Overview
Junior Academy Musical Theatre helps young performers from ages 13 to 18 to develop their skills, confidence and passion for acting, singing and performing.
After an outstanding end-of-year showcase, Junior Academy Musical Theatre is now in its fourth year.
Each Saturday, students work on acting, voice, singing, musical theatre repertoire and movement, with projects and masterclasses being led by top industry professionals. West End veteran Grainne Renihan is Course Leader, and Deborah Stinton, an established actor-musician, dancer and equality and inclusion advocate, is Deputy Leader.
At Junior Academy Musical Theatre, individuality will be nurtured, diversity embraced, and students empowered to be creative and brave. With opportunities to perform throughout the year, you will learn by doing. Our aim is to create young musical theatre artists who have the necessary skills to go on to further specialist training in musical theatre.
Classes and Activities
Ensemble Singing
You will work with our Musical Director each week in groups of no more than 10, exploring a variety of musical theatre ensemble repertoire and learning how to blend, harmonise and follow a conductor.
Repertoire
You will work with a musical theatre professional from our core faculty and a piano accompanist. This class will concentrate on solos, duets and trios and is an opportunity to receive individual contact and feedback.
Drama
These classes will cover improvisation, acting through song, building a character, the rehearsal process, audition work, stagecraft and more. You will be encouraged to match your vocal quality and texture to the acting demands of a song, and to develop your individuality as an actor.
Movement
Designed to build confidence and cultivate a sense of physicality, these classes offer a safe environment in which to try things out and stretch boundaries without fear of ‘doing it wrong’. Later in the year, you will start to combine text and song with movement.
Masterclass
Visiting industry professionals will give masterclasses and workshops during which they share their insight into the industry.
Projects
Practical projects are rehearsed and performed throughout the year, allowing you to put everything you have learnt into practice. They are selected according to the individual needs of students and the company as a whole.
Production
This work will all lead towards a staged end-of-year showcase in front of an invited audience.
Entry requirements
Students aged 13 and over are admitted to Junior Academy Musical Theatre, and remain until they are 18, under normal circumstances. Students will be divided into two groups according to age and year group.
We are looking primarily for singing and acting potential rather than previous study or experience.
Applicants must be at least 13 years old by 1 September 2026 and no more than 18 years old by 31 August 31 2026.
Auditions
The applications portal for taped auditions will open in early January 2026 for the September 2026 intake.
You will need to submit your audition by Sunday 8 March 2026.
Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to join us at the Academy for a live audition in mid-March 2026. We look forward to seeing your talent shine!
Auditions for entry will be a two part process, with a video submission followed by a live recall for selected applicants.
Video Submission
Please provide:
- Two contrasting songs, preferably with one song from the musical theatre repertoire. Singing to live accompaniment or backing tracks is preferred, but unaccompanied (a cappella) submissions are also allowed. You will not be penalised if you sing unaccompanied.
- A piece of text under one minute, preferably memorised, which could be a monologue, poem or paragraph from a story.
- A short, videoed explanation of why you’d like to join Junior Academy Musical Theatre. We want to see your personality, so please keep this spontaneous and unscripted.
- A headshot photograph (head and shoulders) taken on your phone.
Please see Video Auditions and Assessments for further assistance on how to produce your video.
Live Auditions
Live auditions will consist of meeting our course leaders and performing their chosen audition song.
We do not mind if you want to use a backing track, piano accompaniment, or sing unaccompanied. A pianist will be available for applicants with sheet music.
JAMT Mentorship Course
The JAMT Mentorship Course is a one-year foundational pathway held once a month on Saturday mornings during term time.
It is designed for a limited number of talented students who are either slightly too young for the main JAMT company, or are aged 13 with less experience but show outstanding artistic potential.
- What you will study: The curriculum focuses on age-appropriate solo musical theatre repertoire, ensemble singing, and drama.
- Who you will work with: Training is delivered by West End musical directors, the JAMT teaching team, course leaders, and specialist alumni from the Academy’s MA Musical Theatre programme.
- Fees: This course is fully funded; there are no tuition fees.
- How to apply: Entry is by audition via a dedicated the Discovery Event Workshop. We will publish more about this workshop on this page soon, check back for more information.
Wellbeing
We believe that students thrive when their wellbeing is prioritized, which is why all of our Junior Academy programmes integrate techniques for managing anxiety, enhancing practice routines and improving memory.
More performance, less assessment
Through focusing on individual and group performance, we create a nurturing environment where you can grow without the pressure of constant evaluation.
'Confident young performer' programme
This programme, designed for 12-18-year-olds, is built around fostering both musical ability and mental wellbeing. It provides essential tools to manage the demands of being a musician, including workshops on the Alexander Technique.
You will work closely with Helen Kuby, a wellbeing coach and specialist in performance psychology. Through individual lessons and ensembles, Helen will help you build confidence through music while teaching you to understand your body and mind, particularly when it comes to over-practicing and performance anxiety.
One-to-one performance coaching sessions
Our tailored one-on-one coaching sessions offer you the chance to develop your musical skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. You will receive individualized attention to help you progress at your own pace, helping you to feel confident and capable in your performances.
Independence and teamwork
We encourage you to think independently, solve problems on your own, and take ownership of your personal growth. We also place a strong emphasis on teamwork, teaching you the value of cooperation, understanding and tolerance. Our supportive and approachable staff are always on-hand to guide you, preparing you for your musical journey and for life in general.
Community and belonging
In September, we host a Saturday morning welcome day before the term begins, offering an opportunity for you to meet with the other students and take part in orchestral rehearsals. This event helps build a sense of community where everyone feels valued and connected and no student is left feeling isolated.
Term Dates 2026/27
Summer 2026
Saturday 25 April - Saturday 11 July (10 weeks)
Half term: Saturday 23 May & Saturday 30 May
Autumn 2026
Saturday 19 September - Saturday 12 December (11 weeks)
Half term: Saturday 24 October & Saturday 31 October
Intensive Day: Saturday 12 September
This includes all Junior Academy, Primary Academy and Junior Jazz students.
Spring 2027
Saturday 9 January to Saturday 20 March (10 weeks)
Half term: Saturday 13 February
Summer 2027
Saturday 17 April - Saturday 10 July (11 weeks)
Half term: Saturday 29 May & Saturday 5 June
With Thanks To
Junior Academy is very grateful to donors and benefactors whose assistance has greatly facilitated the implementation of our plans. Alongside various anonymous benefactors, these include:
- The Leverhulme Trust
- The Wolfson Foundation
- Musicians Benevolent Fund
- Susan Lawrence Travel Bursary Fund
- Julian Bream Trust Scholarships
- Benslow Musical Instrument Loan Scheme
- Department of Education Music and Dance Scheme (MDS)
- ABRSM
Junior Academy is supported by the Music and Dance Scheme Access to Excellence programme. The aim of the scheme is ‘to help identify, and assist, children with exceptional potential, regardless of their personal circumstances, to benefit from world-class specialist training as part of a broad and balanced education, which will enable them, if they choose, to proceed towards self-sustaining careers in music and dance’.
Junior Academy Musical Theatre is supported by the Signatur Programme and The Mila Charitable Organisation.
Signatur is the umbrella name for The Karlsson Játiva Charitable Foundation’s work for the advancement of the art of music.
