Chelmsford Theatre partners with Mountview Academy to offer Musical Theatre qualification

Chelmsford Theatre has announced a new partnership with leading drama school Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts to offer a performing arts course here in Chelmsford.

The course offers aspiring performers the opportunity to attain a Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Musical Theatre, which will be validated by the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Applications are now open to join the course, which starts this September.

Filling a gap in Higher Education performing arts opportunities in Essex

Based in Peckham, London, Mountview is a world-leading drama school, offering courses on all aspects of the performing arts – from acting and directing, to stage management and technical production.

Mountview’s CertHE in Musical Theatre course will run in five other locations in 2025-26 – London (Peckham), Manchester (Z-arts), Exeter (Exeter Phoenix), Birmingham (Midlands Arts Centre) and Hertford (BEAM).

Principal of Mountview, Sally Ann Gritton, is delighted to be extending the course to Chelmsford:

“

“Our CertHE course in Musical Theatre is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring artists to develop their skills and training in preparation for a theatre career, or to embark on an undergraduate performing arts degree. Since launching the course in five locations in 2024, we’re proud to keep extending opportunities for students around the UK to access training in the performing arts. As a growing and vibrant community hub, Chelmsford Theatre is a brilliant new host venue, offering prospective students world-class training in a safe and professional theatre setting.”

Sally Ann Gritton, Principal, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

Chelmsford Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, says the course is a first for performing arts students in Essex:

“

“I’m thrilled to be announcing this striking new partnership with the internationally respected Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. This is the start of something really positive for performing arts students across Essex. There is a clear gap in Higher Education Musical Theatre courses beyond Level 3 here in Essex, especially in Chelmsford. It’s something we’re really aware of and why we’ve been working hard to fill that void and secure new opportunities for young local creatives.

“This course is a great option for those who are considering further education in theatre but want to get a taster of it before taking on an undergraduate degree. But it also suits those looking to hone their skills before jumping right into the performing arts sector. And who knows? Perhaps we’ll see course graduates featuring in Chelmsford Theatre productions in the years to come.”

Rhys Thomas, Theatre Director, Chelmsford Theatre

Supporting the career aspirations of talented emerging creatives

Students completing the CertHE in Musical Theatre will gain an understanding of potential vocational routes through career tutorials alongside audition preparation and individual coaching. They will hone their acting, singing and dance skills, culminating in a shared performance for families and friends to attend at the end of each term.

In addition to completing a Level 4 Higher Education qualification, by studying with Chelmsford Theatre the cohort of students will have access to opportunities to join the theatre’s Visitor Experience team during their course, providing a flavour of being in and around an operating theatre.

Councillor Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy for Cultural Services at Chelmsford City Council says this new partnership reflects the theatre and city council’s dedication to nurturing developing talent:

“

“Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford Theatre are passionate about investing in the next generation of creatives. This new partnership with Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts will not only support budding creatives in a safe, local setting, but it also showcases Chelmsford to the performing arts sector nationally and internationally as a place that nurtures creativity, producing tomorrow’s big names. I’m really looking forward to seeing what some of the students who join this course go on to do in future years.”

Cllr Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy for Cultural Services, Chelmsford City Council

Grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to repurpose city council space for course

Chelmsford Theatre will welcome its first class of CertHE students from September 2025. The one-year course will be delivered full time over two academic terms, completing in May 2026.

Led by Mountview staff in partnership with Chelmsford Theatre, it will be taught over 30 hours per week in a dedicated studio space in the heart of Chelmsford. A floor in Chelmsford City Council’s Coval Lane building is being repurposed to host the course. Thanks to a grant from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Chelmsford City Council, the space will be transformed into a bespoke training environment, with state-of-the-art features such as professional harlequin dance flooring.

Applications are now open and close on 2 June. Admission to the course is by audition. Student funding is available for course participants to apply for. Find out more and apply via Mountview’s website. Keep up to date with creative opportunities at Chelmsford Theatre by signing up to their enewsletter.