult Education and the college is happy to local estate agents. Alternatively we do have a try and adjust timetables to make this possible. small number of host families that only take over FDI 18 year old students. Students are also given the opportunity to take the first 6 units of the ISTD teaching qualifications in Tap, Ballet and Modern. These are available during college holidays for an additional cost. Musical Instrument Tuition

The college is also able to offer musical instrument tuition. Students can continue with instrument tuition or are able to take up a new instrument should they wish. Website

Please visit the website for information on performances, short courses, audition dates and open days.

05 performance counts when

professionalBA(Hons) dance and musical theatre

Validated by the University of Greenwich. This course is validated by the University of Greenwich and is designed to offer students the chance to develop Accredited by Council for Dance Education & Training (UK) (CDET). high levels of performance skills. Students engage with a range of dance disciplines, as well as the closely Length of course: 3 years full time related genres of musical theatre and acting. This is set Entry Age: 18+ within the context of a demanding programme of Entry requirements: Entry is by audition and interview with academic study. This approach aims to relate theory to a minimum 180 UCAS points at A level; with a minimum of practice, informing the development of the artist’s 2 x Grade ‘C’s at A2 level or equivalent for other personal vision, and enhancing lifelong skills and qualifications. employment opportunities within the professional world. Current fees: £9,000 per year Throughout the three years, students are encouraged UK & EU students are eligible to apply for a student loan. to be versatile and to critically appraise their own www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance performance as they grow in confidence and maturity. Overseas Students: Please refer to University of Greenwich During the final year, students specialise in website for fees. Overseas applicants for whom English is a particular aspect of performance and engage not a first language are obliged to sit an IELTS (International in a research project, culminating in a dissertation English Language) test to assess their ability in reading, writing and spoken English at an academic level. An overall which can combine practical and written work. result of 6.5 or more is required for entry to the programme. The College is justifiably proud of the success of Applicants should contact their local British Council office past students, tracking and recording their career for further details. development and celebrating their success. Applicants who reside outside the UK may also audition by DVD. Please contact the college for further details.

Audition fee: £35

Closing date: The closing date for applications for September 2014 entry is 31 January 2014.

06 performance counts when

indiploma professional musical theatre

Validated by Trinity College, London. The three year diploma course is validated by Trinity, London and has been devised for those who wish Accredited by Council for Dance Education & Training (UK) (CDET). to focus on a professional training in theatre arts. It equips students with the technical and creative Length of course: 3 years full time skills necessary for a successful career in dance Entry age: 16+ and musical theatre. Entry requirements: Entry is by audition and interview

Dance and Theatre studies are combined with Current fees: £10,250 per year associated areas such as Dance and Musical Overseas Students: Applicants who reside outside the UK Theatre History, Music Theory and Appreciation, may also audition by DVD. Please contact the college for Fitness and Heath Studies and Employment Skills. further details. However EU applicants should note that they In the final year, students undertake a personal are required to attend an audition in person to be eligible project which provides an opportunity to focus on for a UK government Dance & Drama Award (DaDA). an area of particular interest, encouraging the DaDA Information: Dance & Drama Awards (DaDA) are development of an individual performance style. scholarships currently funded by the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) and are awarded to UK & EU Many of our Diploma graduates are now enjoying students accepted for the National Diploma in Musical success in the professional business and are Theatre who the audition panel feel display the most promoted through our in-house Employment Agency. potential to succeed in the profession. Awards offer greatly reduced tuition fees and access to an income-assessed student support fund. Further information is available at www.direct.gov.uk/danceanddrama

Audition fee: £35

Closing date: The closing date for applications for September 2014 entry is 31 January 2014.

07 performance counts when

infoundation creative degreeindustries: acting

A designated course Validated by University of Greenwich this exciting, validated by the University of Greenwich. practical, performance-based programme provides Length of course: 2 years full time or 3 years part time opportunities to develop acting skills and techniques Entry age: 18+ which can be applied to three main areas: acting for the Entry requirements: Entry is by audition and interview with a theatre, acting in the wider community, and acting minimum 180 UCAS points at A level; with a minimum of 2 x for television. The emphasis is on creativity and Grade ‘C’s at A2 level or equivalent for other qualifications. expressiveness through the exploration of the current Current fees: £8,150 per year. mix of cultures and their different forms of theatre. UK & EU students are eligible to apply for a student loan. Details can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance Student development is fostered through the creation of original work and the application of theatre practices Overseas students: Please refer to University of Greenwich website for fees. to the wider community, supported by significant theoretical underpinning and personal choice in terms of Overseas applicants for whom English is not a first language the material or repertoire demonstrated. The programme are obliged to sit an IELTS (International English Language) test to assess their ability in reading, writing and spoken has a strong vocational element – students work with English at an academic level. An overall result of 6.5 or more potential employers and these experiences form part of is required for entry to the programme. Applicants should the assessment process. contact their local British Council office for further details.

Students who successfully complete the Foundation Closing date: The closing date for applications for Degree have the opportunity to enter the third year of September 2014 entry is 31 January 2014. a related BA (Hons) Degree. Graduate employment is promoted through the Bird Agency and the College.

08 performance counts when

inpre-vocational dance and theatre foundation performance year

A practical, performance-based programme that helps students who have the potential for full time vocational training but not yet the necessary technical standard required for entry. Students participate in daily classes for ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, singing, acting and musical theatre, in order to equip the individual with the wide range of skills they will need.

Students will also be coached for their vocational auditions, covering topics such as suitability of song, dance and monologue, interview techniques, photographs and application forms. A lecture programme will address issues concerning the healthy dancer/performer. Length of course: 1 year full time On successful completion of the course, graduates will automatically be given a free audition for Bird College's Entry Age: 16+ vocational courses through either the FE Entry requirements: Entry is by audition and interview. or the HE route. Developmental advice is provided Current Fees: £6,750 per year throughout the course, together with guidance on Purpose of the course: For talented students who have suitability of other vocational colleges. potential for full time vocational training but who have not yet achieved the necessary technical standard for entry onto a 3 year programme. This course offers students the opportunity to study and improve their technique through participation in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Singing and Acting classes, along with Musical Theatre workshops.

Audition fee: £35

Closing date: The closing date for applications for September 2014 entry is 31 January 2014.

09 performance counts when

Diploma and Degree FD: Acting audition dates for audition dates for 2013 2014 Thursday 14 November Thursday 21 November Wednesday 22 January Tuesday 17 December Wednesday 05 March Wednesday 18 December Wednesday 14 May Thursday 19 December Wednesday 11 June

2014 Friday 10 January PreVoc Saturday 11 January audition dates for Thursday 16 January 2014 Thursday 23 January Thursday 15 May Saturday 25 January Thursday 30 January Thursday 06 February Auditions take place at Studio House, Sidcup Tuesday 18 February Wednesday 19 February Thursday 27 February hursday 06 March Open Days 2013 Thursday 13 March Wednesday 02 October Thursday 20 March Thursday 03 October Thursday 27 March Wednesday 06 November Friday 28 March Wednesday 13 November Tuesday 08 April Wednesday 09 April Friday 09 May For information about Open Days please contact: Naomi Seal Registry Manager

020 8269 6860 [email protected]

If emailing, please make sure to include your contact phone number.

10 BirdCollege application form dance, music and theatre performance

Bird College The Centre BA (Hons) and Diploma Programme 27 Station Road Sidcup Kent DA15 7EB

Page one of three

Bird College does not discriminate against applicants on the grounds of sex, disability, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. We welcome applications from disabled people and offer places on the basis of potential and suitability to enter the profession. Please complete all sections of this form in bold capital letters and return to the address above, together with the enclosures specified in the three panels below. Please note that applicants for the Glasgow audition venue must mark clearly on the back of the envelope: FTAO: Naomi Seal: Application for Scottish audition

Firmly glue or staple • Photographs Girls: 1 demi-plié in first position front on, 1 first arabesque line in profile. a small, recent Boys: 1 full length in dance position of your choice. photograph here.

All photographs must be no larger than 6”x 4”size and have your name clearly written on the back. Please do not send 10” x 8” • Character reference from your dance teacher. size photographs

• Your audition fee of £35, as a cheque made payable to Bird College.

your title (circle) Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms / Other: Address

your first name/s

your family name

Course applied for Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre Postcode BA(Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre Age at commencement Date of Birth For entry in September 20

If applying for both courses, please indicate your Height metres cm. Weight kilos. grams. order of preference by writing 1 or 2 in these boxes: Dip BA(Hons

Ethnic origin Please tick appropiate boxes

A. White B. Mixed C. Asian or Asian British D. Black or Black British E. Chinese British White and Black Caribbean Indian Caribbean F. Any other ethnic group Irish White and Black African Pakistani African Please write in Any other White background White and Asian Bangladeshi Any other Black background Any other mixed background Any other Asian background Not declared

How did you hear about Bird College? Daytime Phone Evening Phone

Mobile Phone Emergency Phone

Email address

Have you previously auditioned for Bird College? If so, please give date

Full name of parent/guardian and address Have you attended any short courses at Bird College? If so, please state course titles and dates

v.08/12 BirdCollege Page two of three dance, music and theatre performance

Your full name again please

If NO, give details of how course will be funded Diploma applicants only: Do you require a DaDA? Yes No

Current Dancing School Academic School attended

School name School name

Address Address

Postcode Postcode

Principal’s name Head of Year’s name

Vocational training and experience Academic certificates gained Please state how long you have studied and, if applicable, the HIGHEST level Please specify the qualification type and subject. Eg: GCSE, A level, etc. achieved and the awarding body. Eg: RAD, ISTD, BBO, LAMDA,Guildhall, etc.

Years studied Highest award Awarding body Date Qualification Subject Grade

For example 10 Intermediate IDTA For example 2010 GCSE English C

Ballet

Modern Jazz

Tap

Contemporary

Drama

Singing

Musical Instruments

Other relevant skills

Other academic examinations to be taken

Date Qualification Subject Grade

Other performance experience For example 2011 BTEC Drama Merit Please specify

Students are encouraged to disclose any impairment or condition (eg. physical, sensory or mental health) at the earliest opportunity so that we can endeavour to meet your needs during the audition process and on the course. We can, for example, make adjustments to sight reading for dyslexic students at audition. Hearing disability Dyslexia/Dyspraxia Visual disability Learning disability Physical disability Other, please describe

Signature Date Page three of three

your full name again please

Firmly glue or staple photograph 1 here. Please do not use a photograph that exceeds the box size of 6 x 4 inches.

Firmly glue or staple photograph 2 here. Please do not use a photograph that exceeds the box size of 6 x 4 inches.

BirdCollege dance, music and theatre performance BirdCollege dance, music and theatre performance application form Bird College The Centre 27 Station Road Sidcup Kent DA15 7EB Foundation Degree in Creative Industries: Acting

Page one of two

Bird College does not discriminate against applicants on the grounds of sex, disability, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. We welcome applications from disabled people and offer places on the basis of potential and suitability to enter the profession. Firmly glue or staple Please complete all sections of this form in bold capital letters and return to the address above. a small, recent photograph here.

Please do not send 10” x 8” your title (circle) Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms / Other: size photographs

your first name/s

your family name

Address

Postcode

Age at commencement Date of Birth Height metres cm. Weight kilos. grams.

Ethnic origin Please tick appropiate boxes

How did you hear about Bird College? Daytime Phone Evening Phone

Mobile Phone Emergency Phone

Email address

Have you previously auditioned for Bird College? If so, please give date

Full name of parent/guardian and address Have you attended any short courses at Bird College? If so, please state course titles and dates

v.07/13 BirdCollege Page two of two dance, music and theatre performance

your full name again please

Academic School attended Academic certificates gained Please specify the qualification type and subject. Eg: GCSE, A level, etc. School name Date Qualification Subject Grade Address For example 2010 GCSE English C

Postcode

Headteacher’s name

Previous acting experience For example: school, college, amateur, youth theatre, etc. If applicable it would be useful to specify the production, date and your role.

Other academic examinations to be taken

Date Qualification Subject Grade

For example 2011 BTEC Drama Merit

Other relevant experience

Signature Date BirdCollege application form dance, music and theatre performance

Bird College The Centre Prevocational Foundation Year Programme 27 Station Road Sidcup Kent DA15 7EB

Page one of three

All photographs must be no larger than 6”x 4”size and have your name clearly written on the back. Please do not send 10” x 8” • Character reference from your dance teacher. size photographs

• Your audition fee of £35, as a cheque made payable to Bird College.

Address Application for entry in September 20

your title (circle) Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms / Other:

your first name/s

your family name Postcode

Age at commencement Date of Birth

Height metres cm. Weight kilos. grams.

Ethnic origin Please tick appropiate boxes

How did you hear about Bird College? Daytime Phone Evening Phone

Mobile Phone Emergency Phone

Email address

Have you previously auditioned for Bird College? If so, please give date

Full name of parent/guardian and address Have you attended any short courses at Bird College? If so, please state course titles and dates

v.08/12 BirdCollege Page two of three dance, music and theatre performance

Your full name again please

If NO, give details of how course will be funded National Diploma applicants only: Do you require a DaDA? Yes No

Current Dancing School Academic School attended

School name School name

Address Address

Postcode Postcode

Principal’s name Head of Year’s name

Years studied Highest award Awarding body Date Qualification Subject Grade

For example 10 Intermediate IDTA For example 2010 GCSE English C

Ballet

Modern Jazz

Tap

Contemporary

Drama

Singing

Musical Instruments

Other relevant skills

Other academic examinations to be taken

Date Qualification Subject Grade

Other performance experience For example 2011 BTEC Drama Merit Please specify

Signature Date Page three of three

your full name again please

Firmly glue or staple photograph 1 here. Please do not use a photograph that exceeds the box size of 6 x 4 inches.

Firmly glue or staple photograph 2 here. Please do not use a photograph that exceeds the box size of 6 x 4 inches.

BirdCollege dance, music and theatre performance