Why should you train as a performer in Manchester?
Why should you choose to train in Manchester? Find out in the words of our very own ICTheatre Manchester college Principal, Paul Ryder.
Life in Manchester
This is Manchester, we do things differently here. Welcome to the creative heart of the North of England. Manchester, once known as Cottonopolis, was home to the Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century but has always changed with the times. Manchester and Mancunians like to keep the world guessing about what treats they have up their sleeve.
Manchester is still very much a trailblazer, albeit in another more creative and contemporary revolution. In this modern revolution Manchester is the prime destination for decentralising the Creative industries away from the traditional heartlands of London and the south-east of England. The BBC, myriad independent TV companies and ITV have all made Media City a prime destination for the production of all broadcast content.
The Factory, a 110-million-pound arts complex is about to open its doors as the permanent home of the Manchester International Festival and is the flagship development in Manchester’s bid to establish itself as a cultural destination to rival all European cities. ICTheatre, Manchester is perfectly placed to fully take advantage of the opportunities available in the beating heart of this vibrant and growing city
Manchester has always had a thriving Arts community. Seminal bands such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Oasis have certainly left an enduring legacy on the city and its nightlife. Theatres such as the Palace, The Opera House, The Royal Exchange have meant that shows traditionally associated with the West End are regularly seen in the North also.
Internationally renowned orchestras like the Halle, museums and galleries like the Whitworth Art Gallery and the Manchester Museum all contribute to a dynamic and rich cultural life. The breath-taking architecture of iconic buildings such as The Beetham tower sit in delightful juxtaposition with the city’s Victorian splendour.
As a city of with close to 100,000 students there are restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and every budget. It really is a city to take your breath away, and this is only scratching the surface. Living in a city like Manchester you will soon discover secret gems like the bands, bars and food of the Northern Quarter, innovative productions at the Hope Mill Theatre, the fringe festival and many more treats reserved for only ‘those that know’ and live here.
Training in Manchester
Let’s talk about the training. ICTheatre Manchester’s BA (Hons) in Performing Arts offers three distinct and contemporary pathways to train the artists of tomorrow.
We have a three-way approach to training. Excellent training from practitioners working in all disciplines. A grounding in entrepreneurial skills allowing our students to develop their own work. An emphasis on mental resilience, utilising timetabled sessions to ensure that students have coping strategies and appropriate life skills in preparation for entering what can at times be a testing profession.
Acting for the 21st Century at ICTheatre Manchester trains both the actor-creator and the actor-interpreter. Our mission is to set fire to your imagination and help you understand and hone your instrument. Here you will grow physically, mentally, and creatively. Over time you will develop the confidence to craft your acting and to develop your own artistic work.
Immerse yourself in your classes, including Acting for Camera, Improvisation, Clown & Comedy, Michael Chekhov technique, Feldenkrais, Scene Study, Devising and much more.
Studying on our Contemporary Musical Theatre pathway will similarly light up your life in all the right ways. Regular dance classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Commercial build on your existing prowess in these key skills, Solo and Ensemble Singing, Acting, Acting for Camera, Well-being, and performance classes will support and expand your development and consciousness of what it requires to be successful in this exciting industry.
Students on our Hip Hop Artistry pathway are uniquely placed to learn all the skills necessary to participate fully in the ever-expanding world of Hip Hop Theatre and Hip Hop dance. You will take classes in Hip Hop foundation, Hip Hop Theatre, Digital music Production, Street Dance, Body Conditioning, Rhythm and Speech and Personal Development and Business to name but a few.
All our teachers, from whatever discipline, have been teaching and performing at the highest levels for many years and they bring that wealth of experience to the classroom every day. Our responsibility is to provide you with rich learning experiences that will open you up to a range of approaches.
Your responsibility is to arrive on time every day ready to play, act, sing and dance with boundless energy, limitless enthusiasm, forensic curiosity, and infinite imagination. If you do what we ask, then together, we will grow, and you will flourish into the performer that you have always envisioned yourself to be.
We offer an amazing city, a fantastic course, and a place where you can grow, learn, and succeed. Come and give it a go. What is the worst that can happen?
Does this sound enticing? There’s still time to join ICTheatre Manchester in 2022, find out more or apply to join us.
