Prospectus 2020 – 2021

“It was the best three years of my life and has led me to a job and a career path that I love! Thank you for your guidance and support.” Ellie Manning – 2018 graduate and now working in the UK as a professional dancer and singer

“I am loving my time at Starquest Performers “These 3 years have been some College it has opened up of the hardest but most rewarding so many opportunities.” of my life. So thankful for every Laura Whitehead – opportunity I’ve received and excited 2019 graduate and now to see what the future holds.” qualified teacher Eloise Price – 2019 graduate and now Disneyland Paris cast member

Prospectus 2020 – 2021 Starquest Performers College can offer all the training you need for becoming a professional musical theatre performer and/or a qualified teacher in the performing arts fields.

Our teachers and staff are highly qualified This can only be offered by qualified staff While on your course, you will also get and experienced in their vocation and can that are experienced in this field and use the chance to perform at a number of pass on to you the knowledge and know these techniques on a day to day basis. event including the end of year showcase how of classical and musical theatre and show and also within our in-house how it works. From dance skills to anatomy, On completion of your course at production company, that offers clients from choreography to stamina building and Starquest, you can have the opportunity anything from intimate solo cabaret business studies, it’s all here at Starquest to graduate with a full teaching through to medium scale pantomime and Performers College for you to learn. qualification. These qualifications are taken summer season productions. through an international examination It is not just about going on stage and board and are accredited through We also have high profile clients singing, dancing or acting but it is about OFQUAL, QCF and acknowledged within in the cruise line and hotel feeling the part that you are portraying the Council of Dance and Musical theatre industries throughout the world. within whatever production you are educational training. contracted for. This can only be taught Enrol with us today and start your by professionals who have the knowledge If you wish to only perform, Starquest exciting career journey. of how the industry works and what is Personal Artistes & Management can offer expected from you. Alternatively, if it is a you a place for representation in our very training course for teaching that you are own agency. This will enable you to work looking for, then look no further. We offer towards and be represented for auditions classes in teacher training by some of the and castings for possible employment art’s best and accomplished teachers in within the entertainment industry. their fields.

You will learn how to teach with today’s approach and how to keep discipline and respect within your future classes but with a totally fun and warm approach.

After teaching at some of the more established and larger performing arts colleges, it became apparent to me that a lot of talented students were not getting the opportunities or chances to develop their skills fully.

I was also aware that many students could not have the opportunity to attend colleges, mostly due to financial and family situations, confusion of which career path to take, or lack of confidence.

Therefore, I decided to open my own establishment that caters to develop students to overcome these problems by having classes of an equal standard to DADA offered places, that can give individual and affordable tuition with the same objective and outcome.

Small classes, affordability, outstanding training and a guaranteed future are what we are about.

Join our family and achieve...

© Starquest Performers College Prospectus 2020/21 Craig’sCraig Bartley trained at thecareer Jackie Lynn Dance Studios in Kent and also at the Ballet Rambert Academy in London. He has over 35 years of professional experience.

• 42nd Street original cast (Theatre Royal Craig’s experience has enabled him to Drury Lane, London) travel the globe extensively whilst performing, choreographing, directing • Me & My Girl (Adelphi Theatre, London) and producing for the inaugural • La Cage Aux Folles (Palladium entertainment production set up for most Theatre, London) of the World’s leading cruise lines. • Mack And Mabel (Theatre Royal As well as performing, Craig has taught Drury Lane, London) specialist classes in all theatre and dance • Man of La Mancha (Peacock Theatre, subjects at some of the well known London) performing arts colleges including: • Mountview Academy • Song & Dance as jazz dancer role • Millennium Performing Arts (US national tour) • ‘SMILE’ – Lead vocalist and show host/ • Urdang Academy compare. Summer 2018 (Town Hall • 42nd Street as Billy Lawlor • Elmhurst Ballet School Theatre, Broadway, New York) (US national tour) He is also a professional adjudicator for • Dance Proms 2015, 2016 and 2017 • Follies Royale as juvenile lead role the British and International Federation production choreographer and staging of Joe in the original New York of Music, Dance and Drama Festivals creative at the Royal Albert Hall, London production (Broadway) Worldwide (BIFF) and is also Vice • Grease – with Shane Richie and Helen Commercial television includes Barclays Chairman of the South East area Theatre Way. Craig spent more than two and a Bank (Central TV) and Texaco Oil (NBC Dance Council Committee for the half years playing the part of Doody for Films), which is still extensively screened in International Dance Teachers Association which he received the Golden Quiff the US. (IDTA). Award for the best performer in a In film, Craig played the part of ‘Nigel’ in musical, which was presented by Victoria Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. Wood. (UK national tour)

© Starquest Performers College Prospectus 2020/21 Top row: Craig on the set of EastEnders with Nigel Harman, in the original cast of ‘42nd Street’ with Stephen Mear, as Doody in UK tour of ‘Grease’ with Shane Richie. Bottom row: in foreground choreographing Dance Proms 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall, with good friend Joanne Ward-Relfe (Principal at the Royal Academy of Dance), on set of ‘Me and My Girl’ and finally about to get ready to host and star in ‘Smile’ on Broadway 2018.

All have in-depth experience as performers, choreographers, directors and teachers from London’s west end, Broadway, vocational training colleges or specialist lecturers. There is an infrastructure of staff who are committed to the college and provide a consistency and sense of ongoing process and objective to see all our students fulfill their career path.

This is complimented and enhanced by tutors who will run master classes and work on specific production projects.

Starquest Performers College provides comfortable, fully equipped studios and facilities in a safe environment for your vocational training.

We are committed to recognizing and developing the individual needs of each student for a career in the world of entertainment. Our training aims to develop each student’s individual character and personality in order to produce a professional, all-rounded performer and/or teacher in the making.

Throughout your learning period with us, we offer guidance and fun new teaching methods coupled with fresh, innovative ideas to help encourage and motivate pupils while keeping discipline within the classroom.

You will also be given the chance to put your teaching methods to practice in our part time sister school, Starquest Performing Arts.

On completion of the third year, students have the optional opportunity to take take a separate major examination in the College’s chosen core subjects. If successful, you will gain a teaching certificate that is recognized within the national curriculums framework and you will be registered as a qualified teacher. This will give you the opportunity to train your own pupils or teach at a qualified performing arts school or in mainstream education as a peripatetic tutor.

© Starquest Performers College Prospectus 2020/21 Some of our teaching faculty Our tutors and freelance teachers are of the highest calibre and are recruited from the widest spectrum of the profession. All have in-depth experience as professional performers, choreographers, directors and teachers. There is an infrastructure of staff who are committed to the college, and provide a consistency and sense of ongoing process to develop our students fully.

Charlotte Blinkhorn Nadine Cox Lewis Game Rachel Stanley Lauren Gore John Barr Classical ballet & Musical theatre and Jazz technique and Jazz technique and Tap and jazz heels Acting and acting contemporary vocal specialist commercial musical theatre through song consultant

Bethany Terry Brendon Hansford Benjamin Costello Darren Bennett Joanne Ward Mandy Masterson Jazz technique, Commercial jazz styles Vocal tutor and dialect Musical theatre Classical ballet and Classical ballet and production and musical & contemporary coach consultant musical theatre studies repertoire staging © Starquest Performers College Prospectus 2020/21 Full-time Vocational Training

Student’s classes are daily from Monday to Friday with specialist workshops or rehearsals on some evenings and weekends.

Dance Studies Drama and Acting • Classical ballet • Improvisation • Pas de deux • Character analysis • Contemporary dance • Elocution and speech • Classical repertoire • Monologue preparation • Modern jazz • Voice projection and • Commercial coaching • Adagio/duet work • Script writing • Street dance and Hip Hop • Mime • Tap • Directing • Choreography • Camera technique • Musical staging Fitness Musical Theatre Studies • Anatomy and physiology • Singing • Flexibility and stamina • Rep preparation • Body conditioning and • Group production work cardiovascular training • Blocking and stagecraft • Nutrition • Private tuition available • Breathing and voice control Teaching and business • Audition preparation studies • Microphone technique • Portfolio preparation • Classroom structure • Health and safety • Teaching Practice © Starquest Performers College Prospectus 2020/21 Our three year performance based course in musical theatre is unique and of the highest calibre of training.

We also offer the opportunity to add an optional teaching qualification that is recognised by OFQUAL in the National Curriculum and credits framework (QCF).

Year 1 Year 3 Students focus on: In the final year, students will: • gaining skills in all practical disciplines • present the skills learnt during year one of the curriculum and two • understanding anatomy and physiology • gain an in-depth knowledge in delivering within the dancers body performance skills in dance, singing and • developing artistry in musical theatre genres drama within professional theatre and • building confidence and individuality industry related sectors • exploring new styles of performance skills. • learn how to evaluate, develop and self promote personal talent Students will also begin working on their • aquire a greater emphasis on optional teaching qualification studies. performance culminating in a final graduation showcase Year 2 • have the opportunity to take a final Students build on the skills already learnt in (optional) major examination. Year 1 in order to: • enhance their technique and style further Students taking the separate teaching • strengthen acting and voice potential certificate, will be registered as a qualified • gain an understanding in business studies teacher within that subject upon successfully and how to market themselves as a completing the final exam. This will enable performer the student to train their own pupils or teach • increase awareness for audition at a performing arts school, or in mainstream preparation education as a peripatetic tutor. • build their CV while performing within our in-house productions. Fees Please see our website for the latest information on our fees.

Starquest Performers College offers a free training but not necessarily in all subjects. open day workshop on selected dates. They should also have reached a suitable Audition requirements standard of academic qualification. All students will attend a ballet class. Students will then indivually demonstrate On your audition day you will have the the following: opportunity to meet current students to • Perform individual solo performance find out about life at the college and learn (two routines of 2 minutes in length in about how they have developed since various dance styles of your choice from attending. either classical ballet, tap and jazz). Find out more about our open days and • Perform two solo songs (one ballad and auditions at www.starquestpc.co.uk one up tempo of your choice). • Perform a dramatic or comedic monologue of your own choice of not more than three minutes in length.

Please wear black and correct shoes and attire for your audition.

On your audition day, parents and candidates are encouraged to discuss any aspect of the training offered by the College. The Course Director will deliver an interview and answer any questions.

Applicants should have achieved a satisfactory level of performing arts

© Starquest Performers College Prospectus 2020/21 Students are given the opportunity to perform in a number of events throughout the year including: • Showcase events built into the course at the end of each year • ‘Move It’ event at London’s Excel • ‘Can You Dance? (CYD?)’ regional events • ‘CYD? Super Convention’ in Liverpool • Demonstrations for examination boards • Annual pantomimes • T.I.E. tours • Cabarets and one-off events © www.helenabrahamphotography.com

Second and third year students are given the opportunity to work in productions and demonstrations for outside sources as well as our in-house production company.

We offer career guidance and advice and will look after your best interests within the industry, making you stand out as a performer and highlight possible pitfalls along the way.

© Starquest Performers College Prospectus 2020/21 Situated in the heart of Chatham town centre, Starquest Performers College is easily accessible by train to both Rochester Location (famous as a favourite place of Charles Dickens) and Chatham stations.

We have good connections with selected landlords in the area who provide good quality and affordable places for students to stay during their time training with us.

The main area where our students currently live is on Rochester high street with properties overlooking the castle.

The properties are modern with lovely interiors and excellent facilities, some with their own en-suite bathrooms.

© Starquest Performers College Prospectus 2020/21 Chatham town centre is the main shopping area with well known brands on the high street plus a wide variety of bars and restaurants all within walking distance from our studios. Nearby is the famous historic Royal Dockyard which was established by Elizabeth 1 and, for 414 years, provided over 500 ships for the Royal Navy. It is now a world renowned visitor attraction and is often used as a location for films and tv programmes including, Call the Midwife, Mr Selfridge, Sherlock Holmes, Les Misérables and Oliver Twist, two of which our students have performed in.

Rochester high street, where most of our students have accommodation, is only a 10 minute walk away and with its quaint cobbled lanes and old-world charm has some interesting historic buildings and a rich history. It’s like stepping back in time especially during the Dickens festival, when everyone dresses up in Victorian costume and the historic May-day ‘Sweeps’ festivals when the whole high street is full of Morris dancing, music and entertainment.

There is a spectacular cathedral (the second oldest in England) and a mid-13th century castle which hosts live events including the annual summer series of rock, pop and classical music all finished off with a spectacular firework display.

There are many lovely boutique, vintage, specialist and second hand shops as well as a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and bars to relax in and meet up with other college friends or even be treated to something to eat by visiting parents. Try the Deaf Cat coffee bar for a cool, arty vibe coupled with great coffee and you must try their salted caramel cookies. A lot of these establishments are often recruiting staff so you could gain some part-time work to help supplement your college fees.

© Starquest Performers College Prospectus 2020/21 How to find us By car ROCHESTER From London follow A2 coast bound until CASTLE A 2 TRAIN STATION C the Rochester and Strood turn off. O H R I P G O ROCHESTER H RA S T T CATHEDRAL R IO EE Follow route on the A2 through Strood N T S T R town centre and across Rochester Bridge E E T where you will find the map above picks up your journey from the top left corner.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS Continue for another minute or so and proceed along Corporation Street past D

A O AY ST R DW Rochester railway station on the left. ME E HI Starquest Performers College N GH ST O REET ET T TRE S H S H HIG IG ID CAR H T HE Travel forward to a junction of traffic A S PARK TR M E E B T R O lights, where you will need the left lane NE W RO O AD K C I B and turn left at these lights into Rochester T E Y S T W S T A R Old High Street. Y E ET Starquest studios are just at the start CHATHAM of the pedestrian section of Chatham TRAIN STATION High Street.

Parking is in Sir John Hawkins Car Park Waterfront Way, Chatham ME4 4JL which

T E is right opposite the college and is a E

S m.myringo.co.uk payment scheme.

O By rail R There are frequent trains from London Victoria and London Bridge (40mins) and St Pancras (20mins) to Rochester and Chatham stations.

Email: [email protected] www.starquestpc.co.uk

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