Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Place to Grow in Performing Arts
Arts1 was founded in 2006 with a vision to nurture talent and create spaces for personal growth through performing arts. Our school combines a caring approach with industry expertise, having won the BTEC Showstopper Awards in 2018. Led by Principal Rebecca Carrington and internationally recognized Estill voice coach James Grimsey, we bring together a team of experienced teachers and creatives who have worked with leading institutions and drama schools. Our purpose-built studios in Milton Keynes offer state-of-the-art facilities, including rehearsal rooms, a studio theatre, and dedicated singing studios. We provide tailored training for children, young performers, and adults through classes in dance, singing, and acting, alongside our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre degree program. Our curriculum emphasizes technical skill-building, individual artistic development, and real-world application through collaborations with industry professionals.With small class sizes and personalized feedback, we ensure each student receives focused attention to push beyond self-imposed boundaries. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in the performing arts industry, supported by our strong industry connections and mock auditions with expert panels. We pride ourselves on being the UK's only Estill Educational affiliated Musical Theatre degree provider, offering students exclusive access to advanced vocal training. Through our commitment to excellence and innovation, Arts1 continues to be a leader in performing arts education, empowering students to achieve their full potential.
Services
Performing Arts Classes
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
Adult Individual Coaching
Saturday School
1-to-1 Coaching
Estill Voice Training
Dance Workshops
Acting Fundamentals
Vocal Development
Industry Masterclasses
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer the UK's only Estill Educational affiliated Musical Theatre degree for advanced vocal training.
- Our small class sizes ensure personalized feedback and individualized development plans.
- Industry connections provide students with mock auditions and workshops led by professionals.
- Purpose-built studios feature state-of-the-art facilities including a 120-seat studio theatre.
- Our graduates have successfully entered the performing arts industry with tailored career preparation.
Associations and certifications
- Estill Voice Training
What people say
Breathtaking performances
Amazing teachers
Outstanding production standards
Personalized feedback
Industry-ready training
Services
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
Our 3-year BA (Hons) Musical Theatre degree provides intensive vocational training for aspiring performers. With 35 weekly contact hours, students develop dance, singing, and acting skills through a conservatoire-style curriculum. The program includes industry collaborations, mock auditions, and a London showcase, preparing graduates for professional theatre careers.
Adult Individual Coaching
Tailored 1-to-1 coaching sessions for adults seeking to improve specific performing arts skills. Our expert instructors offer personalized training in voice, acting, or dance techniques. Sessions focus on individual goals, whether preparing for auditions or developing new performance capabilities in a supportive environment.
Saturday School
Creative Saturday program for ages 4-16 covering singing, acting, and dancing from 10AM-1PM. Designed to develop performance skills through fun, structured activities. Students benefit from professional instruction in a collaborative environment that nurtures talent and builds confidence through regular showcases.
Estill Voice Training
Science-based vocal training system developed by Jo Estill, exclusively offered in the UK through Arts1. Students learn precise vocal control techniques applicable to multiple performance styles. The program includes VoicePrint technology for visual feedback and culminates in an Estill certification upon graduation.
Industry Masterclasses
Specialized workshops led by renowned industry professionals including West End performers and casting directors. These sessions provide insights into current industry practices, audition techniques, and career development strategies. Participants gain practical experience through collaborative projects with working theatre professionals.
People
Rebecca Carrington
Principal & Co-Founder
Rebecca co-founded Arts1 in 2006, bringing creative vision and educational leadership. With extensive experience in performing arts education, she has developed the school's unique approach to talent development and industry preparation.
James Grimsey
Co-Founder & Estill Mentor
Internationally recognized Estill voice coach and co-founder of Arts1. James brings expertise from top UK training institutions and has coached notable performers including Samantha Barks. He leads the vocal training program and industry connections.
Allyson Ava-Brown
Performing Arts Instructor
Experienced singer and actress known for roles in 'Bear Behaving Badly' and 'Hamilton'. Allyson teaches acting and performance techniques, sharing her West End experience with students through practical workshops and personalized coaching.
Adam Scott
Choreographer & Teacher
Established choreographer with international experience in high-profile productions. Adam leads dance instruction at Arts1, focusing on technical excellence and creative expression across multiple dance styles relevant to musical theatre performance.
Amy Shackcloth
Senior Vocal Lead
Senior Vocal Lead with experience as a music director for ABBA Voyage. Amy provides expert vocal coaching and piano instruction, combining academic knowledge with practical industry experience to develop students' musical theatre performance capabilities.
Questions
What performing arts disciplines do you teach?
We offer comprehensive training in dance, singing, and acting for all skill levels, from beginner classes to professional development programs.
Do you offer degree programs?
Yes, we provide a BA (Hons) Musical Theatre degree validated by the University of Bedfordshire, combining technical training with industry preparation.
Are adult classes available?
We offer specialized adult classes and 1-to-1 coaching for individuals seeking to develop new skills or pursue performing arts professionally.
What facilities do you have?
Our purpose-built campus includes 8 rehearsal rooms, a 120-seat theatre, dance studios with sprung flooring, and dedicated vocal training facilities.
How do you prepare students for auditions?
We provide mock auditions with industry professionals, weekly performance classes, and personalized coaching to develop audition techniques and professional etiquette.
What payment options are available?
We offer flexible payment plans for our degree program with a £500 deposit and annual tuition fees of £9,435.
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Reviews (6)
Lisa Northeast
Nov 17, 2021
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I've been coming to Arts1 for about 6 years now. As an adult dancer, it's hard to find places that will accommodate beginners at a pace you can cope with. I've never regretted once signing up to Arts1, they are friendly, caring and look after their students 100%. I've made some great friends here and will continue on for as long as I can. It's not too expensive and it's worth every penny.
Helen Miller
Nov 07, 2021
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This morning I went to my first adults street dance. It was soo much fun! Everyone
is very friendly and makes you feel relaxed. Learning a dance routine in steps at a pace that suits everyone. My face my have ended up pink and sweaty but it honestly didn't feel like a workout as it's just so much fun. The best kind of exercise.
is very friendly and makes you feel relaxed. Learning a dance routine in steps at a pace that suits everyone. My face my have ended up pink and sweaty but it honestly didn't feel like a workout as it's just so much fun. The best kind of exercise.
Dominique Simons
Oct 10, 2021
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Arts1 is amazing! They have helped me to make so much progress and pushed me to be the best I can be, and all the staff are so kind and caring! By my 15 year old daughter.. who doesn’t have her own FB.
Kirsty Hayhoe
Sep 16, 2021
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My daughter attends sixth form. This is by far the best educational setting she has ever attended (including another performing arts college). The passion, ethos, dedication, organisation of the team is outstanding!
Hope Georgina Russell
Jun 12, 2021
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It’s incredible place to be a part of a great team of people I highly recommend Arts1 ❤️😊🎤🎬🎷🎼🩰
Libby B.
Mar 30, 2021
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Arts1 has helped me better my confidence and my skills in performance have improved dramatically in the short time Ive been a sixth form student here, even the skills, like dance, that I had never previously done before. The staff are so wonderful and supportive, they create such a positive, welcoming environment where nobody feels as if theyre being judged. Would definitely recommend to anyone, its an amazing school for young performers which offers a bunch of incredible opportunities, I love it! :)
