Musical Theatre Programme

Ready to take your passion for musical theatre to the next level? ASE’s Musical Theatre Summer Programme offers a unique opportunity to devote yourself to five weeks of learning about, practising, rehearsing, and performing under the friendly, skilled guidance of both British and American professors and musical theatre practitioners.

ASE’s Musical Theatre Programme runs alongside our Main Programme, and all students share historic housing, use ASE’s Study Centre, and have the opportunity to attend day trips to Glastonbury, Stonehenge, and Oxford.

Musical Theatre Programme students spend two days in London, exploring the city, taking backstage tours and attending two shows in the capital’s world-renowned West End. A second overnight trip takes in some of the best of musical theatre productions available in other UK cities, such as Cardiff, Birmingham, Oxford or Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, where the musical Matilda premiered.

ASE’s Musical Theatre Summer Programme comprises two courses:

• A Core Course: My Fair Lady to Matilda: A History of British Musical Theatre

• A Practical Performance Course: Triple Threat, British Style

Musical Theatre Programme practical classes take place at theatrical venues and performance spaces in the heart of the city of Bath, and the Musical Theatre History class takes place in ASE’s very own historic classrooms.

Classes are taught collaboratively by a professor from one of ASE's US affiliate institutions and by an experienced team of British faculty and musical theatre practitioners.

In 2026, the US professor is Rachel Anderson-Rabern, Chair of Performance, Theater and Dance, Colby College, ME raanders@colby.edu

Timetable

Classes are held daily from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays reserved for study trips and whole-programme trips. An integral part of the Theatre Programme is attending a range of professional and amateur theatre productions in the Bath and Bristol area on week nights, and the cost of all tickets is included in the fee.

Credits & Programme Structure

ASE recommends four credits for each of our summer courses, giving a total of eight credits for the summer term.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that their chosen programme satisfies the credit requirements of their home campus.

Assessment

Typical assessment for Theatre Programme consists of:

• Class and final public performance

• Creative journals

• Written papers

Exact assessment methods and criteria may vary according to the needs of the individual course.

Transcripts are provided by Franklin & Marshall College.

How to Apply

Applications can be made directly to ASE through the online form on our Apply page.

Pre-application enquiries or expressions of interest can be made through our Contact page.

The deadline for applications is Monday, February 15, 2027.

GPA Requirements

Students applying to summer school normally require a minimum GPA of 3.0. However, ASE will consider applicants with a lower GPA upon the receipt of two letters of recommendation that make a persuasive case for the suitability of a student.

Minimum Enrolment

Courses will only run if there is a viable level of enrolment. Acceptance to courses cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made to provide students with the courses of their choice.

Should the Theatre Programme not reach the minimum required enrolment, all enrolled students will be offered a place on our Main or Education Programmes. If the student does not wish to accept a place on either of those programmes, their deposit and all fees will be returned.