Arden School of Theatre - Offering Vocational Degrees in Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre and Performance

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One School. Four Distinct Pathways.

The Arden offers four vocational BA (Hons) degrees that focus on high quality training for actors, musical theatre performers, dancers and theatre makers. All of our courses are designed and delivered by industry specialists and are driven by our Northern grit.

Acting for Live and Recorded Media

Training for the 21st century actor, incorporating acting for screen, stage and audio.

Dance and Performance

Training versatile Dance Makers, Performers, and Leaders.

Musical
Theatre

Triple-threat training for the industry.

Theatre and Performance

Training the makers and shapers of the theatrical future.

Latest News and Blogs

Arden Student in Spotlight Prize 2019 Final

A student at The Arden has beaten drama students from across the UK and Ireland to make the finals of [...][...]

Arden hits the headlines after dropping audition fees

Industry publication The Stage has featured a decision by nationally acclaimed The Arden School of Theatre, part of UCEN Manchester, [...][...]

The Arden receives standing ovation from students

The Arden School of Theatre has been given a standing ovation by alumni taking part in the latest National Student [...][...]

Arden Students join forces with The Manchester Film School to create 14 films

Teamwork proved productive when UCEN Manchester students from The Manchester Film School and The Arden School of Theatre joined forces [...][...]

Acting students gain professional radio experience

Second year Acting for Live and Recorded Media students at The Arden gained valuable experience when they took part in [...][...]

Feel prepared for the industry

Each course is tailored to prepare every individual for the industry. Our third year is labelled as the 'professional year' where you will work with many visiting artists and showcase your work in front of industry agents and casting directors. For Acting for Live and Recorded Media you leave with an industry standard Showreel, an invaluable marketing tool.

Our Graduates

You will have seen our graduates on stage and tv, performing across the UK and abroad.

"Not only did the Arden inspire me and push me creatively but also academically. The Arden School of Theatre is a place of trust where each students individuality is celebrated giving the school an edge with each performer being unique. This has helped me have the confidence in myself and trust in my own ability when an opportunity arises."

Saoirse graduated and went straight into filming for Sky TV's new thriller, The Five. She is currently starring in Channel 4's Derry Girls and appearing on stage in Sam Mendes' The Ferryman. Saoirse Jackson, Acting for Live and Recorded Media

Philip is currently playing one of Lola's Angels in the West End show 'Kinky Boots'. He secured a professional agent following a graduate showcase in London and, since graduating in 2010, has performed on the Strictly Come Dancing TV show and tour, pantomimes including Snow White, Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk, as well as seeing the world as part of a dance troupe on board the cruise ship Azura.

His three years at the Arden put him in good stead for a demanding career on stage, equipping him with the skills to devise his own choreography and develop new ensemble pieces.

“The benefits of acting through song blocks and working scenes were invaluable for treading the boards in the West End,” Phil Town, Musical Theatre

Fern is a graduate of the Dance and Performance course. She now works as a professional dancer and is part of two contemporary dance companies.Fern Maia, Dance and Performance

Faculty

We have an experienced core team with a wealth of professional and academic experience to give you the best experience possible. Click here to meet our teachers.

Tim has a wealth of experience in Musical Theatre, working on both Broadway and in the West End. He was the first American to win an Olivier award, for the musical 'On Your Toes'.

Tim Flavin

Musical Theatre

Marie has appeared in many TV dramas, most recently The Secret Agent and JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy as well as the BAFTA award winning In The Flesh

Marie Critchley

Acting

Robert has conducted many shows in the West End, including Joseph, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and Chess. He also composed original music for the West End shows 'I' and 'Y'.

Robert Purvis

Musical Director

Paul Broughton has been an actor for 22 years, including roles in the Royal Court and National Theatre, Billy Elliott, Brookside and The 51st State.

Paul Broughton

Acting