Theatre's Mountview Academy partnership creates opportunities for local practitioners

Three Chelmsford-based creative professionals have been hired by leading drama school, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, to deliver a new performing arts course in partnership with Chelmsford Theatre.

The newly hired practitioners will guide students through a year-long course to attain a Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Musical Theatre.

Experienced practitioners delivering Mountview’s first year in Chelmsford

As a leading drama school, Mountview’s prestige attracts students from across the globe to study the performing arts. Chelmsford’s 2025/26 course launched last month with a class of 15 students, including 4 international students.

Teaching this cohort the art of ballet is Annette Potter, who first trained at the Marie Silvester School of Dancing in Broomfield, which she later took over and now co-runs alongside her husband, Andy, as The Classical Ballet and Theatre Dance School. Annette is focused on helping this year’s students to develop their balance, strength, core stability and coordination. With over forty years’ experience in performing, teaching, choreographing and directing, she believes that learning dance is a unique process to each student:

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“I always hope to make ballet accessible to everyone. My teacher was such an inspiration to me and if it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t have stayed or worked so hard at dance. She made it fun, enjoyable, but at all times expected you to work hard and respect the art form. I carry this through to my creative practice. I feel every dancer should be able to express themselves – each dancer is unique and individual and should always be taught as such.”

Annette Potter, Dance Teacher

Composer and musical director, Phil Gostelow, is leading technical singing classes following years of experience working on major theatre productions such as Shrek the Musical and Bill Kenwright's UK Tour of Blood Brothers. Until recently, Phil was Principal at Tiffany Theatre College and now co-runs the performing arts centre, Music Theatre Essex.

Finally, Ashton Moore, is working with the group on the crucial musical theatre elements of combining vocals with choreography, acting through song and ensemble singing. Ashton has an extensive background in musical theatre, including performing in the West End production Get Up, Stand Up, the Bob Marley Musical, and writing his own musical, SAMSON. In addition to his professional theatre work, Ashton runs The Musical Theatre Centre, which prepares young people aged 7-19 from all backgrounds for success in the theatre industry through different pathways.

Phil and Ashton are working on vocals with the students.

Annette, Ashton and Phil were all recruited by Mountview earlier this year through Chelmsford Theatre’s ‘Creatives Callout’. Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, says their appointments highlight the positive impact that new theatre partnerships can have:

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“I’m absolutely delighted that our partnership with Mountview has presented an unprecedented chance not only for students to study in Chelmsford with a world leading drama school, but also for local practitioners like Annette, Ashton and Phil to take on a new professional opportunity and share their expertise and passion for the performing arts. It’s a real example of the theatre giving back to Chelmsford’s creative community by generating jobs and supporting professionals.”

Rhys Thomas, Chelmsford Theatre Director

2025/26 cohort settling into first term

During September, this year’s students have been getting to know their new teachers through a series of warm-up sessions in their bespoke studio space, which was transformed from a disused office floor earlier this year. As the academic year progresses, they’ll hone their acting, singing and dance skills through Annette, Ashton and Phil’s classes. At the end of each term, the students will demonstrate their development through a series of performances to their families and friends.

Chelmsford's Mountview students attend varied classes throughout the week.

Mountview’s course leader for Chelmsford, Adam Welsh, says even more connections are being formed as the first year of the course gets underway:

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"I'm loving our first Mountview term in Chelmsford so far - it's amazing to be here, and the new staff and students have been settling into the local area brilliantly! We're particularly enjoying the chance to make connections within the Chelmsford creative scene, and develop relationships with local artists, performers and creatives."

Adam Welsh, CertHE Course Leader in Chelmsford, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

Applications now open for 2026/27 course

With this year’s students settled into the 2025/26 academic year, applications have now opened for next year’s cohort. Prospective students can find out more and apply for the CertHE in Musical Theatre via Mountview’s website. Admission to the course is by audition and student funding is available for course participants to apply for.

If you’re a creative practitioner and interested in future opportunities at Chelmsford Theatre, you can register your interest via their website. Keep up to date with theatre news and opportunities by signing up to their enewsletter.